2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD OVERVIEW

TestDriveNow QUICK TAKES: 2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD OVERVIEW

Refreshed exterior design embodies new Infiniti design language
Chassis dynamics retuned for a more engaging, comfortable drive
Interior revisions offer enhanced luxury for up to seven occupants
Augmented suite of safety and driving assistance technologies includes Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection

With sales of the Infiniti QX60 premium crossover up more than 33 percent in the United States in 2015, it would be reasonable to enter the new model year with little in the way of changes. But that is not the Infiniti way.

Adding to the growing list of new or significantly revised models – including the extended wheelbase QX50 crossover, new powerplants for the Q50 sports sedan and the all-new QX30 and Q60 – the 2016 QX60 receives significant upgrades to its exterior, interior, dynamic performance and available features and technologies.

“As our second best-selling model behind the Q50 sports sedan, it’s critical that we keep the QX60 fresh and ahead of the competition,” said Randy Parker, vice president, Infiniti Americas.

“We’re building on the QX60’s reputation for excelling in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features – with a new look, feel and technology.”

The 2016 QX60 is again available in both front-wheel drive and with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

The QX60 features a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

It is also offered with a hybrid drivetrain featuring a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack – with 250 net system horsepower.

The new exterior design continues the QX60’s taut, muscular shapes and flowing lines – adding a host of new styling cues and details that embrace the dramatic new Infiniti design language. The redesigned double-arch grille is flanked by new bi-xenon headlights with new LED Daytime Running Lights. New LED fog lights are standard, as are LED turn signals incorporated into the side rearview mirrors.

In the rear, a new chrome finisher surrounds the standard power lift-function hatch and a new body-color “shark fin” antenna has been added to the roof, which also features a standard power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade. Also available is a panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, which provides a light, airy environment for rear passengers. The new front and rear fascias include flush-mounted sonar sensors, adding to the premium appearance.

Other QX60 exterior features include the double-wave hood, crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design, automatic on/off headlights with manual levelizers, and large LED taillights. In addition, the QX60 offers 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.

Acoustic glass has been added to the front windows for improved insulation from high frequency noise. The acoustic side glass minimizes the intrusion of wind noise into the cabin, while also reducing the effects of tire noise. The result is improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels at a constant speed.

With a long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as a low roofline that doesn’t compromise interior headroom, the 2016 QX60 achieves an unchanged drag coefficient of 0.34. A front underbody spoiler, integrated rear spoiler and rear tire deflectors contribute to achieving zero lift across both front and rear axles for enhanced road holding.

The 2016 QX60 is offered in seven exterior colors: Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Hermosa Blue, Majestic White, Graphite Shadow and new Hagane Blue and Jade Green.

Premium 7-passenger comfort with 2nd row flexibility

The 2016 QX60 utilizes a flat platform floor, which not only allows for a more dramatic design approach but also enhances interior space and flexibility. The 2nd row seating features a long total adjustment of 5.5-inches fore and aft for versatile roominess and cargo carrying capacity – allowing legroom and cargo space to be conveniently adjusted between the 2nd and 3rd rows as needed.

There are two other 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.

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 solutions, the QX60’s interior design combines elegance and fine craftsmanship. The interior design features standard leather-appointed seating with a quilted seat base and new graphite weave interior accents. Exclusive Maple accents and an “hour-glass”-style quilting pattern are standard with the Deluxe Technology Package. Contrasting stitching has been added to the upper instrument panel and door panels for 2016. In addition, the memory seat button has been relocated to the upper door panel for added convenience.

Key carryover design features include the signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents, and an interior color palette that provides an elegant color harmony – Graphite, Java or the high-contrast Wheat leather appointments with 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.

Along with the leather-appointed seating are standard 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).

A tri-zone automatic temperature control system with microfilter is standard on all models. Available as part of the Deluxe Technology Package is an Advanced Climate Control System 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 and front and 2nd row armrests with storage, power windows with one-touch up/down with auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Standard connectivity and entertainment features include Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, separately available), and USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices. Three additional USB charging ports have been added to the cabin, one convenient for the second-row seating and two for the third-row seating.

Also offered are an available Bose® 13-speaker Premium Sound System, including an Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer and an available Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, including an Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer and 5.1 processing. In addition, the available Theater Package offers dual 7-inch color monitors, wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and a 120V power outlet.

Retuned dynamics for a more engaging drive

For 2016, the focus for Infiniti’s QX60 engineers was to provide an even more assured and confidence-inspiring driving experience. This has been achieved through the introduction of new chassis technologies and revised settings for components carried over from the previous model.

The independent-strut front and multi-link rear suspension feature new shock absorbers and spring units, which result in smoother ride control with a reduction in body movement when cornering. New 235/65 R18 T-rated all-season tires are standard, selected to provide improvements in grip and balance. Completing the dynamic changes, a retuned vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system, now requiring just 2.9 turns lock-to-lock, offers the driver increased response to steering inputs and enhanced feedback.

The 2016 QX60 again offers a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6, mated to a sport-tuned electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with D-Step Logic that provides high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel. The transmission can mimic a step transmission, and 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 27 mpg highway, 21 mpg city and a real-world 23 mpg combined for the FWD model and 26 mpg highway, 19 mpg city and 22 mpg combined for the AWD model – while still offering the power to carry a full load or passengers and cargo.

The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector (DMS) allows the driver to vary throttle response and gearshift patterns to optimize performance for the conditions and their own preferences. The driver can select from four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow – using a rotary dial mounted in the center console.

To enhance stability and feel through the controls when cornering, the Active Trace Control system links with the QX60’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control system, to automatically apply the brakes in a specific pattern and then smooth 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 (BA).

New 18-inch triple 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 all-season tires are standard on every QX60, with 20-inch split 15-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires also available.

The 2016 QX60 is also offered with a hybrid drivetrain, featuring a supercharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack. The system produces a combined 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque.

High levels of connectivity, convenience and safety

For 2016, the QX60 continues to deliver a high level of assistive and intuitive technology features, aimed at enhancing the premium crossover experience for all occupants.

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 and scheduled maintenance notification. The “My Schedule” function can automatically synch a user’s schedule through Google Calendar™ and provide navigation guidance to appointments.

The system 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.

The 2016 QX60 features Infiniti Personal Assistant™, Infiniti’s personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants. The service allows owners to make reservations, get directions, find points of interest, make dinner reservations, access gift services 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. In vehicles equipped with Infiniti Connection™, owners can have their Infiniti Personal Assistant™ find a restaurant, make the reservation, and have directions sent directly to the QX60’s Infiniti Navigation System.

Safeguarding occupants is a top priority for Infiniti, and several new safety technologies are available through 2016 QX60’s revised options packages.

Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection utilizes advanced technology to calculate the distance between QX60 and the vehicle in front, as well as the speed of both vehicles, to detect the possibility of a collision and help mitigate or prevent it.

If the driver releases the accelerator, the system will apply partial braking. In the event that the system detects a collision may occur and there is no action taken by the driver, the system provides an additional set of warnings and applies harder braking to help avoid a collision, or mitigate the consequences should one occur. The pedestrian detection function within the FEB system applies this technology to help avoid or mitigate collisions with pedestrians.

The new Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system warns the driver of risks of a potential forward collision – taking automatic action to help avoid or mitigate the effects of a collision.

In addition, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) alerts the driver to crossing vehicles and other large stationary objects to the rear when the transmission is in reverse. If necessary, the system is able to automatically to engage the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision.

Parking is made easy with the addition of the Around View® Monitor (AVM), with Moving Object Detection (MOD), using four wide-angle lenses – one on each side of the vehicle – to create a “birds-eye” view on the center console and give drivers a clear picture of nearby hazards during low-speed maneuvers.

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) 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 selection of equipment packages

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 is offered in two models, the QX60 and QX60 AWD and with six 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 s 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; 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 Navigation with Infiniti Connection, 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); 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; Eco Pedal; and front and rear sonar system.

The new Deluxe Technology Package offers a long list of features, including Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range); Blind Spot Warning (BSW); Backup Collision Intervention (BCI); Distance Control Assist (DCA); front and rear sonar sensors; Active Trace Control; Eco Pedal; Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with 15 speakers with Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer and digital 5.1 decoding; 20-inch split 15-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); unique seat quilting – 1st and 2nd rows; 3rd row seat back power return; Maple interior accents; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP); Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) system; Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts; Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection; Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW); and roof rack cross bars.