WASHINGTON — Infiniti recently renamed all of its vehicles, so the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is what used to be called the QX56. It’s a little confusing, but this is still a true luxury SUV that’s ready to go anywhere.
For 2015, it’s got not only a new name, but also a refreshed interior and exterior. With a base price of $66,350 and a tester priced at $80,285, the Infiniti is priced as a luxury SUV.
You notice right away that this is a large SUV, not a crossover. It has a 4X4 low range, so it can go places that would leave a crossover to the paved road. The front end has been restyled to look more like the Q50 sedan front end, with a large grille and headlights that are wide and not very tall. With the $2,450 optional 22-inch wheels, it fills out the wheel wells and adds to the luxury theme. Chrome is back and is all over this Infiniti QX80 mirrors, handles and front grille.
I have to say I’m a fan of large SUVs and this Infiniti QX80 has a large, upscale interior with room for seven — though the third row would best be used for children, as leg room can get tight for tall adults. The third row also folds down, leaving room for five and creating a lot of cargo space.
The front seats are heated and cooled and are very comfortable, with nice quality leather. There is nice wooden trim, and even a leather-and-wood-trim steering wheel that is heated — a welcome feature on a cold winter morning. All the wood and leather trim is nice to the touch and looks and feels upscale. Those in the second row enjoy heated seats and a screen in the seat backs, so lounge away.
Driving the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is quiet, even with a large V8 with 400 hp. There isn’t much noise to spoil the relaxed vibe of the interior. There is a smooth seven-speed transmission as well, but gas mileage isn’t the best — 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. I managed 14.4 mpg over 220 miles.
It’s easy to drive, but the steering effort is very light, so it takes a minute to get used to. Even with the large wheels, the ride is very compliant; it flattened out the bumps and I only noticed the larger pot holes. The $5,550 deluxe technology package really helps with the ride. It includes hydraulic body motion control, which helps keep a big SUV from feeling bouncy or leaning in turns. It drives like a smaller vehicle that takes up most of the lane.
Technology features abound in the QX80; it practically drives itself. With lane departure warning and prevention, it tries to keep you in your lane — be sure to use your turn signal when changing lanes. It also has forward collision warning, and if it thinks there is a risk of an accident, it will brake for you. And with blind-spot warning and an around-view camera with front and rear sonar, this vehicle is packed with high tech that should keep you out of trouble.
The 2015 Infiniti QX80 is a large SUV that can go just about anywhere, and tow 8,500 pounds, both of which a crossover just can’t do. With upscale comforts, technology and distinctive looks, the new QX80 is for the buyer looking for something slightly different, but with an eye on luxury. After a week, I really didn’t want to give it back.