2011 Infiniti QX56
05/26/2010
Shahed Hussain
Infiniti joined the full-size luxury SUV segment in 2004 with the QX56, a premium version of the less expensive Nissan Armada. Intended to compete against the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the QX56 carved out a small niche along with the Lexus LX470 among full-size luxury SUV customers. The second-generation QX56 is based on a new stiffer platform, and is now assembled in Kyushu, Japan, instead of Canton, Mississippi.
Infiniti offers the QX56 in 2WD ($56,700) or 4WD ($59,800); both models are powered by a 5.6L V-8, coupled to a 7-speed automatic. Major options consist of the Theater Package ($2,450), Technology Package ($2,850), and Deluxe Touring Package ($5,800). Parents will appreciate the dual monitors, wireless headphones, remote, auxiliary A/V jacks and a 120V power outlet, all part of the Theater Package. Sophisticated safety features are included in the Technology Package, such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Adaptive Front lighting System. The expensive Deluxe Touring Package adds 22-inch alloy wheels, Hydraulic Body Motion Control, climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row seats, upgraded semi-aniline leather seats, wood trim, air purifier, and headlight washers.
The new QX56 rides on a 121.1 in. wheelbase; overall length increases 1.4 in. to 208.3 in. Total width rises to 79.9 in., up 1.1 in., but height drops to 79.9 in. Total interior volume is 167.9 cu. ft. Cargo volume behind the third row is 16.6 cu. ft. Compared to the Escalade, the QX56 is 5.8 in. longer, 0.9 in. wider, and a significant 5.6 in. taller.
Customers expect luxury SUVs to have posh interiors, but the previous QX56 lacked the premium appointments expected, sharing too much of the Nissan Armada's uninspiring design and materials. Upgrading the interior was evidently a top priority for Infiniti's designers and product planners. Generous swaths of wood cover the dashboard, doors, and center console, while the supple leather seats remind us that not all hides are created equal. The front seats have multiple power adjustments: 10-way (driver) and 8-way (passenger), plus 2-way lumbar support. We had no trouble finding a comfortable seating position, but the flat cushion lacks lateral support. Rear passengers can stretch out in near limousine-like legroom.
Infiniti replaced the 5-speed automatic with a new 7-speed automatic that has become standard across its vehicle lineup. The 5.6L V-8 has been heavily revised and is now rated at 400-bhp @ 5,600 RPM; torque output climbs to 413 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM. Credit the power and torque improvements to direct-injection and variable valve timing. The beefy VK56VD V-8 endows the QX56 with decent acceleration, especially considering its nearly three-ton curb weight. Both 2WD and 4WD models share the same EPA mileage ratings of 14/20 MPG (city/hwy.). Towing capacity is 8,500 lbs.
The QX56 retains its all-independent suspension with double wishbones front and rear. Twin-tube dampers and coil springs are at all four corners. Brakes consist of 13.8-in. diameter vented discs front and rear with ABS, TCS (Traction Control System), and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). The optional Deluxe Touring Package replaces the standard stabilizer bars with an innovative Hydraulic Body Motion Control system to control suspension movement. This complex set of piping, chambers and accumulators directs hydraulic fluid to each shock absorber to dynamically adjust damping to reduce body roll.
For an SUV that weighs in at 5,590 lbs. (2WD) or 5,850 lbs. (4WD), the QX56 feels remarkably connected to the road. Instead of the typical numb steering, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the hydraulically-assisted steering accurately transmits road textures to the driver's fingertips. While few would claim that the QX56 is nimble, it certainly drives like a much smaller vehicle than it is. The tightly damped suspension tuning results in a jittery ride over typical two-lane highways, but in return, the QX56 exhibits crisper steering response and minimal body roll compared to its competition. The optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, part of the Technology Package was especially insistent, beeping every few seconds, even when the QX56 was in its lane. We quickly turned it off to avoid unnecessary annoyance.
Infiniti accomplished an impressive redesign of the QX56, which now becomes a competitive entrant among full-size luxury SUVs. Despite its massive bulk, this Infiniti manages not to drive like the lumbering behemoth we expected. No one will mistake the QX56 for a sport sedan, but drivers who need (or just want) a big SUV but demand ample power and (relatively) precise handling, the QX56 is worth a look.