LOS ANGELES – Infiniti will bring its flagship SUV to South Africa. And when I say “flagship”, the emphasis is firmly on ship. Or, rather, a luxury liner. There are two reasons for this observation: from behind the wheel, you feel as though you’re at the helm of a massive vessel the ends of which are well beyond your view; and it’s decadently luxurious and has all the bells and whistles that occupants may need or want.
Banks of controls and switchgear make it clear the QX80 means business in terms of functionality and capability. Possessing the impressive off-road abilities of the Nissan Patrol it’s based on, Infiniti has added a layer of opulence synonymous with Nissan’s premium sub-division. This go-anywhere 4×4 gets modern conveniences like three-zone climate control across all three rows of seating and a heated steering wheel for the driver.
Visually, it is a juggernaut, demanding your attention with its steeply raked profile, large tinted greenhouse, almost pantomime-like gigantic grille and ornate lamp detailing on the stern and bow. Shiny 20-inch alloy hoops dominate each corner, with more bling twinkling from chrome-bezelled foglamp surrounds and fender vents. Similar treatment has been applied to the door handles, boot lid and window surrounds, with a body-coloured wing across the top of the rear windscreen.
Clamber aboard and you find yourself in a luxurious cabin with leather and wood for the steering wheel, alloy, leather and wood trim on the facia and gearlever, and in-car entertainment that is made up of a Bose premium stereo system, DVD player, USB, iPod and auxiliary connections.
Initially, manoeuvring this colossal vehicle round areas of California felt as heavy as it looked, but after a while I got used to the weight (just under three tonnes). This is in no small part helped by a 5,6-litre V8 petrol engine with 298 kW and 559 N.m of torque that sends drive to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Ride and comfort are impressive thanks to the QX’s independent suspension. And, even at idle, there’s quietness to the engine that makes it hard to believe this vehicle could rough it in some of the toughest off-roading conditions. Anyone interested in using the QX as a tug will be happy to know it can pull close to three-and-a-half tonnes.
With the QX80 due in South Africa towards the end of 2014, it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against South Africa’s long-time favourite tough-as-nails-but-still-luxurious SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser 200.
FAST FACTS*
Infiniti QX80
Engine: 5,6-litre, V8, petrol
Power: 298 kW/5 800 r/min
Torque: 559 N.m/4 000 r/min
Transmission: 7-spd auto
0-100 km/h: 7,0 secs
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: n/a
CO2: n/a
*Claimed figures
