2014 INFINITI QX80 TESTDRIVENOW.COM QUICK TAKES

2014 INFINITI QX80 QUICK TAKES

The Infiniti QX80, previously known as the Infiniti QX56, now offers the advanced Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) in the Technology Package for the 2014 model year. The QX80 again offers a unique combination of inspired design and performance that makes it stand out in the luxury performance SUV class. The QX80’s unmatched combination of power, strength and luxury style makes it capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance. Its drivetrain is rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped), while being equally at home transporting friends and family for a night on the town.

All 2014 Infiniti QX80s include a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The proven 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

The QX80 interior is long on luxury and comfort, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System and available Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers. Other available features include perforated semi-aniline leather-appointed seating and an available Theater Package with dual 7-inch color monitors, which allow different sources to be played at the same time.

A Powerful Presence and Innovation Under the Skin
The Infiniti QX80 is designed to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The bold front chrome grille is flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers are also available. Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated, power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate. A front underbody spoiler, functional rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors help provide aerodynamics of 0.36 Cd and zero lift.

The QX80’s strong presence is accented by the powerful wheel and tire combinations – standard 20-inch and available 22-inch – and a palette of six distinctive exterior colors: Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant, Moonlight White and Smoky Quartz.

The advanced engine and transmission designs deliver a combination of power, efficiency and refinement worthy of the Infiniti name. The 5.6-liter 32-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V8 features Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system. The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve.

The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low. The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control. The engine is rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while delivering fuel economy of 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for both the 2WD and 4WD models.

All 2014 QX80s come equipped with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). The QX80 is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti’s proven All-Mode 4WDâ system with Auto, 4H and 4L modes.

The system is designed to distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), helping to enhance traction. All QX80 models also include Hill Start Assist. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system will keep the QX80 stationary for a few seconds – with no roll back. This enables drivers to more easily switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator on steep inclines.

The QX80’s suspension is an independent double-wishbone design front and rear, with Dual-Flow PathÒ twin tube shock absorbers and an automatic rear leveling system that seeks to maintain uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system’s air bladders.

In addition, an advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is available on both 2WD and 4WD models as part of the Deluxe Touring Package. The system helps to reduce body lean in turns, resulting in improved ride comfort for passengers in all three rows. Suspension travel is automatically controlled by hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber.

The chambers are cross-linked with piping, allowing for the transfer of hydraulic fluid, managed seamlessly by nitrogen-charged accumulators, from one side of the vehicle to the other. This enables the system to vary suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle, thereby counteracting body lean and creating a luxurious, flat ride.

Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (13.8-inch vented discs front and rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are standard on every QX80, along with engine-speed-sensitive power steering.

The QX80’s maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models (when properly equipped). A special tow mode revises shift patterns when engaged. Standard towing features include a Class IV tow hitch and 7-pin wiring harness integrated into the rear bumper (with a cover for an elegant appearance when not in use).

Large 20-inch forked 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/60R20 all-season tires are standard on all 2014 QX80s, while 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season tires are optionally available. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), with four-corner pressure readout and Tire Inflation Indicator, is also standard.

An Elegant and Engaging Interior
The QX80’s world-class inner sanctum offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant. It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the 2nd row 60/40-split folding bench seat. Leather-appointed seating is standard for all three rows. Even more luxurious semi-aniline leather seating surfaces are offered in the Deluxe Touring Package.

The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. It features a standard dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. Heated front seat are standard, with available climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions) front seats and heated 2nd row seats (outboard positions only when equipped with a bench seat). The 2nd row captain’s chairs offer a tip-up function for easy 3rd row entry/exit.

A remote release is available for the 2nd row seats to activate the tip-up function through a switch on the center stack. The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design. The 2nd row center console includes two cupholders and two storage bins. Also standard is a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 16.6 cubic foot cargo space for luggage is provided with the 3rd row seat up. When the 3rd row seat is folded, the flat load floor offers a wide, versatile space for carrying cargo such as home furnishings or recreational gear.

Two interior colors are available – Wheat or Graphite – along with two interior finisher colors, Tuscan Burl or a darker Mocha Burl available with the Deluxe Touring Package.

The QX80’s long list of additional comfort and convenience features includes nine cupholders and four door-pocket bottle holders, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and Infiniti signature analog clock. 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.

Among the QX80’s available premium entertainment and technology features are an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide. Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is also standard.

The QX80’s standard Around View® Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System includes the advanced Moving Object Detection (MOD) system. Around View® Monitor utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the QX80 – to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots. The system uses advanced image processing to combine the images from the four cameras and provide a unique “Birds-Eye View” of the vehicle’s surroundings. The MOD function helps enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings (front or back range object detection) if the system detects large moving objects (such as another vehicle) within the displayed image in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space. The system helps detect large moving objects within the “top view” (when the vehicle is in Park). When starting off or backing up, it helps detect large moving objects, such as another vehicle, crossing within the front or rear views.

Two advanced audio systems are offered. The standard Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System includes two subwoofers and rear headliner-mounted 3rd row speakers that help ensure that sound quality is not compromised by obstructions such as luggage or cargo.

Also available is the Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, which is part of the Deluxe Touring Package. Other standard equipment includes a single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), USB connection port for use with iPod® Interface or other compatible devices and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.

The available Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120V power outlet. The system allows playback of games or movies in the rear (games and movies sold separately), while front occupants listen to audio all at the same time. The two 7-inch color monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime, clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting.

Available Advanced Technology
The Infiniti QX80 offers a range of advanced technology systems, including both available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift.

Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) systems are also available. BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds. BSI, a world’s first system, 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.

Also offered as part of the QX80 Technology Package is Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX80’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the QX80’s speed to help maintain a pre-selected following distance.

The Technology Package also includes Distance Control Assist (DCA), which intuitively prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic; Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW); and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts. Added for the 2014 model year is the Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system. With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the QX80 will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and large objects behind it, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

The 2014 QX80’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 side-impact supplemental curtain 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); front seat Active Head Restraints; 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. While the owner inflates the tire, the hazard lights flash letting the customer know to continue filling the tire. When the tire reaches the appropriate pressure, the horn will sound letting the owner know to stop filling the tire. Drivers can also monitor individual tire pressures from the interior 8-inch display.

Models and Packages
The 2014 Infiniti QX80 is available in two well-equipped models: Infiniti QX80 2WD and Infiniti QX80 4WD. Each is equipped with the advanced 5.6-liter V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission and a full range of luxury and performance features including leather-appointed seating, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View® Monitor and Bose® Premium Audio system. A number of additional equipment packages are offered, allowing buyers to fine-tune their QX80 experience to their exact needs.

The Deluxe Touring Package includes the Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, Mocha Burl trim, 2nd row footwell courtesy lights, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS), headlight washers and 22-inch wheels and tires.

The Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary inputs and a 120V power outlet, heated 2nd row seats (outboard only when equipped with the bench seat), remote tip-up 2nd row seats for easy 3rd row entry/exit, while the Split Bench Seat Package replaces the standard 2nd row captain’s chairs and center console with a 3-passenger bench seat with 60/40-split folding.

The Tire and Wheel Package offers 22×8-inch 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheel and 275/50R22 all-season tires. Finally, the Technology Package offers Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI), Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights.