You may be intimidated by the size and grandeur of the 2015 Infiniti QX80, but have no fear for it’s a tame and well mannered beast! This huge vehicle sits its passengers up high, but has a surprisingly smooth and manoeuvrable drive. Top this off with every feature and convenience imaginable (plus some you haven’t even thought of), and the 2015 Infiniti QX80 becomes the choice vehicle for families who want space and versatility without sacrifice to luxury and elegance.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The first detail you notice when settled into the 2015 QX80 is the high position at which passengers are seated. While not surprising for a vehicle of this size, you will be surprised to hear that Infiniti has developed a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System to reduce body sway through turns, making the ride feel smoother and more like that of a smaller vehicle.
The next idea to cross your mind will no doubt be that driving a vehicle of this size will be difficult to control and handle, but you will also be surprised to hear that the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is incredibly manoeuvrable with a great turning radius. Add to this, the 360 degree camera and the beeping parking sensors all around the vehicle, which makes parallel and reverse parking even easier than smaller vehicles without this technology!
The overall ride is quiet, smooth and comfortable without any hint of a lack of power. This all stems from the 5.6L eight cylinder engine outputting 400 horsepower, paired to a 7 speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive, allowing for 8,500 lbs of towing capacity. Of course this is all customizable with the ability to select between four wheel high, low or auto and select normal, snow or tow mode to have more control over the power and gear shifting. As expected the gas consumption is quite high and clocked in at 18.3 L/100km in our 300km combined city and highway test drive.
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
The exterior of the 2015 QX80 was a beautiful deep metallic blue with chrome accents. Towering over its passengers, the QX80 has foot rails and grab handles and push button seat folding controls to help ease entry into the vehicle.
The versatile interior of the QX80 has three rows of seating that are electronically controlled and rearranged depending on the cargo or passenger loads. The choice of 7 or 8 capacity seating is yours for the same price and switches out the second row 60/40 split bench seating for separate captain’s chairs which can be opened to allow access to the rear seats with the touch of a button. The third row seats can also be folded flat from the rear cargo area by holding a button.
The 2015 Infiniti QX80 uses a beautiful mix of high quality materials throughout the interior. Wood grain adorns a lot of the interior from the center console and dash area to the rear center armrests, while stitched leather covers the rest of the surfaces.
With a full load of passengers and cargo, no one will feel cramped and with 400 horsepower there won’t be a struggle for the QX80 to climb hills or overtake on the highway. Although this is a rarer situation, it’s nice to know the capacity is there when needed.
Although there are a lot of controls on the dash and steering wheel they are logical and straightforward. Once you are comfortable navigating your way around, it becomes evident that the controls are well placed and make controlling features more efficient.
It seems with all the mechanical parts used to provide the plethora of features, there may be a higher opportunity for things to go wrong and repairs to be required. Infiniti parts will definitely come at a premium, but those purchasing a vehicle of this nature with a gas consumption to match, would be more than equipped to handle events that may arise.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although a bit on the pricey end (starting at $73,650), you do get a ton of features and a whole lot of vehicle! I was thoroughly impressed at the manoeuvrability and ease of parking for a vehicle of this size and every time I stepped inside the cabin I was transported to a peaceful world of luxury, leather and comfort.
