In addition to being one of the larger SUVs in the marketplace, Infiniti’s QX56 is one of the most unusual looking. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Nissan’s premium brand has always zigged where others have zagged, and that seems to add to their overall appeal.
Hop in as we check out the latest in people haulers for families that number as many as the Osmonds, and everywhere else in between.
What is it?
A seven or eight passenger large SUV, the Infiniti QX56 is in the second year of its new redesign. The QX diverted away from the body of the Nissan Armada for its redesign, although it is closely related to the global market Nissan Patrol. Capable of seating nearly as many as the QX56, the Armada manages to do so in a not as luxurious manner. Along the way, it has received added oomph in the form of an 8,500 lbs. towing capacity, and according to Infiniti, a 14-percent increase in combined EPA fuel economy.
Infiniti has gone old school, (there’s that zigging, while others zag, again) using the tried and true technique of body on frame construction. The end result is higher towing capacity, and with new dampening techniques, a higher degree of NVH refinement.
Our high–zoot model was equipped with the Theater Package, which featured dual 7-inch color monitors in the second row equipped with two wireless headphones. Also on board was the Technology Package with Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warnings, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Distance Control Assist, which works in conjunction with Forward Collision Warning. Rounding out other choice equipment was the Deluxe Touring Package, which included the Bose Cabin 5.1 Surround System, the hydraulic body motion control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and gorgeous mocha burl wood trim.
Our tester was a four-wheel-drive model. The QX56 can also be ordered as a rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle for those in the sun belt.
What’s it up against?
Perhaps the most direct competitor to the QX56 is the Japanese-built, but more expensive, Lexus LX 570. Others include the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz GL. Of these, there are less expensive versions from Chevrolet, GMC, Lincoln and Toyota.
There are other vehicles that would almost qualify to get into the segment. The Audi Q7 is one such model, but it suffers from a power deficit, as well as cramped quarters in the third row.
How does it look?
In an interview, Nissan/Infiniti design director Shiro Nakamura pointed out that Infiniti design previous to the current FX model was all over the map. What is coming from their design studios now is a cohesive family of vehicles that actually bear a resemblance to each other. And so it is with this QX56. Before, it shared much of its bodywork with its cousin the Nissan Armada. That was then, this SUV is now.
Gone is the bowing roofline and over-the-top side flares. In its place is a more refined, upscale look that leaves the angular, creased image behind.
Rounder looks and a more organic design carry the day on this new QX56, giving it the look that although it is as big as a tractor-trailer truck it is still capable of slipping through the wind via some clever aero-tuning.
Overall, we think the new design with its combination of smooth styling, subtle chrome accenting, clever use of negative space, as seen with the blacked out windows, and matte-finished alloy wheels impart a look of class and confidence that seems missing when design studios resort to an overabundance of chrome and angular sheet-metal.
And on the inside?
The interior of our QX56 was awash in ivory–colored leather that resembled a rolling living room. The front seats with their heated and ventilated features felt as though they belonged on a Barcalounger; the only thing missing was the leg rest that swings out from the bottom.
Driver’s controls were very well laid out, falling easily underhand as needed. A drive selector is located directly below the shift lever and enables the driver to switch from auto–4 hi to 4 low, as well as snow and tow modes. There is even the ability to turn dynamic stability control off for heavy snow conditions and the like.
Cameras located in the grille, the rear hatch, and under the outside rearview mirrors of the vehicle supply images that are stitched together for the Infiniti Around View Monitor, which gives an amazingly live-view impression of a camera suspended above the vehicle as you back out of a parking spot or driveway.
Our tester was equipped with second row captain’s chairs, although an optional second row bench seat is also available. The second row offered enough room on the floor for little children to sit on, although the law requires the use of child safety seats, as we know. And if they did sit down there, they would not be able to view the latest in Sponge Bob Square Pants videos on the twin seven–inch monitors located in the headrests of the two front seats.
Access to the third row of seats is easy via the flip forward middle row, while that same third row can be folded forward from the rear hatch by way of well–placed buttons located inside the right side D–pillar.
But does it go?
A big vehicle (5,855 lbs.) requires a big engine, and with the 5.6-liter gas direct-injection engine, the QX doesn’t disappoint. Making 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, as wells as 413 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, it has enough grunt for virtually any job, and definitely more than enough to exist as a mere family hauler. Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic transmission with manual Sportshift with downshift rev-matching does its part to keep revs down and provide as much economy as possible. The QX56 also receives as standard a transmission oil cooler to help prevent the engine from adding to the extra stress the vehicle may encounter with a payload on the ball hitch. By the numbers, EPA says to expect 14/20. We saw a combined 15 mpg, which is not terrible for a nearly three ton vehicle.
Body on frame vehicles are still the go-to choice for towing. Infiniti equips theirs with standard auto-leveling rear suspension, and the aforementioned class IV trailer hitch. Our tester also came with Hydraulic Body Motion Control System which is included as part of the $4,100 Deluxe Touring Package. We found that it makes for a firmer ride, less susceptible to lean and side-to-side wallowing. Hill start assist is also along for the ride, and although we did not tow, we appreciate its presence for getting underway with a load while stopped on an incline.
The high ride height of our QX offered great down-the-road visibility during our around town experiences in this ultra-luxed out vehicle. Ultra quiet, too, it was well sealed from air gaps and whistling noises that we have encountered in other SUVs.
We managed to get rid of other noises that annoyed us in the past, particularly the lane departure warning system, which would beep whenever we crossed over a stripe. Happily, we found the steering wheel-mounted button that disables its operation.
We realize everybody has different reasons for buying a particular vehicle, whether it’s fuel economy, towing ability, off-the-line power or what have you. For us it would be the comfort of owning and operating one of the biggest luxury vehicles made. Overall, the coddling nature of the QX56 is one of the reasons we think it’s the key to a rolling luxe-life.
Why you would buy it:
You like the design and the creature comforts found in this, one of the largest, most accommodating SUVs on the highway.
Why you wouldn’t:
It’s not angular enough, nor sharply creased enough for your tastes. In which case, say hello to the Escalade.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Infiniti continues to reinforce its family identity from the bottom to the top of the line.
It doesn’t come cheap, but in the QX56, you get a full-size SUV that has few peers that are as luxurious and capable at the same time.
2012 Infiniti QX56 4WD base price, $61,800; As tested, $75340.
Theater package, $2,950; Technology Package, $3,000; Deluxe Touring Package, $4,100; Tire and Wheel Package, $2,300; Cargo mat/first aid kit, $200; Destination, $990.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
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Aesthetics
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Technology
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Green
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Drive
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Value
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Overall Score
Review: 2012 Infiniti QX56 4WD
Reviewed by
Mark Elias on
February 13
.
Infiniti’s mega-luxe QX56 gets put through its paces.
In addition to being one of the larger SUVs in the marketplace, Infiniti’s QX56 is one of the most unusual looking. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Nissan’s premium brand has always zigged where others have zagged, and that seems to add to their overall appeal.
Hop in as we check out the latest in people haulers for families that number as many as the Osmonds, and everywhere else in between.
What is it?
A seven or eight passenger large SUV, the Infiniti QX56 is in the second year of its new redesign. The QX diverted away from the body of the Nissan Armada for its redesign, although it is closely related to the global market Nissan Patrol. Capable of seating nearly as many as the QX56, the Armada manages to do so in a not as luxurious manner. Along the way, it has received added oomph in the form of an 8,500 lbs. towing capacity, and according to Infiniti, a 14-percent increase in combined EPA fuel economy.
Infiniti has gone old school, (there’s that zigging, while others zag, again) using the tried and true technique of body on frame construction. The end result is higher towing capacity, and with new dampening techniques, a higher degree of NVH refinement.
Our high–zoot model was equipped with the Theater Package, which featured dual 7-inch color monitors in the second row equipped with two wireless headphones. Also on board was the Technology Package with Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warnings, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Distance Control Assist, which works in conjunction with Forward Collision Warning. Rounding out other choice equipment was the Deluxe Touring Package, which included the Bose Cabin 5.1 Surround System, the hydraulic body motion control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and gorgeous mocha burl wood trim.
Our tester was a four-wheel-drive model. The QX56 can also be ordered as a rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle for those in the sun belt.
What’s it up against?
Perhaps the most direct competitor to the QX56 is the Japanese-built, but more expensive, Lexus LX 570. Others include the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz GL. Of these, there are less expensive versions from Chevrolet, GMC, Lincoln and Toyota.
There are other vehicles that would almost qualify to get into the segment. The Audi Q7 is one such model, but it suffers from a power deficit, as well as cramped quarters in the third row.
How does it look?
In an interview, Nissan/Infiniti design director Shiro Nakamura pointed out that Infiniti design previous to the current FX model was all over the map. What is coming from their design studios now is a cohesive family of vehicles that actually bear a resemblance to each other. And so it is with this QX56. Before, it shared much of its bodywork with its cousin the Nissan Armada. That was then, this SUV is now.
Gone is the bowing roofline and over-the-top side flares. In its place is a more refined, upscale look that leaves the angular, creased image behind.
Rounder looks and a more organic design carry the day on this new QX56, giving it the look that although it is as big as a tractor-trailer truck it is still capable of slipping through the wind via some clever aero-tuning.
Overall, we think the new design with its combination of smooth styling, subtle chrome accenting, clever use of negative space, as seen with the blacked out windows, and matte-finished alloy wheels impart a look of class and confidence that seems missing when design studios resort to an overabundance of chrome and angular sheet-metal.
And on the inside?
The interior of our QX56 was awash in ivory–colored leather that resembled a rolling living room. The front seats with their heated and ventilated features felt as though they belonged on a Barcalounger; the only thing missing was the leg rest that swings out from the bottom.
Driver’s controls were very well laid out, falling easily underhand as needed. A drive selector is located directly below the shift lever and enables the driver to switch from auto–4 hi to 4 low, as well as snow and tow modes. There is even the ability to turn dynamic stability control off for heavy snow conditions and the like.
Cameras located in the grille, the rear hatch, and under the outside rearview mirrors of the vehicle supply images that are stitched together for the Infiniti Around View Monitor, which gives an amazingly live-view impression of a camera suspended above the vehicle as you back out of a parking spot or driveway.
Our tester was equipped with second row captain’s chairs, although an optional second row bench seat is also available. The second row offered enough room on the floor for little children to sit on, although the law requires the use of child safety seats, as we know. And if they did sit down there, they would not be able to view the latest in Sponge Bob Square Pants videos on the twin seven–inch monitors located in the headrests of the two front seats.
Access to the third row of seats is easy via the flip forward middle row, while that same third row can be folded forward from the rear hatch by way of well–placed buttons located inside the right side D–pillar.
But does it go?
A big vehicle (5,855 lbs.) requires a big engine, and with the 5.6-liter gas direct-injection engine, the QX doesn’t disappoint. Making 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, as wells as 413 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, it has enough grunt for virtually any job, and definitely more than enough to exist as a mere family hauler. Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic transmission with manual Sportshift with downshift rev-matching does its part to keep revs down and provide as much economy as possible. The QX56 also receives as standard a transmission oil cooler to help prevent the engine from adding to the extra stress the vehicle may encounter with a payload on the ball hitch. By the numbers, EPA says to expect 14/20. We saw a combined 15 mpg, which is not terrible for a nearly three ton vehicle.
Body on frame vehicles are still the go-to choice for towing. Infiniti equips theirs with standard auto-leveling rear suspension, and the aforementioned class IV trailer hitch. Our tester also came with Hydraulic Body Motion Control System which is included as part of the $4,100 Deluxe Touring Package. We found that it makes for a firmer ride, less susceptible to lean and side-to-side wallowing. Hill start assist is also along for the ride, and although we did not tow, we appreciate its presence for getting underway with a load while stopped on an incline.
The high ride height of our QX offered great down-the-road visibility during our around town experiences in this ultra-luxed out vehicle. Ultra quiet, too, it was well sealed from air gaps and whistling noises that we have encountered in other SUVs.
We managed to get rid of other noises that annoyed us in the past, particularly the lane departure warning system, which would beep whenever we crossed over a stripe. Happily, we found the steering wheel-mounted button that disables its operation.
We realize everybody has different reasons for buying a particular vehicle, whether it’s fuel economy, towing ability, off-the-line power or what have you. For us it would be the comfort of owning and operating one of the biggest luxury vehicles made. Overall, the coddling nature of the QX56 is one of the reasons we think it’s the key to a rolling luxe-life.
Why you would buy it:
You like the design and the creature comforts found in this, one of the largest, most accommodating SUVs on the highway.
Why you wouldn’t:
It’s not angular enough, nor sharply creased enough for your tastes. In which case, say hello to the Escalade.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Infiniti continues to reinforce its family identity from the bottom to the top of the line.
It doesn’t come cheap, but in the QX56, you get a full-size SUV that has few peers that are as luxurious and capable at the same time.
2012 Infiniti QX56 4WD base price, $61,800; As tested, $75340.
Theater package, $2,950; Technology Package, $3,000; Deluxe Touring Package, $4,100; Tire and Wheel Package, $2,300; Cargo mat/first aid kit, $200; Destination, $990.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
Rating:
3
