?2019 Infiniti QX80 Limited 4WD?
Infiniti?s Bold, Elegant Flagship SUV

Infiniti, Nissan?s luxury division, first revealed it?s QX full size SUV at New York?s prestigious 2010 International Auto Show as a 2011 model. It represented the second-generation for the QX, which was designed to provide what Infiniti referred to as a genuine five-star travel experience. It became known as the QX56. The 56 designated the engine size. The QX56 has become the QX80 QX80 ? the new nomenclature for the QX.

OVERVIEW

The new QX80 displays a dramatic and dynamic presence, with styling cues that relate strongly to, and identify with the rest of the Infiniti vehicle lineup?s DNA. To be sure, it is not simply a dressed up Nissan Armada, but rather a sophisticated, superbly luxurious full size V-8 powered SUV, that delivers state-of-the-art technologies and features, ensuring the ultimate in heightened levels of luxury travel. It offers more than business class accommodations, it is truly first class, fully capable of transporting up to eight passengers and their gear in comfort. The QX is the way that Infiniti defines immersive luxury, with standards that provoke elevated emotion.

For the 2019 model year, QX80 LUXE models add standard Forward?Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Predictive Forward Collision Warning, along with an exclusive new model, the QX80 LIMITED.

ELEGANT SUV DESIGN

The bold presence of the QX80 begins at the front with its prominent grille, flanked by low positioned, swept-back headlamps and domed, wave-like hood. The profile is unique, with the blacked out ?B? and ?C? pillars combining with the reverse ?kink? bright window surround emphasizing the generous greenhouse area. The rear view finishes with Infiniti?s dynamic rear glass, LED taillights, double-arch license plate housing and concealed tow hitch. 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 functional, providing engine air intake. Other functional design elements include the front and rear spoilers that enable zero lift, aiding in improved handling stability and the specially shaped exterior mirrors that reduce wind noise. The built-in running boards and low roof rails, along with the standard 20-inch wheels and tires or optional 22-inch rolling stock that substantially fills the wheel wells all add to the athleticism of the QX80.

BIG V-8 POWER

The inspired performance of the 2019 Infiniti QX80 is still provided courtesy of a 5.6-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V-8 engine with VVEL and Direct Injection Gasoline that is shared with the Infiniti M series, but tuned specifically for the QX80. The engine produces 400 at 5,800 rpm, along with 413 pound feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite high horsepower and torque output, the fuel economy is efficient, with city driving yielding 14-mpg, while highway travel registers an estimated 20-mpg.

The engine couples to a seven-speed automatic transmission with driver Adaptive Shift Control, a manual shift mode and Downshift Rev matching. The 4WD system is Infiniti?s All-Mode 4WD, which in its automatic mode is rear-drive biased and continually adjusts power between front and rear wheels, delivering up to 100 percent in the rear and a maximum of 50 percent motive force up front. 4 High locks the center differential at 50:50 and is operational up to 60 mph. 4 Low locks the center diff in low range.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

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.

More inspired technology includes: the Around View Monitor with a 360-degree view around the QX80, making parking and towing exercises easier; Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems; Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning; Intelligent Cruise Control with added Full-Speed Range; Distance Control Assist; and Blind Spot Warning System.

Infiniti?s Navigation System includes: an 8.0-inch color touch-screen display; XM NavTraffic? and NavWeather?; Zagat Survey? Restaurant Guide. A host of options are available for elitist personalization.

My test 2019 Infiniti QX80 was a Limited trim 4WD model that was loaded with virtually all of the available options. The base sticker was $89,800. while the addition of optional features and equipment elevated the final total to $91,450. My test vehicle sported an exterior finished in Hermosa Blue metallic, with the interior executed in Graphite and Ivory toned leather with polished wood trim accents on the steering wheel, center console and doors.

PERFORMANCE

The 2019 Infiniti QX80 showcases a distinctively elegant look ? especially for a vehicle of its mass. The lines are fluid and flow smoothly. Yes, it?s big and yes, it?s an SUV, a class that?s disdained by many, but it serves a definitive purpose ? to transport as many as eight occupants from point ?A? to point ?B? in sumptuous luxury and security. The QX80 is off-road capable except for rock-crawling which owners are not likely to engage in anyway.

The interior is not unlike that of an executive jet. The acceleration isn?t as rapid as a personal jet, but it certainly more than answers the call, with sedan-like handling and stability. The QX80 stays flat under spirited maneuvering conditions on challenging roadways. The Premium Bose Sound System fills the cabin with superlative audio quality for those who are not appreciative of the pleasurable mechanical sounds served up by the vehicle itself.

The list of standard features and equipment seems never ending, and when one throws in the full complement of available bells and whistles, the content of this iteration QX 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.

OUR CONCLUSION

Bottom line, even for those who are not fans of full size SUVs, the QX80 makes a sound case for the existence of such a vehicle and for those who wish to travel in a heightened state of opulence.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Infiniti OX80 4WD

Base Price: $64,450.
Price as Tested: $79,095.

Engine Type and Size: 5.6-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with VVEL and DIG.

Horsepower (bhp): 400 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 413 @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Infiniti All-Mode? AWD with computer-controlled transfer case with Auto, 4H and 4L settings.
Suspension: Front ? Double-wishbone with Dual Flow Path? twin-tube shock absorbers, automatic rear self-leveling system and front stabilizer bar (on vehicles without Hydraulic Body Motion Control system).
Rear – Double-wishbone with Dual Flow Path? twiN-tube shock absorbers, automatic rear self-leveling system and rear stabilizer bar (on vehicles without Hydraulic Body Motion Control system).

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

Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II ? P275/50 R22 111H mounted on 24-spoke alloy wheels. ? (12-machine face with alternating 12 painted spokes).

Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
Length Overall: 210.2 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
Height: 75.8 inches ? with roof rack.
Angle of Approach: 20.9 degrees
Angle of Departure: 22.3 degrees
Ramp angle: 20.7 degrees
Ground Clearance: 9.2 inches
Curb Weight: 5,855 lbs.
Turning Circle: 41.3 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 26 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.367
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. # # #