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Infiniti QX56 4WD

Published 9:37 am Friday, March 27, 2009

Given all the snow and ice we’ve had to deal with this winter — and with freezing temperatures this week, is winter really over yet? — a strong case could be made for splurging on the luxurious, full-size 2009 Infiniti QX56 SUV four-wheel drive.

Eighteen inches of the white stuff could fall, and there’s still no high-centering this big boy. And with visions of spring dancing in my skull, the QX56 would make do nicely on a golf road-trip to Circling Raven in Worley, Idaho, or even Palouse Ridge in Pullman, God forbid.

Up to seven or eight adults are pampered and indulged inside the QX56, which comes equipped with a lengthy list of whiz-bang amenities that makes commuting a pleasure, even in the worst of elements or traffic.

Authentic materials including wood, aluminum, stainless steel and leather combine with class-leading second-row leg room and standard power fold-flat 60/40 split third-row seats to create a state of bliss for all passengers.

The QX56 inspires driver confidence to “Infiniti and beyond” with engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake distribution, vehicle dynamic control, four-wheel drive, auto-leveling rear suspension and laser sensors combined with throttle and brake actuators that automatically adjust speed when on cruise control to a pre-selected following distance – a $1,150 option.

QX56 is more than just a gussied up Nissan Armada. Its exterior is immediately recognizable, creating a presence befitting its top-luxury status. From a distinctive waterfall grille to 20-inch chromed wheels to remote-operated power liftgate and small camera discretely hidden in the rear license plate to display LCD images when in reverse, the QX56 wreaks class.

Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque, coupled with Infiniti’s all-mode four-wheel drive system and a five-speed automatic transmission, the QX56 delivers 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg down the highway. Towing capacity is rated at 8,900 pounds when properly equipped.

Passengers are safely ensconced in a protective cocoon and supplied with more electronic entertainment gadgetry than there is in my family room.

A brief synopsis:

Standard navigation system (hard-drive based) with seven-inch LCD screen.

Twelve-speaker Bose premium audio system with a 9.3 GB music box hard drive for digital music storage.

XM satellite radio with real-time traffic updates.

DVD player with drop-down, eight-inch LCD screen, wireless headphones and remote control – a $1,700 option.

Six-disc, in-dash CD player.

Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

No self-respecting kid could even think of uttering the dreaded “Are we there yet?” or “I’m bored.”

Comfort is aided by 10-way driver/8-way front passenger heated, power adjustable seats. Two captain’s chairs pamper the second row, with the seats folding flat to accommodate cargo. A second-row bench seat is also available if seating for eight is required. The third row seating area is elevated to provide a commanding forward view and includes standard roof-mounted curtain airbags for side-impact and rollover protection.

It’s big, it’s a gas hog, it’s not cheap. But the QX56 is worth every penny.