2019 Infiniti QX80 Limited AWD

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Infiniti USA

The INFINITI QX80 introduces a modern interpretation of upscale luxury, pairing a high quality, hand-crafted interior with refined driving dynamics. The 2019 INFINITI QX80 LIMITED adds a range of exclusive new treatments for an even more powerful presence.

Exterior
The 2019 QX80 Limited continues the bold interpretation of INFINITI’s Powerful Elegance design language with unmistakable INFINITI signature design elements. It features a commanding presence with powerful muscularity, enhanced horizontal movement and iconic double-arch grille and signature headlamps.

At 210.2 inches in length, 75.8 inches tall with roof rails, 79.9 inches wide and a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the exterior incorporates geometric and organic shapes to combine power with elegance. Yet despite its scale, the design communicates a clear sense of elegance and human artistry.

The QX80 Limited features clearly defined character lines, and a purposeful front end with large, functional fender vents. The headlamps wrap around the front corners of the hood and into the fenders. As they taper, the lamps lead into a strong, straight shoulder line that runs from the grille all the way to the rear. Paired with upright air vents aft of the front wheel arches, these geometric lines convey muscular, almost architectural statement in profile.

The rear exhibits simple, clearly defined details designed to raise the visual center of gravity. With sharp, thin taillights, straight character lines for bodywork and light units, and a raised lower bumper section, the QX80 appears wider, taller and more athletic than its predecessor.

Another INFINITI signature, the crescent-cut D-pillar lies parallel with the roofline. Like the shoulder line, the elegant design of the D-pillar enhances the horizontal aspect of the QX80’s upper body. The 2019 QX80 Limited also includes standard power liftgate and power sliding glass moonroof with one-touch open/close.

In addition, the QX80 Limited also features the brand’s human-eye headlamps, which employ triple light guide technology to offer maximum lighting and visibility from every angle. Automatic on/off LED headlights with High Beam Assist are standard, as are LED fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System and headlight washers are standard on the LIMITED model. At the rear of the vehicle, the slim, sharp combination taillights echo the headlamp shape and employ LED technology.

Interior
The high-quality, handcrafted interior is one of the most luxurious, highest-quality passenger compartments created by INFINITI to date. Finely tailored and crafted by hand, there is an enhanced human artistry throughout the large, roomy cabin, providing a sense of upscale luxury. Advanced technologies and refinement measures enhance the driving experience and provide ambience driver and passengers alike.

The roominess, matched with luxury style, makes it capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings. The interior cabin offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant. It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available.

Every QX80 comes with a standard 10-way power driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support, along with an 8-way power passenger’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support. Heated and cooled front seats standard on the QX80 LIMITED. A comfortable 2nd row captain’s chairs with tip-up easy entry for 3rd row and a power 60/40-split fold-flat and reclining 3rd row bench seat completes the seating. For owners desiring 8-passenger seating, a 60/40 split 2nd row bench seat is available.

INFINITI’s InTouch infotainment system allows drivers to personalize driving characteristics and the cabin environment. Adjusted via the 8.0-inch touchscreen, the intuitive system is controlled with multi-touch smartphone controls and voice control, as well as physical buttons beneath the screen and on the steering wheel.

Paired with the smart key, INFINITI’s InTouch system memorizes more than 200 settings for two drivers, including customized settings for navigation, seat positions, audio, safety systems, climate control presets and configuration of the infotainment system. The car automatically adjusts when it detects each smart key.

The system offers full smartphone connectivity and telematics support, depending on market. This enables owners to control elements of the car remotely and access a range of other support functions. Other features include Remote Engine Start, enabling drivers to start the engine and heat or cool the cabin before getting in; and Remote Horn and Lights, enabling drivers to control the car’s horn and lights via their phone, useful if the driver is unable to remember their car’s location in a large parking lot.


Two advanced audio systems are also offered. The standard Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System includes two subwoofers and high-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 standard on QX80 LIMITED and optional as part of the Sensory Package.

The available rear entertainment system features large, high-resolution screens that provide the interface for connectivity and entertainment devices. The 8.0-inch screens in the backs of the front seats offer 960 x 540-pixel resolution, 16:9 screen ratio to support super-resolution imaging, and Ultra Resolution Technology.

Passengers in the front have comprehensive control of the entertainment system. Front-row passengers can use the Remote-Control Lock function accessed through the dashboard or steering wheel to lock the rear-seat remote control. In addition, front-seat occupants can turn displays on or off, switch between different inputs remotely, select which audio sources are used, and play or pause content. An All Mute button also enables the driver or front passenger to mute every audio source in the cabin, including headphones.

Premium level storage spaces are found throughout the interior. In the front, the center console features a large smartphone storage area, able to accommodate mobile devices up to 2.9 inches in width. The twin cup holders in the front accommodate two 44oz cups with handles. The storage area beneath the front passenger armrest, at 9.4 inches in height, can now hold up to three upright 1.0-liter bottles. The space is shaped to accommodate tablet devices stood vertically.

Cargo capacity measures 49.6 cu ft when the third row of seats is folded down. This provides enough space to store four large suitcases, four golf bags, or a baby-stroller stored lengthways, without impairing rear visibility for the driver. With all three rows of seats in place, the trunk offers 16.6 cubic feet of storage capacity, enough to store a pair of full-sized suitcases upright.


Empowering performance and safety
QX80 LIMITED models comes standard with an advanced 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine, delivering ample on-road performance. Combining the combustion efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline, and the responsive acceleration of Variable Valve Event and Lift technology, the V8 engine produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.

The engine is matched with a smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching.

The 2019 QX80 Limited comes equipped with the INFINITI All-Mode 4WD enabling four-wheel traction when conditions dictate it, and off-road capability when the driver demands it. With optimal all-season power delivery, the rear-biased drivetrain defaults to rear-wheel drive, continually adjusting power distribution between front and rear axles.

Drivers can customize the four-wheel drive system via a dial in the center console. The system sits in auto mode by default, using a computer-controlled transfer case to instantly redistribute engine torque to the wheels with the most traction. Permanent high- and low-range four-wheel drive settings are also available. The high-range setting is designed to take on moderate off-road driving and snow; the low-range function empowers drivers to tackle more demanding off-road conditions, with steeper inclines and declines, when more traction is needed.

The four-wheel drive system is backed up by the four-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip system, which responds to wheel-spin by automatically applying brakes to each spinning wheel and assists in redistributing torque to other wheels to maximize traction and control.


Summary
The 2019 QX80 Limited stands apart with a refined and spacious cabin that features high-quality materials, a hand-crafted finish, and advanced drive-assist technologies, all combining to promote a sense of inclusive, modern luxury and set new standards for upscale sophistication; With a taut yet comfort-oriented suspension and ample performance from its 5.6-liter V8 engine, the QX80 Limited gives drivers an assured feeling of control and confidence at the wheel. Manufacturer’s suggested retail base price is $91,095.00 including destination charges, EPA fuel economy estimates 13 MPG city & 19 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Infiniti.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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