By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Infiniti USA
The 2016 Infiniti QX80 Limited 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.
Exterior
The Infiniti QX80 Limited exterior, is designed to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The Limited Package starts with a fully equipped 2016 QX80 AWD, and then adds subtle exterior upgrades and an interior that wouldn’t be out of place in an ultra-executive boardroom or private jet. It occupies a unique place in the luxury SUV market, offering an ultra-luxury interior in a 3-row/7-passenger contemporary platform, answering the demand from QX80 owners for a vehicle that is more sophisticated but not over-the-top and one that remains at its core pure Infiniti.
In addition, the QX80 Limited adds a number of unique exterior enhancements. The LED headlights receive a dark finish, matched with tinted rear combination lamps and special lighting under the brushed finish running boards. A dark chrome finish is added to the upper and lower grille surround, fog light surround, side vents, roof rails and crossbars, A-pillar finisher, door handles, license plate surround and side mirror caps. The standard 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a unique dark finish treatment.
Interior
Inside, the QX80 Limited stands out with a unique Truffle Brown interior environment marked by a palette of brown, black and silver leather and wood appointments and trim.
When it comes to the fine luxury details, nothing has been overlooked. Along with the special Truffle Brown semi-aniline leather appointed seats, there is unique seat quilting with silver accent piping. In addition, the speaker grilles on the instrument panel have also been leather-wrapped. Even the assist handles are covered in leather and the center cluster features special silver accenting.
The seats themselves have the appearance and feel of contemporary leather furniture. The wood trim is unique, natural-tone genuine Ash wood selected for its open pore look and matte finish. The 2nd row follows the same pattern as the front seats, with open pore wood trim on the doors and center console finisher, along with leather-wrapped assist handles.
In addition, the headliner and pillars are also covered with an Ultra suede leather lining. The steering wheel, too, is wrapped in special high-grade, smooth leather. Completing the long list of interior enhancements are unique branded stainless steel lighted doorsills.
The 2016 Infiniti QX80 Limited is available on QX80 All-Wheel Drive models. It includes all of the standard features and equipment of a QX80 AWD with Driver’s Assistance, Theater and Deluxe Technology Packages.
Performance
The proven 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s Variable Valve Event & Lift technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching is standard on all models.
The suspension is an independent double-wishbone design front and rear, with Dual-Flow Path 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.
Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (13.8-inch vented discs’ front and rear) with Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. Vehicle Dynamic Control and 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip are standard on every QX80, along with engine-speed sensitive power steering.
Summary
The 2016 Infiniti QX80 Limited creates a vehicle unlike any Infiniti SUV. With restricted production, the Limited Package lives up to its name with an extensive menu of exclusive features, including an upgraded level of craftsmanship surpassing even the high standards of the QX80s. Manufacturer’s suggested retail base price is $89,845.00 including destination charges, EPA fuel economy estimates 13 MPG city & 19 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
