?2018 Infiniti QX60 3.5 AWD?
A versatile 3 Row / 7 Passenger Luxury Crossover

The Infiniti camp?s lineup is difficult to keep up with. A ?Q? prefix designates ether a Coupe or Sedan, which is followed by a numerical model designation. Lead off with a ?QX? prefix and you have a Crossover or SUV, again followed by a numerical model indicator. This review is about the 2018 Infiniti QX60, which is available in either FWD or with Infiniti?s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

Keeping track of the particular number of vehicles offered in a specific line can also be a chore. The 2015 model year saw five different versions of the QX ? a QX50, QX60, a QX60 Hybrid, a QX70 and a QX80. In 2016, the number of QX models dropped to four variants ? the QX50, QX60, QX60 Hybrid and the QX80. Moving right along, the 2017 QX lineup included a QX30, a QX50, a QX60 and QX60 Hybrid, a QX70 and the QX80. For the 2018 model year, the offerings dropped to three ? a QX30, QX60 and a QX80.

The QX60 and QX80 are both constant mainstays in Infiniti?s crossover and SUV stable.

Visually, the 2018 QX60 exterior displays Infiniti?s design language, emphasizing its taut, muscular shapes and flowing lines. Up front, the double-arch grille is flanked by bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. LED fog lights are standard, as are the LED turn signals that are incorporated into the side rearview mirrors. The double-wave hood meets a sharply angled windshield In profile, the crescent-cut D-pillar is a major element in the greenhouse design.

Moving aft, a chrome finisher surrounds the standard power lift-function hatch. A Motion Activated Liftgate is available with the Deluxe Technology Package, while a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade is standard. Also available is a panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, which provides a light, airy environment for rear passengers. The front and rear fascias include flush-mounted sonar sensors, that contribute to the QX60?s premium appearance.

Other QX60 exterior features include automatic on/off headlights with manual levelizers, and large LED taillights. High Beam Assist is included with the Deluxe Technology Package.

The long wheelbase and short overhangs, along with the low roofline that doesn?t compromise interior headroom, the QX60 achieves an unchanged drag coefficient of 0.33 (0.34 with 20-inch wheels). A front underbody spoiler, integrated rear spoiler and rear tire deflectors contribute to achieving zero lift across both front and rear axles for enhanced road holding.

The cabin of the QX60 serves up an elegant ambience with fine detailed craftsmanship. A new Rear Door Alert system can help remind QX60 owners to check the rear seat by using a series of distinctive honks as the driver is walking away from the vehicle. The audio alerts distinguish the INFINITI Rear Door Alert from other systems in the marketplace.

Comfort and convenience items include a RearView Monitor?, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system, eight cup holders, six bottle holders. INFINITI QX60 also has 2nd row armrests with storage, power windows with one-touch up/down with auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Standard connectivity and entertainment features provided include Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, SiriusXM? Satellite Radio (SiriusXM? subscription required, separately available), and USB connection port for iPod? interface and other compatible devices. Three additional USB charging ports are found in the cabin, one convenient for the second-row seating and two for the third-row seating. INFINITI Connection? services include 24-hour automatic crash notification, emergency call, enhanced roadside assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, remote door lock/unlock, alarm notification, maintenance alert and scheduled maintenance notification.

Power for the QX60 comes from Infiniti?s transversely mounted VQ35DD 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with multipoint gasoline direct injection. The engine delivers 295 horsepower at 6,400 rpm along with 270 pound feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Motive force is geared to the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system via an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with D-step logic.

My test 2018 Infiniti QX60 was an AWD version and came with a Graphite Shadow metallic exterior finish and a Graphite leather interior accented by polished Maple wood trim elements on the doors, dash and console. The base price was set at $45,100., while options and the Destination charges elevated the final sticker to $60,670. Options included: the $7,300 Deluxe Technology Package, the $2,150 Theater Package, the $2,900 Premium Plus Package, Premium Package and individual unspecified options.

SUMMARY: The 2018 Infiniti QX60 AWD crossover ranks as one of the most versatile 3-Row / 7-passenger luxury vehicles available in a highly competitive market segment. It is loaded with standard feature content with an impressive list of available options designed to meet individual consumer wants and needs.

The QX60 falls in the mid range of Infiniti?s crossover SUV offerings. It utilizes a flat platform floor, which enhances interior space and flexibility. The 2nd row seating features a total adjustment of 5.5-inches fore and aft for versatile roominess and cargo carrying capacity, which allows legroom and cargo space to be adjusted between the 2nd and 3rd rows as needed. Access to the 3rd row is easy thanks to the wide door openings and long forward slide of the 2nd row seat. The multi-mode 2nd row seat?s unique forward movement function overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a 2nd row child seat for entry or exit. The installed child seat moves forward with the 2nd row seat (40 percent side of 60/40 split-folding seat) without limiting 3rd row access. In addition, both 2nd and 3rd row seats are split folding (60/40 2nd row, 50/50 3rd row) and recline for greater occupant comfort.

Parking is easier with the available Around View? Monitor, with Moving Object Detection. It creates a ?birds-eye? view on the center console giving drivers a clear picture of nearby hazards during low-speed maneuvers.

Other available technology includes Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 3.5 V6 delivers more than enough power to handle a full load of occupants and gear. The CVT is smooth and essentially seamless ? clearly one of the better CVTs available. Handling characteristics lean to the sporty side with good input from the vehicle speed sensitive steering and the ride quality of the QX60 is on a par with many luxury sedans.

In the final analysis, The Infiniti QX60 is an ideal family transport, suitable for the long iconic ?family? road trip, and if something smaller is more to one?s liking, there?s the QX30, or if bigger is better for the task at hand, there?s the QX80. For yet another choice, the QX50 returns for the 2019 model year.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Infiniti QX60 3.5 AWD

Base Price: $45,100.
Price as Tested: $60,670.

Engine Type and Size: VQ35DD 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with multipoint gasoline direct injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 295 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 270 @ 4,800 rpm

Transmission: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with D-step logic.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Intelligent AWDi

Suspension: Front – Independent Strut, Dual-Flow? Path twin-tube shock absorbers and 26 mm stabilizer bar.
Rear ? Multi-link, Dual-Flow? Path twin-tube shock absorbers and 26.5 mm stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS, BA and EBD.

Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS 235/55 R20 mounted on machine face 5-?V?-spoke with graphite painted inners and 5 separator spokes.

Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length Overall: 200.1 inches
Width: 77.2 inches
Height: 68.6 inches
Curb Weight: 4,526 lbs.
Turning Circle: Not listed
Fuel Capacity: 19.5 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33 ? 0.34 with 20-inch wheels.
0 – 60 mph: Not tested

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.