For: Whopper V8, Airy Cabin, Finely Crafted Finish
Against: High Climb-In, Small Sunroof
Only ex-tank commanders or moonlighting semi drivers will find this QX to be beautiful. But if beauty is as beauty does, then a lot of potential buyers who need to tow trailers or haul lots of people will also discern the inner beauty of the QX. Let’s start with trailer towing, a task for which this Infiniti is ideally suited. Since it’s based on Nissan’s rugged Titan truck platform, and powered by a 5.6 liter V8, you’ve got enough horsepower (400hp) and torque (413 lb.-ft.) to pull 8,500 pounds of deadweight. Infiniti assists this task by including an integral Class IV tow hitch, and 7-pin wiring harness (with cover) in the basic specification of the QX. Standard self-leveling rear suspension also aids the drayage process. The 7 speed automatic gearbox keeps the engine working at top efficiency, with manual override and rev matching available via the console mounted stick. Normal dry weather operation calls for 2WD selection, with 4WD offered for extra traction in inclement conditions. The 4WD setting consists of both high and low range all-wheel-drive.
2011 Infiniti QX56 – Drive Time Review. This video is brought to you by Steve Hammes
If it’s human haulage you’re after, you couldn’t do better than the QX without buying a school bus. Like many other SUVs, this one has 3 rows of seats (accomodating
, but unlike most others, all 3 rows are eminently accessible and
comfortable. Order the optional ($2,900) Theater Package and you’ll turn
your QX into a mobile entertainment center that offers 2nd row
occupants a pair of 7 inch DVD screens, and wireless headphones with
which to follow the action. Best of all, the Theater Package also
includes remote tip-up controls for the 2nd row seats to ease entry for
passengers in the 3rd row. Of course no one boarding this magic bus has
it any better than the 2 front seat riders. The QX features standard 10
way front seat adjustment for the driver, 8-way ditto for the passenger,
and 2-way lumbar support for both front seats. In addition, the
combination leather/wood steering wheel rim is heated, and the wheel
itself tilts and slides at the push of a button. The driver’s command
position offers excellent forward, side and rear vision.If you’re after the most sybaritic and plush QX experience, you’ll want to check the option box for the Deluxe Touring Package, which adds $4,100 to the bottom line. To replace the standard leather seats and Tuscan Burl trim, the Touring Package substitutes semi-aniline leather on the seating surfaces and door panels, and Mocha Burl wood. So equipped, the QX cabin verges on palatial, with enough soft leather to supply a shoemaker for a year, and enough lustrous wood to panel your den.
The QX drives smaller than it is. Despite weighing close to 3 tons, this biggest Infiniti of them all responds with surprising finesse when you chase apexes, reverse direction, or park. Its turning radius is a relatively modest 41.6 feet. Nimbleness also results from fitting the QX with an optional wheel/tire combination consisting of 22 inch, 9 spoke forged alloy rims, mounting 275/50R22 Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires. These giant rollers are expensive, at $2,300 for the set, but worth the extra cost because they do so much to improve the QX’ agility quotient.
2011 Infiniti QX56 Road Test and Review. This video is brought to you by Roadfly
One optional package you can live without is the $3,000 Technology Package, which includes Intelligent Cruise Control, and Blind Spot and Lane Departure warning systems. The cruise control locked up solid on one long freeway run and refused to operate or turn itself off until rebooted at a rest stop. If you are so inattentive as to need Blind Spot and Lane Departure notification, maybe you shouldn’t be climbing behind the wheel of this imposing SUV.
2012 Infiniti QX56 4WD
- Engine: 5.6 liter DOHC, 32 Valve V8
- Horsepower: 400hp
- Torque: 413 lb.-ft.
- Fuel Consumption: 14 MPG City/20 MPG Highway
- Price as Tested: $75,340
- Star Rating: 8 out of 10 Stars
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