The Beast From The East

Infiniti's largest SUV, the QX80, has been revamped for 2015; but does it have the luxury and tech to make ?it a relevant purchase for the affluent plus-size family?

The UAE is a big market for big cars and even bigger SUVs. Especially SUVs. And it makes sense to own one of these beastly rolling contraptions considering that fuel is relatively cheap and the joint-family system is still of relevance. Thankfully, there is no dearth of options in that segment - from the East you have the formidable Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570, whilst the West offers the Cadillac Escalade and Ford Expedition, amongst others. But, perhaps the most popular choice in the region is the Nissan Patrol.
This week, we scrutinise the Patrol's high-street cousin - the Infiniti QX80. Being Nissan's luxury arm, we were expecting all the bells and whistles to tag along with the rugged Patrol chassis, but does the mid-cycle refresh make it a more enticing buy?
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
Infiniti's last-gen full-size SUV - formerly, the QX56 - was a beastly affair on wheels. This new generation is based on a new platform, but little has changed in the eyes of the commoner. It's still the titan it always was. Even for those owning an SUV, it will be a major upgrade if you wish to purchase one. The Escalade may be longer, but being 5,290mm long, 2,030mm wide and a towering 1,925mm tall, the QX is gargantuan. That said, with the refresh, Infiniti has managed to make it appear more sleek, as opposed to broad and bulky. There's also some sparkle - without being too gaudy - in the form of new LED brows over the headlamps, with neat crescent detailing in between. The pre-facelift model was an "ugly butch". And it was important to get the looks right the second time around - which is exactly what Infiniti has done with the QX80 revamp.
There's plenty of shameless application of chrome: on the new grille, faux side fender vent, the large housing for the side view mirrors and the door handles. The bus-like profile becomes evident when viewed from the side and the rear end of the QX80 stands like a steel wall. For decorations, it has double chrome bars that encase the licence plate and LED lights. There is also a pronounced rear bumper with a kick-plate to help transfer luggage without damaging the paint job.
The QX is equipped with 22" forged aluminium 14-spoke wheels. You also get a full-size spare wheel, which is great, but we dare you to try and change one yourself.
We love the mature toned exterior colours on offer. Customers can opt for black, which complements chrome well, or go with white or very silver, if they care about resale value. But our favourites were the rich blue and deep purple shades.
There is more to the QX80 than pure brawn - it's quite intelligent too. The welcome lighting is impressive; it illuminates entry space when you are in the vicinity and the smart access allows you to enter without a click on the keyfob. If you prefer, you can use the remote engine start function and get the A/C going before you get into the car. It also activates your preferred settings of seating position, audio, climate control, etc. The 'easy entry and exit function' also moves the steering and seats far apart to allow the driver to climb in or out comfortably, but it's still no mean feat to get in.
The interior of the QX80 is luxury, epitomised - in size, space and design. There are plenty of padded leather-bound and polished wooden surfaces, and plenty of technological engagements to keep up with the iPhone generation.
The driver's seat gets 10-way power adjustments, while the front passenger seat gets eight-way settings. Both get two-way lumbar support. Overall, seating is a cushy affair, even for tall individuals. For the most part, driving position is comfortable, and the view is commanding, thanks to the power tilt and telescopic steering column, but I'd prefer it if the steering was a tad higher.
The second row can be optioned with two captain's chairs or a traditional three-seater bench. Do consider having your kids buckled up, unless you want them rolling about like a ball back there. The second row seats can be reclined, and heated too. There is a third row that seats three kids at most and reclines as well. There is plenty for storage all around with four cup holders and eight bottle holders. Now, that is convenience!
The centre-console is stacked with hard buttons - an arrangement which may feel dated to some, but is a much more responsive unit compared to Cadillac's high-tech CUE system. One major niggle was that the 8" infotainment screen doesn't do well in sunlight. The screen gets washed out in the glare, but gets better after dark. Menu control is via Infiniti's iDrive-like controller, which can spin, slide and be smudged to get you through every on-screen feature.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The QX80 doesn't get much of an upgrade in the engine department, compared to the QX56. In fact, this almost 2.7T family SUV has the same 5.6L V8, producing 395bhp at 5,600rpm and 560Nm at 4,000rpm. It is connected to a 7-speed automatic that doesn't support flappy paddle function, but you do get a shift lever to toggle. The transmission remains silky smooth for the most part, except for the occasional, but forgivable, jerk at low speeds while making three-point turns.
On the road, the ride feels softly sprung, thanks to the large wheel articulation, air suspension and double wishbone setup. However, it does get bouncy over speed bumps. As you press the gas pedal harder, you will notice ample power through the rev range, and the torque helps get you from 0 to 100km/h in a relatively blitzy 7.3 seconds. With almost 400bhp in a sports car, you could achieve a 300km/h top speed, but in the statuesque QX, its efforts tire at about 200km/h. And as the speed climbs, the steering that was wonderfully light in the city becomes somewhat vague, while not completely isolated from vibrations.
The air suspension keeps the body level around turns, but there is a lot of play observed in the steering and pedals, so drive with caution. The QX, with its sheer size and mass, comes across as something that has to be driven leisurely. Even with powerful ventilated disc brakes, with ABS, all around, there is just too much metallic mass to handle.
Mild off-roading is possible, as the QX80 comes with 235mm of ground clearance and an off-road mode. The AWD system offers an electronic activation of 4H and 4L ratios, which renders massive torque to get you through deep sand and stone clutter.
I really was tempted to see how far the QX80 could stretch itself on a 100L tank but, after a couple of hours of driving, it became obvious that without cylinder deactivation technology or turbochargers, it was going to suffer at the pump. Theoretically, it can sustain a run of 500km and no more. I'd say it's plenty for city driving, but green-activist friends won't be too happy.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
When it comes to air conditioning, Toyota and Nissan lead the way. In the QX80, you have a tri-zone climate control system that maintains separate temperatures for all three rows.
Reading through the QX's feature listing is like reading something like War and Peace - it is filled with every safety-related acronym you can imagine. Here are some of the main ones: adaptive cruise control, distance control, lane departure warning and assist, blind spot alert and assist. More impressive is the around view monitor, which gives you a bird's-eye view of the car, generated by four cameras.
Helping with your luggage hauling duties is a power tailgate that opens up to a 2,700L cargo bay (with both the rear rows folded flat). And if you have more of your home to carry, how about a 2,000kg towing capacity?
Infiniti's long association with Bose continues in the QX with the 5.1-channel 13-speaker Bose Premium Sound system with AM/FM radio, in-dash DVD player with MP3 capability, and a 9.3GB hard drive with USB and AUX-in. We loved the Bose in the G35 sedan of yesteryear and we love it here too. Bluetooth and USB ports are standard.
The rear entertainment package puts two 7" colour monitors for your kids in the back, accompanied by two wireless headphones and a wireless remote control, while the centre compartment in the front doubles as a fridge.
VERDICT
There is no doubt that the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is Japan's Cadillac Escalade. It's a brash chrome laden body-on-frame SUV with a tinge of exclusivity. There is a vast array of features to keep you safe and keep things convenient. And while the V8 may guzzle petrol, it motivates this hulking piece of metal with enthusiasm. We wouldn't dare call it cheap, but considering all on offer, this isn't expensive either. There is plenty of car in this SUV.
FUN FACT
Infiniti signed Sebastian Vettel, the renowned Formula 1 World Champion, as its very first global representative and ambassador. In 2012, they even launched a Vettel edition FX model
GOOD
Muscular, yet suave looks; endless array of features; overall comfort and power
BAD
Impractical size for city streets; drinks like a boat without a hull
EDITOR'S RATING 
7.5/10
 

• On The Road