2014 INFINITI QX60 - TESTDRIVENOW.COM QUICK TAKES

2014 INFINITI QX60 – QUICK TAKES

First introduced for the 2013 model year, the Infiniti JX shook up the status quo with its innovative style, interior flexibility and roominess, innovative safety features and advanced hospitality features. Renamed the Infiniti QX60 for 2014, it continues to offer real 3-row utility, plus all the premium features, performance and innovations that Infiniti has become known for worldwide.

Key features of the 2014 Infiniti QX60 include:

Emotive styling and craftsmanship, featuring the new Infiniti design language direction initiated with the Essence concept
Segment-leading overall passenger volume
Segment-leading rear cargo volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position)
More 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade
Access to 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat
Infiniti Connection™ with Google Calendar™, Drive Zone/Speed Alert and Infiniti Personal Assistant™
Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection
Extensive safety and security technologies, including available world’s first Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system
Available Bose Cabin Surround® 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer

In addition to the new name, the QX60 features a number of other enhancements for 2014, including splitting the previous Premium Package into Premium and Premium Plus Packages and the addition of power-folding 3rd row seats to the Deluxe Touring Package (3.5-liter models). An auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver is now standard on all models.

And, in the biggest change of all, a new QX60 Hybrid powertrain is offered in addition to the advanced 3.5-liter V6 version. The QX60 Hybrid utilizes a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack, achieving a net system rating of 250 horsepower. For full information on the QX60 Hybrid, please visit InfinitiNews.com.

A Bold Expression of 7-Passenger Luxury
The demarcation line between the Infiniti QX60 and other 3-row luxury crossovers starts with the idea that 7-passenger seating should actually and easily welcome all seven passengers. Utilization of a flat platform floor not only enhances 3rd row roominess and provides a long 2nd row total adjustment of 5.5-inches fore and aft for versatile roominess and cargo carrying capacity, it also allows use of a more dramatic styling approach.

With a long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as a low roofline that doesn’t compromise interior headroom, the platform provides the benefits of a large family passenger vehicle without the usual exterior styling restrictions. The aerodynamic shape of the QX60, with a coefficient of drag of 0.34, not only enhances fuel economy but also adds to its emotive styling. A front underbody spoiler, integrated rear spoiler and rear tire deflectors also help contribute to its zero front and rear lift for enhanced road holding.

Combining modern design with a touch of warmth, the QX60 exterior is highlighted by the dramatic, double-arch front grille/headlight shape, double-wave hood, and crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design. Automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with manual levelizers are standard, along with fog lights. Large LED taillights add a distinctive touch to the rear, while a standard power rear liftgate enhances utility.

Other QX60 exterior features include flat blade variable intermittent front windshield wipers, available rain-sensing front windshield wipers, rear window intermittent wiper and defroster with timer, power folding heated outside mirrors with available reverse tilt-down feature, front door handle courtesy lights, UV-reducing solar glass and rear privacy glass.

A power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade is standard, while an available panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade adds an open, airy feeling for rear passengers. The 2014 QX60 is offered in seven exterior colors: Emerald Graphite, Glacial Mist, Diamond Slate, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Midnight Garnet and Moonlight White.

Unsurpassed Luxury and 2nd Row Flexibility
Beyond its stunning exterior, the QX60 clearly sets the standard for both space and hospitality. Equally important to active families is its unique flexibility, which starts with nearly six inches of 2nd row seat travel – allowing legroom and cargo space to be conveniently adjusted between the 2nd and 3rd rows as needed. The 3rd row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with ample headroom and knee room for adults or children. And there are two more unexpected aspects of QX60’s 2nd and 3rd row design – access to the 3rd row is surprisingly easy due to the wide door openings and long forward slide of the 2nd row seat.

Plus, the multi-mode 2nd row seat’s unique forward movement function overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a 2nd row child seat for entry or exit. The installed child seat moves forward with the 2nd row seat (40 percent side of 60/40 split-folding seat) without limiting 3rd row access. In addition, both 2nd and 3rd row seats are split folding (60/40 2nd row, 50/50 3rd row) and recline for greater occupant comfort.

Beyond the practical innovations, the interior design combines elegance and fine craftsmanship. Key design features include the signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents, and an interior color palette that provides an elegant color harmony – Wheat, Graphite or Java leather appointments with Kasane Washi trim or available Maple trim accents.

Along with its wave-like flow, the QX60 instrument panel is highlighted by an Infiniti Intelligent-View display in the center meter cluster, along with large, easy-to-read Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and standard 7-inch color vehicle information display.

Leather-appointed seating is standard, along with heated front seats with 8-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power front passenger’s seat. Climate-controlled front seats (heating and cooling) are optionally available, as well as heated 2nd row outboard seats and heated steering wheel. Also offered is a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. An Enhanced Intelligent Key that stores an occupant memory position and last-used audio, climate control and navigation settings is also available (an Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition is standard).

Keeping all occupants comfortable regardless of the temperature outside are a Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system with microfilter, rear-seat heater ducts under the 1st and 2nd row seats, and rear console-mounted and 3rd row side trim air vents. Available as part of the Deluxe Touring Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.

Other interior comfort and convenience items include RearView Monitor®, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system, eight cup holders and six bottle holders, front and 2nd row armrests with storage, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), power windows with one-touch up/down with auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and much more.

A Connection with a Human Touch
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 also offer technologies designed to make owners’ lives a bit easier and more efficient, such as a 15-speaker Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with Acoustic Waveguide bass technology and an innovative Infiniti Connection™ telematics system that can provide navigation guidance to appointments and automatically synch the owner’s schedule through Google Calendar™.

The Infiniti QX60 also offers Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Connection™ Plus services. Infiniti Connection™ services include 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Alarm Notification, Maintenance Alert, Scheduled Maintenance Notification and My Schedule (via Google Calendar™).

The system also allows owners to set up Drive Zone boundaries and Speed Alert, which parents may find useful in monitoring young drivers’ vehicle usage. Infiniti Connection™ will send a notification via text, e-mail or phone if the boundary has been crossed or the speed exceeded. In addition, owners can route road trips with a Journey Planner and personalize news, sports and stock reports via Mobile Information Services. Both Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Connection™ Plus are included complimentary for the first year of ownership.

Like all current Infiniti new model purchases, the QX60 also features the Infiniti Personal Assistant™, Infiniti’s personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants. The Infiniti Personal Assistant™ benefit is offered free-of-charge for four years with every 2013 Infiniti. It allows owners to make reservations, get directions, find points of interest, make dinner reservations, access gift services, answer trivia questions, and receive a wide variety of other services at the touch of a button from inside the vehicle or through the owner’s mobile or home phone. On vehicles equipped with Infiniti Connection™, owners can have their Infiniti Personal Assistant™ find a restaurant, make the reservation, and have directions sent directly to their QX60’s Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.

Advanced Backup Collision Intervention
Among the many available advanced technology system offered on the QX60 is the Backup Collision Intervention (BCI). With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the QX60 will help alert the driver about crossing vehicles and objects behind it, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

Another advanced system is the Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). AVM shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the QX60.

The MOD function builds on the capabilities of the AVM system, helping enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects (such as another vehicle) within the displayed image in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space. Using sophisticated image processing technology, the system detects moving objects within the “top view” (when the vehicle is in Park). When starting off or backing up, it detects moving objects crossing within the front or rear views.

Other available technology includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI), which provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel.

The QX60 also offers an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

The Infiniti QX60’s extensive list of standard safety features includes an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.

The standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator, which provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge.

Also offered is a Remote Engine Start System, which allows the owner the option of starting the QX60 remotely using the remote keyless entry system. The system is ideal for warming or cooling the interior, prior to driving, as desired.

A Powerful and Efficient Drivetrain
Offered in both front-wheel drive and with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the QX60 (non-Hybrid) addresses the growing desire among luxury crossover drivers to have both responsive performance and good fuel efficiency.

The standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 is mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel. The transmission can mimic a step transmission when the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged. The CVT design also features a wide gear ratio and low friction design.

The engine is rated at 265 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. The design includes a variable induction control system to improve volumetric efficiency at low and middle speed ranges, while an efficient belt layout improves maintenance and fuel economy. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg highway, 20 mpg city and a real-world 22 mpg combined for the FWD model and 25 mpg highway, 19 mpg city and 21 mpg combined for the AWD model – while still offering the power to carry a full load or passengers and cargo.

Another welcome feature of the QX60 is the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, technology exclusive to Infiniti vehicles. Using a rotary switch mounted in the center console, the driver can choose between four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow – depending on road and climate conditions. The system varies throttle response and shift schedules to optimize performance.

Responsive handling and flat ride comfort is provided by an independent strut front and multi-link rear suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars – which combine with the high stiffness/low vibration sensitivity body to help create a quiet, comfortable interior environment for all occupant. Linear, easy-to-operate steering comes from the vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system. The available Active Trace Control system utilizes the QX60’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help improve cornering feel, such as at freeway speeds, by automatically applying the brakes or smoothing engine torque characteristics while accelerating. The braking system is a 4-wheel vented disc design with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Stylish 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 all-season tires are standard on every QX60, with 20-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires available. Polished 20-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are also available.

Choose to Be Inspired
The 2014 Infiniti QX is offered in two models, the QX60 3.5 and QX60 3.5 AWD and with seven available equipment packages – allowing customers to custom-equip their vehicles to precisely meet their family driving and budget needs.

In addition, two QX60 Hybrid models are available (please see InfinitiNews.com for full details).

The Premium Package includes Bose® 13-speaker Premium Sound System with Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer, AM/FM/CD/DVD with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and speed-sensitive volume control; Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology; dual occupant memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors; entry/exit assist for driver’s seat and steering wheel; Enhanced Intelligent Key (memory stores an occupant seating position and last-used audio settings, climate control and navigation settings; outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature; driver’s seat 2-way power lumbar support; heated steering wheel; and Remote Engine Start.

The Premium Plus Package includes Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics; Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio, navigation and vehicle information systems; NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately); Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Infiniti Connection™ including 1-year of basic and Plus services; Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear sonar system, single in-dash CD player; and rain-sensing front windshield wipers.

The Theater Package adds dual 7-inch color monitors, two wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary audio/video input jacks, 120V power outlet and rear headphone jacks with volume control.

Also offered is the Driver Assistance Package with Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range); Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW); Backup Collision Intervention (BCI); Distance Control Assist (DCA), Active Trace Control; and Eco Pedal.

Deluxe Touring Package: Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with 15 speakers with Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer and digital 5.1 decoding; 20-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 H-rated all-season tires; 2nd and 3rd row moonroof with power rear sunshade; Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto circulation, Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter; Climate-controlled front seats; heated 2nd row seats (outboard only); Maple interior accents and 3rd row seat back power return.

The Technology Package includes all of the features of the Driver Assistance Package, as well as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) system and front Pre-Crash Seatbelts. Finally, the Maple Interior Trim package includes Maple interior accents.

2014 INFINITI QX60 – TESTDRIVENOW.COM QUICK TAKES MSRP: $42,950.00

With Options included by Manufacturer including Technology Package, Theater package, Deluxe Touring Package, Premium Plus Package Total Price as shown: $57,240.00