Infiniti has pulled off the warps for the facelifted QX80 (not all-new model as reported earlier) ahead of its official debut at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show. The refreshed QX80 gets much of its design cues carried over from the QX80 Monograph design study as well as a host of upgrades to keep up with the full-sized luxury SUV segment.
Measuring at 5,340 mm in length, 1,925 mm tall (with roof rails), 2,030 mm in width and 3,075 mm in wheelbase, the refreshed QX80 gets the company’s latest “Powerful Elegance” design language with more defined character lines and larger “face”. Infiniti Malaysia has expressed that this ginormous machine will arrive on our shores next year.
EXTERIOR
The hood now extends 90 mm forward and sits 20 mm higher to create the impression of a taller visual centre of gravity. It also gets new “human-eye” headlamp design with signature eyebrow LED daytime running lights as well as a “double-arch” grille to make the car more visually striking. Despite its boxy appearance, Infiniti has done some modifications to the underbody to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.36 cd.
Customers have the option of two alloy wheel design – six-spoke 20-inch (276/60 tyres) and 21-inch 18-spoke alloys (275/50 tyres). The QX80 comes in nine exterior paint finishes – Liquid Platinum, Smoky Quartz, Graphite Shadow, Hermosa Blue, Mocha Almond, Black Obsidian, Moonstone White, Mineral Black and Champagne Quartz.
INTERIOR
Infiniti has made subtle revisions to the cabin for better ergonomics along with use of higher quality materials. Depending on specification, the seats can be had in quilted leather or semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. New items include leather-wrapped gear lever, steering wheel and 8.0-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system.
Rear passengers get the most goodies to play with – larger rear infotainment screens (now 8.0-inch) which supports HDMI input, individual content display, two USB charging ports and auxiliary jacks for headphones. The side steps of the QX80 have been made 20 mm wider than the outgoing model, providing easier access for stepping in and out of the cabin.
Infiniti has also made the cabin a quieter place to be in with wider soundproofing area behind the dashboard panel, denser floor mats and additional sound deadening materials around the cargo area.
PERFORMANCE
The facelifted QX80 remains powered by a 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done in 7.5 seconds onwards to a top speed of 210 km/h. The QX80 is available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The hydraulic suspension on the QX80 has been revised to allow it to take corners flatter without sacrificing comfort expected of a luxury SUV. Despite having softer dampers (-30 per cent), the Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) helps limit excess body-roll during corners.
SAFETY
Infiniti has added its latest range of advanced driver assistance systems to the QX80 – Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.
WHAT ELSE?
Infiniti Malaysia has hinted that the facelifted Infiniti QX80 will be coming to Malaysia in 2018 to replace the current model on sale. To recap, the QX80 when first launched here in Malaysia carried an asking price of RM800k, putting it in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 and Lexus LX 570.
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