WHAT’S NEW
The new Infiniti QX80 continues to display a dramatic and dynamic presence to surrounding motorists. It carries plenty of styling cues also present in the rest of Infiniti’s lineup. To be sure, it is not simply a dressed up Nissan Armada. Rather, it is a sophisticated and superbly luxurious full size SUV in its own right. The QX80 delivers state-of-the-art technologies and features, ensuring its passengers travel in ultimate luxury. It’s a first class SUV that’s fully capable of transporting up to eight passengers and their gear in sublime comfort.
The bold presence of the reworked Infiniti QX80 starts at the front end with its new front fascia. It features a prominent grille, flanked by low positioned, swept-back headlamps and a domed, wave-like hood. The blacked out “B” and “C” pillars combine with the reverse “kink” bright window surround to emphasize the generous greenhouse area. The rear view finishes with Infiniti’s dynamic rear glass, and LED tail lights. Decorative side vents appear between the hood line and fender arch, just ahead of the front door’s leading edge. The driver’s side vent is actually functional, providing air to the engine. Other functional design elements include the front and rear spoilers that aid in stability, and specially shaped exterior mirrors that reduce wind noise. The car’s built-in running boards and low roof rails, and up to 22-inch wheels substantially contribute to a more athletic character for the QX80.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The interior of the Infiniti QX80 is not unlike that of an executive jet. Acceleration isn’t as rapid, but it certainly more than answers the call, with sedan-like handling and stability. The car stays flat under spirited maneuvering conditions on challenging roadways. The Bose Premium Sound System fills the cabin with impressive audio quality. The QX80 sports an 8.0-inch color touch-screen infotainment system with hard drive navigation. It also incluldes XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, as well as the Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide. Everything you need for a luxurious night on the town.
Available options include a Theater Package, with dual 7-inch color monitors mounted on the front seats, as well as wireless headphones and a 120V power outlet. There’s also a Split Bench Seat Package for the second row with 60/40 split folding – a no charge option. The Deluxe Touring Package includes 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels, Hydraulic Body Motion Control, Semi-analine leather seats, climate-controlled front seats and heated second row seats. Even further, that package features an Advanced Climate Control System and headlight washers, roof rails with cross bars and illuminated sill kick plates. Finally, the Technology Package features Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and an Adpative Front Lighting system
SAFETY FEATURES
Safety and convenience equipment includes Hydraulic Body Motion Control, a Smart Rear View Mirror, and an “Around View” 360-degree camera system. There are also Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring systems. In an emergency situation, Infiniti’s also included Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. For long, monotonous trips, there’s Intelligent Cruise Control with added Full-Speed Range and Distance Control Assist.
Hill Start Assist prevents roll back on an incline for up to 2.5 seconds, while Snow Mode modulates the throttle for smooth starts under slippery conditions, Tow Mode automatically tailors gear changes to maximize engine torque when towing. A Tire Pressure inflation indicator activates the horn and flashes hazard signals when correct tire inflation has been reached. The available Hydraulic Body Motion Control System further reduces body lean during turning or cornering, as well as helping to minimize vehicle bouncing on rough road surfaces.
My test 2018 Infiniti QX80 was a 4WD model loaded with virtually all the available options. The base sticker was set at $67,850. However, the adding optional equipment bumped the final total to $85,070. My test vehicle sported a Liquid Platinum Metallic exterior finish. The interior was swathed in Graphite-toned leather with polished wood trim accents on the steering wheel, center console and doors.
PERFORMANCE
Propulsion for the Infiniti QX80 is still provided courtesy of a 5.6-liter V8 engine. Infiniti also uses this engine in its M series, but tuned this one specifically for the QX80. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, along with 413 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Despite high horsepower and torque output, the fuel economy is decent for such a massive, heavy vehicle. City driving yields 13 MPG, while highway travel registers an estimated 19 MPG.
The engine couples to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and downshift rev-matching. Infiniti’s All-Mode 4WD is rear-biased in its automatic mode. It does continually adjust power between the front and rear wheels. As a result, it is capable of delivering up to 100 percent of the power to the rear and a maximum of 50 percent to the front. 4-High locks the center differential at a 50-50 front/rear split and is operational up to 60 MPH.
The list of standard features and equipment seems never ending. Then, when you tick all the options, the content of this Infiniti QX80 borders on unbelievable. At the rate that Infiniti is progressing, it may not be long before the art of driving could all but disappear. On the plus side, much of the QX80’s technology may be switched off to enhance and restore the sheer pleasure of driving.
TFLCAR’S TAKE
Infiniti makes a sound case for full-size SUVs with the QX80. For those who wish to live larger than life and travel in luxury and style, this level of grandness is hard to beat. Check out the video below of the QX80 concept, revealed on TFLtruck back in April. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news, views and reviews! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Infiniti QX80 AWD
| On Sale: | Now |
| Base MSRP: | $67,850 |
| Price as Tested: | $85,070 |
| Engine: | 5.6-liter DOHC, 32-valve V8 w/ VVEL and DIG |
| Drivetrain (Layout): | Longitudinally-mounted front engine, four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower: | 400 hp @ 5,800 RPM |
| Torque: | 413 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM |
| Transmission: | Seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control |
| Suspension: | Front: Double-wishbone w/ Dual Flow Path twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bars (unless equipped w/ Hydraulic Body Motion Control system
Rear: Double-wishbone w/ Dual Flow Path twin-tube shock absorbers, automatic self-leveling system and rear stabilizer bar (unless equipped with Hydraulic Body Motion Control system) |
| Brakes: | Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs w/ 4-wheel ABS, BA, EBD, VDC and TCS |
| Tires: | Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P275/50 R22 |
| Fuel capacity: | 26.0 gallons |
| Fuel economy (EPA): | 13 City/19 Highway/15 Combined MPG |
| Drag Coefficient: | 0.36 |
Dimensions:
| Wheelbase: | 121.1 inches |
| Length: | 208.9 inches |
| Width: | 79.9 inches |
| Height: | 75.8 inches (with roof rack) |
| Turning Circle: | 41.3 feet |
| Curb Weight: | 5,855 pounds |
| Ground Clearance: | 9.2 inches |
| Approach Angle: | 20.9 degrees |
| Ramp Breakover Angle: | 20.7 degrees |
| Departure Angle: | 22.3 degrees |
