INFINITI QX80: BIGGER, BETTER
But this luxurious SUV is one thirsty beast
Stand back and observe the space occupied by the Infiniti QX80, the largest vehicle in the company’s fleet — indeed, one of the biggest SUVs on the planet. Observe the furrowed brows, the wide rounded nose, the gills, the long silhouette. Witness the great Moby Dick.
There is no doubt Herman Melville’s allegorical novel of Capt. Ahab’s search for a killer whale was based on true events, just as there is little debate the QX80 exudes a monstrous, if not menacing presence, riding on 22- inch wheels, standing a hair under six-foot-four. But instead of eating ships and their crews, this thing has a more benign endeavour: devouring whole families and transporting them in the most luxurious of surroundings this side of the Pacific.
“This is gorgeous,” noted more than one of my sons’ friends as we loaded up the 2015 QX80 with snowboards and gear for a drive to Camp Fortune ski hill. It was easily able to stow all their stuff in the 1,405- litre cargo hold.
Immediately, they flipped the Bluetooth settings to accept that annoying music stored in their phones. They switched on the rear- seat heaters and began fiddling with the rear climate controls. Of course, they also freaked out when the QX80 blocked phone pairing while the truck was in motion, but they were right: the interior is downright sumptuous.
Less can be said of its exterior, however; judging by the many unflattering remarks received. Perhaps I stand alone in thinking the QX80 boasts an alluring shape. As taste is personal, let’s leave looks aside and move on.
What can’t be brushed off so easily, though, is fuel economy. Of course, driving a 5.6- litre V8 with 400 horsepower in a seven- passenger vehicle ( it can seat up to eight) weighing 2,785 kilograms will never register anything other than a scornful eye from Elizabeth May. But surely exceeding 25 L/ 100 km average for urban driving must be some kind of record for thirst.
And, naturally, it requires premium grade.
The other disadvantage of such dismal fuel economy is range. While well- heeled owners might not balk at the cost of feeding the beast, they’ll get tired of the limited range and having to fill up every week. At the very least, give us a tank that holds more than 98 litres.
Fuel consumption did drop considerably out on the highway, where 14 L/ 100 km was possible, thus extending the range to more than 550 km.
The 5.6- litre V8 needs no help motivating the QX80. In fact, this direct- injection engine is delightful; so smooth, so strong and so snarly, it forced me to speed and accelerate as though piloting something much smaller and sportier. This engine, coupled to a snappy seven- speed automatic, could be one of the QX80’ s most redeeming qualities, making each and every drive a rewarding experience.
The full- time 4WD system, controlled via a large dial aft of the shifter, was a bonus on some snowy days. And the 4- high and 4- low settings, which lock the torque split to the front and rear wheels, was truly effective when I ventured down a back road layered with deep snow. Of course, the Blizzak DM- V1 winter tires helped immeasurably, but when the snow piled deeper than the QX80’ s 9.2 inches of ground clearance, the 413 pound- feet of torque thundered to all four wheels and kept the truck moving ahead.
Impressive, yet calm and reassuring at the same time. Even if few QX80 owners will ever go far off road with their $ 73,650 vehicle, at least they know they can. There’s even a skid plate under the rad.
Previous buyers know this SUV as the QX56, which derived its name from the size of the engine. And while Infiniti’s naming convention changed last year, the newly named QX80 isn’t newly minted, stemming from the first model in 2004.
Originally based on the Nissan Armada SUV, which in turn shared its rudimentary F- Alpha platform with the Nissan Titan pickup, the current model no longer shares the same truck underpinnings. Instead, it relies on the highly regarded Nissan Patrol sold in other markets. Assembled in Kyushu, Japan, the QX80 uses an independent, double- wishbone rear suspension to better absorb beat- up roads. For sure, the ride is smooth and controlled, with few jarring jolts, aided by comfortable leather seats.
While the steering is good, with some feedback, the handling is more notable: it’s not even close to the swashbuckling expected from such a large creature. Instead, the QX80 handles the bends and corners with a high degree of control, thanks to a levelling system that uses hydraulic shocks to counter gravitational forces and keep the cabin as level as possible at all times. It really works.
New features for 2015 include a leaner front fascia and grille, LED headlights, fog lights and turn signals, some new colours and wheel designs, and other trim pieces. New available technology includes predictive forward-collision warning and standard high- beam assist. It competes with the more expensive Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX570 and Mercedes GL, to name a few.
What hasn’t changed is the deep affection I came away with after spending some time with the refreshed QX80. Captivated by the first model many years ago, I couldn’t help but fall for the revised model all over again.
Sure, it’s thirsty. Yes, it’s big, with the look of a whale. But in the sea of large SUVs, it’s simply one of the best.
Overview: Luxurious full- sized SUV with a big V8, 4WD and seating for seven or eight
Pros: Interior, capacity, engine and transmission
Cons: Fuel consumption, slow power rear seats, vast technology opens potential for problems in later years
What I would change: Offer other interior trims with less wood
How I would spec it: With Technology package