Infiniti QX80 Redefines "Q-Ship"

Journalists often refer to high-performance luxury sedans that do everything perfectly as “Q-Ships”.  The original Infiniti Q-ship was literally a Q-ship, branded Q45.  When it debuted in 1989, it was the equal of German bismarks costing twice as much.  Fast, comfortable, well-appointed, and over-engineered, the car was fantastic.  Since its discontinuation several years ago, Infiniti exclusively used Q on its SUVs.  Gi-normous or not, the QX80 Limited carries itself well as Infiniti’s top transporter.

Q-vacious Body

Obviously large, the QX shapes its heft behind a curvaceous body that adopts Infiniti’s latest trend towards Japanese elegance.  An elegant chrome grille with plate-size Infiniti logo is sided by xenon headlamps that swivel around curves.  LED taillights, heated side mirrors that flip down for backing, body color running boards, charcoal roof rails, and 22-inch alloys dress our Limited edition.  Vents on the front fenders apparently signify the power within.

Up to seven voyagers ride in divine luxury.  The front cabin embraces Infiniti’s theme of flowing woodgrain and stitched coverings for the dash and doors.  Quilted truffle leather spoil passengers rotten.  Analog gauges are large and sporty, decorated with lacework.  Heated leather seats and steering wheel soothe chilled bones while the Bose 15-speaker audio system with USB input caress one’s ears.  The rear state room features its own zone of climate control, twin captain’s chairs, LCD screens, power-fold third-row seat, power hatch, and enough space for four linebackers. 

Smooth Operator

Fortunately, the QX80 is up to the challenge of moving them expeditiously.  Under the smooth hood is a whisper-smooth 5.6-litre V8 that generates 400 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque – routed to through a seven-speed automatic transmission.  That’s enough to tow up to 8,500 lbs. of mini-yacht, horses, or a couple of classic cars.  Unloaded, fuel economy is rated 13/19-MPG city/hwy. – not impressive, but on-par for a vessel this size.

Acting like giant stabilizers on another high-tech Q-Ship, the Queen Mary 2, a Hydraulic Body Motion Control system reduces body lean while cornering and keeps the vehicle level in all circumstances.  Each shock absorber has a hydraulic chamber that is cross-piped with the other cylinders, allowing the vehicle to adjust suspension travel on each wheel independently.  A rear leveling system compensates for trailers and cargo loads.  Those big wheels give the standard four-wheel independent suspension a work-out, causing the ride to be harsh over rough pavement, but HBMC provides a luxury car ride without wallowing down the highway.

The wagon’s four-wheel-drive system is equally impressive.  Controlled by a large metal knob in the center console, the system features Auto, 4H, and 4L modes.  The powertrain can be dialed for Snow and Tow modes.  Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, and Hill Start Assist (holds the vehicle momentarily while lifting from brake to throttle) provide an extra margin of safety as do lane departure warning/prevention, blind spot alert, and front collision avoidance systems.  Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance, but I could do without the proximity sensors that are perceptive enough to detect a Vulcan starship from three centuries away. 

A journalist calling any vehicle a Q-Ship is high praise.  Infiniti found a unique style that is true to its Japanese heritage.  Sybaric luxury, substantial power, delightful road manners, and a full suite of the latest technology make the QX80 a great vessel.  It loves its gas, and I’m not yet convinced the wood is real, but nobody will care.  A base price of $63,250 - $89,845 as tested - is in line with the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Storm Forward!

2016 Infiniti QX80 Limited

• Seven-passenger, AWD SUV
• Powertrain:  400 hp 5.6-litre V8, 7-spd trans.
• Suspension f/r:  Ind/Ind
• Wheels f/r:  22”/22”
• Brakes f/r:  disc/disc
• Must-have features:  Style, technology
• Manufacturing:  Japan
• Fuel economy:  13/19-MPG city/hwy
• Base/as-tested price:  $63,250/89,845