INFINITIQX80 2014 - 2017

　　Infiniti introduced the second generation of its largest SUV, the QX56, in 2010. The premium Japanese automaker built it on the same platform shared with the Nissan Armada and the Titan, and in 2014, the carmaker updated the model and changed its name to the QX80.

　　The QX series was Infiniti’s first full-size SUV, and couldn’t afford to fail with it. That’s why the initial model, the 2004 QX56, used the trustworthy platform from the Nissan Patrol. By 2010, it became clear that if that model was large enough for Europeans, it couldn’t match the offers that came from American automakers such as the Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade. As a result, it took the chassis from its heaviest pickup, the Nissan Titan, and made not just the Armada but also the second QX56. Later, the Japanese marketing department considered it was time for a change in the nomenclature lineup and increased the number behind the letters from 56 to 80. In 2014, the automaker introduced the refreshed version of the second generation of the premium Japanese SUV, the QX80.

　　While Nissan’s engineers were busy working on all the bits and pieces of the vehicle and were heavily financed by the automaker, the design department looked like it was paid with lunch money. As a result, the big SUV looked strange with the headlights that looked too small for the large front fascia. Moreover, the chromed grille sat higher than those and featured a chromed rim that emphasized its dimensions. The lower side of the bumper, on the other hand, looked fine, with its grille in the middle flanked by the foglamps surrounded by chromed trims. On the vehicle’s profile, the artists placed three-slat vents on the front fenders, but not only were those not needed, but they were fake anyway. Still, the back of the car looked fine with its new, clear-lens, LED taillights.

　　By 2014, Infiniti already understood that American customers couldn’t accept a premium vehicle as being luxurious if it didn’t have high-quality leather and lacquered wood trims on the dashboard. In addition, the Japanese automaker also used wood for the steering wheel, the center console, and the door cards. Furthermore, even those seated in the rear benefited from this kind of luxurious treatment, sharing a center console with wood grains. The driver got a new design for the instrument cluster filled with large dials and a TFT display. On the upper side of the center stack, Infiniti installed a color screen for the infotainment system, which was controlled by several buttons underneath it. With seating for up to eight people on board, the QX80 was an excellent alternative for luxurious, full-size SUVs that could carry a large family and some friends. When optioned with a second row with captain seats, it became more of a luxury cruiser and less than a people carrier.

　　Under its skin, the 2015 QX80 retained the original chassis and the 5.6-liter, naturally-aspirated V8 engine. Infiniti paired it as standard with the same seven-speed automatic transmission. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system became a standard feature. Moreover, it also featured a two-speed transfer case for serious off-road situations.

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