Infiniti’s premium full-size SUV, the QX80, is now on sale. Luxurious and sophisticated, the QX80 is the premium brand’s range-leading, full-size SUV and its arrival this month heralds the start of Infiniti’s next phase of new-model releases in Australia.
Jean-Philippe Roux, the Managing Director of Infiniti Cars Australia, said the Infiniti QX80 is a commanding SUV that will meet the specific needs of premium SUV buyers.
“The QX80 is among the most luxurious and generously appointed SUVs available in the world,” he said. “It is spacious, elegant and has an incredible presence, and it positions Infiniti squarely in this important vehicle segment.”
According to Roux, adding the QX80 to Infiniti’s Australian catalogue is a logical move.
“A number of buyers have asked us for a model at least one size up from the QX70 crossover. Adding the QX80 to our local catalogue in small volumes will meet this local opportunity.”
The arrival of the QX80 in July will be the first in a series of new-model additions for Infiniti in Australia. From early next year, three all-new models are scheduled to be released: the Q30 active compact, the QX30 active crossover, and the production version of the evocative Q60 Concept 2+2 coupe, which made its world premiere at this year’s Detroit Motor Show in January.
“Expanding the Infiniti vehicle range is a key part of our plan for sustainable growth in Australia,” Roux said. “These next four new models to join our range will see the Infiniti brand cover a much broader range of the local premium market. And we have even more all-new models planned.”
Engine and transmission
Powering the QX80 is a direct injection petrol V8 engine with a 5552 cc capacity. This power unit generates 298 kW at 5800 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, of which 90 per cent is available from only 1600rpm, delivering exceptional low down torque.
The aluminium-alloy engine uses a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 32-valve design featuring advanced Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology, Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTCS) as well as direct fuel injection. The VVEL system is employed on the engine’s intake side and combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve.
The VVEL system also improves exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially lowering the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.
The Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a nondirect-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.
Fuel consumption in the QX80 is 14.8-litres per 100 kilometres travelled (combined cycle, according to ADR81/02, achieved with 98 RON petrol) and the vehicle’s fuel tank capacity is 100 litres. For optimum performance, 98 RON petrol is recommended but the QX80 can be operated with either 95 RON or 91 RON grade petrol.
Partnering the 298kW engine is a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox that features Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and selectable manual mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). Coupling the engine and transmission unit is a conventional torque convertor. The seven-speed transmission is the centre-point in the QX80’s ALL-MODE 4X4 system, which has been designed to distribute torque to all four wheels according to the road’s conditions, with up to 50 percent of drive available to the front wheels on demand, helping to enhance traction according to conditions.
There is no mechanical centre differential, with drive fed to the front axle via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case.
A convenient circular switch panel mounted next to the driver on the centre console controls the various functions in the QX80’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and four specific driving modes: snow, sand, rocks and on-road driving.
The driver can select a drive mode suitable for the conditions simply via the press of a button. The Hill Start Assist function allows the driver to pause on a slope and hold the vehicle, even if the footbrake is released. Hill Descent Control uses the QX80’s brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7 km/h when in 4H mode and 4 km/h in 4L mode.
Chassis and suspension
The QX80’s body structure has a high-stiffness design for enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The body-on-frame layout employs an independent suspension design with double wishbones both front and rear.
A notable addition to the chassis is the Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension system. This intelligent design reduces body roll in high-speed corners on sealed surfaces and maximises suspension travel when driving off-road.
The HBMC system’s cylinders replace traditional dampers and anti-roll bars. Hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber automatically control the QX80’s suspension travel. The chambers are cross-connected by piping that allows for the transfer of hydraulic fluid, managed seamlessly by nitrogen-charged accumulators, from one side of the vehicle to the other. When cornering, roll stiffness is increased, reducing the amount of body lean over the outside wheels.
The system is able to vary suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle, creating a flat and stable ride that’s ideal for this premium SUV. The hydraulic pressure in the QX80’s HBMC system is approximately nine percent higher than that in the Nissan Patrol Y62, delivering a slightly firmer and sportier ride.
When driving off-road, the lack of anti-roll bars allows the suspension to rise and fall more freely, improving traction and allowing the driver to traverse tougher terrain.
Drivers will enjoy the response from the QX80’s vehicle speed-sensitive power steering and the comfort from the standard-fitment heated and leather-bound steering wheel, which is electrically adjustable for both reach and rake.
Braking power is delivered by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes that use an opposedcalliper sports design, with four-piston units at the front and two-piston at the rear. The QX80 is fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are also standard fitment.
The QX80 rides on 22 x 8.0-inch, 14-spoke forged aluminium wheels with 275/50 R22 all-season tyres and features a full-sized, 22-inch spare wheel.
Exterior, interior and equipment
The QX80’s unmistakeable design is dynamic and bold. Its combination of size and styling conveys an underlying sense of power and strength. The prominent front chrome grille is flanked by the dusk-sensing bi-functional Xenon headlights with integrated washing system and front fog lights. The Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-levelling headlights also has an automatic high beam function.
Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated, power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body colour integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, power sliding tinted glass sun roof and a power-operated rear tail gate.
The QX80 is available in four exterior colours (premium metallic paint is a no-charge option):
- Black Obsidian (non-metallic)
- Moonlight White (metallic)
- Liquid Platinum (metallic)
- Graphite Shadow (metallic)
The interior of the QX80 offers up to eight occupants First-Class levels of comfort and space. The three seating rows are arranged in a two-three-three format with third-row passengers able to access their seats via the electrically controlled second-row, 60:40 split-fold seats, which flip into their access position at the touch of a button. The secondrow seats also recline for optimum comfort.
The QX80’s rear cargo capacity is an impressive 470 litres with the third-row seats in position. Conveniently, there is 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area.
The climate-controlled and power-operated driver and front passenger seats offer heating and cooling for maximum comfort and the outboard second-row seats are heated. The driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable, including two adjustments for lumbar support. The driver’s seat also features a standard dual occupant memory system for the positions of the seat, steering wheel and outside rear-vision mirrors.
Premium semi-aniline leather upholstery is fitted to all seats. The single upholstery colour – Graphite – is complemented by elegant Stratford Burl trim.
The QX80’s generous list of comfort and convenience features includes nine cup holders and four door-pocket bottle holders; Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control; Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition; Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and Infiniti’s signature analogue clock.
Among the QX80’s premium entertainment and technology features are an eight-inch WVGA colour touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System. Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and audio streaming are also standard.
The standard-fitment 5.1 Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system features 15 speakers (including two sub-woofers) that delivers impressive concert-like sound. This impressive sound system comprises a single-disc CD with MP3/WMA compatibility and the Infiniti Navigation System (hard drive) with Traffic Message Channel. Streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology is also fitted.
The rear-seat entertainment system features dual seven-inch colour monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and a 120V power outlet. The system allows playback of games or movies in the rear (games and movies sold separately), while front occupants can listen to audio, all at the same time. The two seven-inch colour monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime, clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting.
The front centre console contains auxiliary audio/video input jacks as well as a USB port.
The QX80 is also equipped with rain-sensing, variable intermittent windscreen wipers and rear privacy glass.
Innovative technologies
The Infiniti QX80 bristles with a variety of intelligent and intuitive technologies. They are summarised below.
- Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)
The Around View Monitor displays a combination of different views of the vehicle, from above (a bird’s-eye view), front, rear and side to assist when parking. Cameras located at the front and rear of the QX80 work in conjunction with additional side-mounted cameras to deliver an aerial image to the eight-inch colour touch screen, assisting drivers with safe and problem-free parking or manoeuvring.
- Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI)
Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention™ system, first introduced in 2013, detects cross traffic and large stationary objects behind the vehicle when it’s reversing and can both warn the driver and engage the brakes momentarily to help the driver avoid an impending collision.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
The Blind Spot Warning system illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the driver’s blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator warning light flashes and an audible warning will sound.
- Blind Spot Intervention
The Blind Spot Intervention system provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. This helps the driver return the vehicle towards the centre of the lane of travel.
- Distance Control Assist
Distance Control Assist is part of the QX80’s Intelligent Cruise Control system (see next).
It intuitively intervenes to prompt the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic if it detects the distance between the vehicle and other traffic is closing too rapidly.
- Intelligent Cruise Control
Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control uses a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX80’s braking system to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to help maintain a preselected following distance. The driver can select from three set distances using a button located on the steering wheel (Distance Control Assist, or DCA).
- Lane Departure Warning and Prevention Systems
The Lane Departure Warning and Prevention systems use a small camera installed behind the windscreen to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers, and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and an audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane, the system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift. The system is operational at speeds in excess of 70 km/h.
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking and
Intelligent Brake Assist
When the Predictive Forward Collision Warning system detects there is a risk of a collision ahead, it warns the driver with an alarm and an indicator to brake. The system is operational above 15 km/h and even detects stationary vehicles ahead. Cleverly, when driving, it monitors not only the vehicle ahead but the next vehicle ahead as well. If the driver does not adequately respond to the Predictive Forward Collision Warning and a collision cannot be avoided, the Intelligent Brake Assist system will automatically engage the brakes to help reduce collision speed and impact, thus helping to reduce the consequences of an accident. Infiniti introduced the Predictive Forward Collision system in 2014 with the Q50 sedan.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System features an individual tyre pressure display.
Maintaining proper tyre pressure helps to maintain handling performance, achieve good fuel economy and long tyre life.
Safety
The QX80 is equipped with a comprehensive arsenal of active and passive safety features. They are listed alphabetically, below.
- Active Head Restraints (AHR) (front seats)
- Airbags: Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (six airbags in total: driver’s airbag, front passenger airbag, front side impact airbags (seat-mounted), curtain airbags from A- to D-Pillar (roof-mounted)); roll-over sensor
- Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
- Backup Collision Intervention (BCI)
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
- Blind Spot Intervention (BSI)
- Child safety rear door locks
- Distance Control Assist (DCA)
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Forward Emergency Braking
- Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), which monitors the relative velocity of the vehicle ahead as well as the next vehicle ahead
- Remote keyless entry system
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- Zone Body construction with reinforced passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones
Towing
The towing capacities of the Infiniti QX80 are:
- Un-braked trailer: 750kg
- Braked trailer: 3,500kg
The QX80 comes fitted with an integrated tow bar package as standard equipment. This includes both the tow bar tongue and wiring harness.
Price
The Infiniti QX80 is offered in Australia with the single powertrain configuration and in one model grade: S Premium.
The QX80 features an Infiniti Service Assure scheduled servicing program, a fouryear/100,000 kilometre warranty and a four-year roadside assistance program.
| Model | MSRP* | Estimated Driveaway** |
| Infiniti QX80 | $110,900 | $118,529 |
* Manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
** Maximum recommended drive-away price for vehicle in Victoria including 12 months’ registration, 12 months’ CTP and applicable statutory charges, dealer delivery and administration charges. Price is based on a private owner aged 40 with a good driving record and the vehicle being garaged in Victoria. Prices may differ depending on State purchased, individual’s personal circumstances and will vary from dealer to dealer.
Premium paint is available at additional cost.
^ Towing capacity is subject to towbar/towball capacity. The capacity may be reduced if a non-genuine Infiniti towbar is fitted.
