Introducing the Infiniti QX80, Proving what’s old is still good and what’s new may not be as shiny as one thinks. Going back in time to the first generation QX56 (JA60 here) was the start of a respectable full-size luxury SUV, with a similar 5.6L power plant but with a miserable fuel economy rating of 20L/100 km. The styling was appropriate for the time, but it lacked some of the refinement you would expect from today’s high-end SUVs. In 2011 the QX56 was introduced at the New York International Auto show with an all-new design. No longer sharing the platform with the Nissan Armada, it now was a luxurious version of the Nissan Patrol that had not been sold in North America since 1969. With a few minor tweaks and adjustments, we arrive at new 2018 Infiniti QX80, the next level of refinement for first-class travel.
Semi-aniline leather seating with 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power front passenger’s seat with dual occupant memory system for outside mirrors, steering wheel, and seat positions linked to individual intelligent keys. Three rows of seating and up to 8 passengers can fit in the spacious SUV. Bose cabin surround system with digital 5.1 and 15 speakers with a Bose Centerpoint 2 signal processor. In-dash CD/DVD player, Sirius XM satellite radio, streaming audio via Bluetooth, USB jack, USB 2, 4 charging ports, rear entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens.
5.6 L V8 engine delivers 400 hp and 413 ft-lbs. of torque mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder with micro-finished camshafts, direct injection, variable valve event and lift (VVEL) and continuous variable valve timing control system that optimizes opening of intake and exhaust valves.
Driver and passenger dual stage airbags, side curtain airbags for the first, second, and third row. Front & rear proximity sensors, backup collision intervention, forward collision intervention, blind spot warning and lane departure warning. Around view monitor system with moving object detection.
Driving the Infiniti QX80 for a week you can appreciate the level of comfort this SUV brings. You drive much more relaxed and stress-free. The cabin is remarkably quiet, very little road noise. There was slightly more body roll than I expected but this is normal with large SUV’s tending to feel this way. A little stiffer suspension would probably cure it but would also sacrifice the smooth ride. Overall, I enjoyed this vehicle and at the tested value of $88,295 I should hope so.
