Nissan developed a premium version for the rugged Patrol Y62 model and sold it on the U.S. market as a second-generation Infiniti QX56.
In 2010, at the New York Auto Show, Infiniti displayed its biggest model: the 2011 QX56. It competed against the Lexus LX 580 or the Cadillac Escalade. It was difficult for Nissan to hide the links with the Nissan Armada, but the exterior design and the luxurious interior made people forget and forgive that detail.
On the outside, the QX showed a polarizing design with a love-it or hate-it look. The massive chromed grille was taller than the headlights, while its curved angry-looking headlights on the front fenders showed no mercy for the cars in front of them. In the rear, the squared back with shaved margins featured a tall, power-operated liftgate.
Inside, the car featured an executive styling with wood trims on the dashboard, center stack, center console, and door panels. It could accommodate up to eight passengers, but most likely, it was configured for seven, with a middle bench seat for three. The infotainment system took the top spot on the center stack, between the vents. Even though it didn't feature a touch-screen, it offered intuitive controls from the panel placed underneath it.
Under the hood, Nissan dropped a 5.6-liter V-8 fuel injected and with a cylinder deactivation system. It was paired as standard to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Power went in all corners via a two-speed transfer case.