The Infiniti QX80 full-size SUV is a jumbo composite of beauty and brawn.
The model I tested, the Limited trim with all-wheel drive, has an interior worthy of being called artwork, and it provides executive limo levels of comfort and stillness.
Big SUVs aren’t my thing, but I looked forward to getting into the QX80 every day during the test week because it seemed more like a luxury hotel than a mode of transportation. You could call it my safe space.
The Limited model is truly limited, almost being built-to-order, with Infiniti retailers receiving, on average, fewer than one per month.
QX80 changes for 2017 include the addition of trailer sway control and Wi-Fi capability as standard features, and the available option of forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
A monster 5.6-liter V8 powers the QX80, delivering 400 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque, and an 8,500-pound towing capacity. It’s matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The duo smoothly and effortlessly mobilizes this vehicle whose curb weight is 5,888 pounds and gross vehicle weight rating is 7,500 pounds. And for all its bulk, the QX80’s handling is surprisingly nimble.
The AWD system has a computer-controlled transfer case with Auto 4H and 4L settings.
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings are 13/19/15 mpg.
Seating capacity is seven passengers with the standard second-row center console, or eight passengers with an available second-row bench seat with a 60/40 split.
As you might guess, the Infiniti QX80 is loaded with comfort, convenience, performance, safety, security and technology features. I especially appreciated the Around View monitor with moving object detection and front and rear sonar system. The QX80 has an unusually tall ride height, and that, along with its considerable size, can make visibility a challenge sometimes. With the Around View system, I had better reassurance than my fallback system, which is me saying “Please, God, don’t let there be any 2-year-olds around this vehicle.”
2017 INFINITI QX80 AWD LIMITED
Base price, including destination charge: $90,445
Price as driven: $90,445
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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