By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Infiniti Media
For 2015, the Infiniti QX80 offers a fresh new exterior design, a more crafted interior, additional standard features, technology and the addition of a new Infiniti QX80 Limited Package.
Exterior
The extensive exterior design refinements focus on the QX80’s frontend appearance, with new upper grille shape and added lower grille. The revised front fascia also features new LED high/low beam headlights, LED turn signals, LED fog lights and a new bumper with flush mounted sonar sensors. Chrome plated outside rear mirror caps have been added to the QX80 Deluxe Technology Package.
In the rear a larger, standard bumper protector helps reduce potential damage when loading or unloading recreational gear or bulky cargo. There are also three new exterior colors among the seven total color choices: Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow and Majestic White.
The new Limited Package, which represents a top of the line QX80 AWD model, features dark chrome 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dark chrome interior trim, stainless steel running board caps with rubber grips, under running board welcome lighting, darkened headlight inner lens, darkened taillight inner lens, dark chrome A-pillar covers and three unique exterior colors Imperial Black, Mocha Almond and Dakar Bronze.
Interior
The interior refinements and revised grade level content reflect input from current owners, who have requested greater visual differentiation between color/wood trim offerings and more choices in the optional technology groupings. Two interior color atmospheres are available Wheat or Graphite leather appointed seating along with two interior finisher colors. The previous Tuscan Burl trim has been replaced with a darker Mocha Burl with a heavier, richer and more reddish wood grain. Also added as part of this interior is new steering wheel trim.
The Limited Package’s unique interior includes rich semi aniline Truffle Brown leather appointments with a unique quilted pattern, open pore matte finish ash wood trim, Ultrasuede headliner and pillars, leather covered grab handles, speaker grilles, unique floor, trunk mats and unique silver switchgear on the center stack.
Safety and Technology
Several new technologies have been added for 2015, starting with the advanced High Beam Assist and Predictive Forward Collision Warning systems. The High Beam Assist headlight function, which is standard on all models, utilizes a forward camera to read oncoming or upcoming traffic and automatically dips the high beams to the low beam setting.
The Predictive Forward Collision Warning system warns the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s forward field of vision. It not only can sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also of a vehicle travelling in front of the preceding one. Also added are standard 3-Blink one touch turn signals.
An extensive suite of advance technology systems is again available, but where last year the major systems were combined in the Technology Package, for 2015 the previous content is split into a new Driver Assistance Package and the Deluxe Technology Package.
Performance
As in previous years, all 2015 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 technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.
Summary
The 2015 Infiniti 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 roominess matched with luxury style makes it capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance.
Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway for the 2015 Infiniti QX80 AWD. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $66,350.00, the one I drove included the following packages: Driver’s Assistance, Theater, Deluxe Technology, Tire & Wheel and Limited, and it came in at $89,845.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
