Infiniti QX56

2011 INFINITI QX 56

BY BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

THE AUTO CHANNEL

The full size SUV from the luxury Nissan brand of Infiniti is superb. The 2 Wheel Drive version begins at $58,700.00 and the QX56 4-Wheel Drive model begins at $61,800.00. Both vehicles have the same engine and come loaded with luxury appointments. Options are few but worth considering alone or in packages. One option I like is the intelligent cruise control. I have loved adaptive cruise control since I first used it in the Corvette years past. The systems have improved and the one that Infiniti QX56 has is state-of-the-art. You can set the cruise control and then add into its intelligence the distance you wish to stay back from traffic. If you get too close the system brakes to avoid an accident. Once the traffic is flowing again the QX56 adds power and accelerates to your pre-set speed.

Another optional feature I like is Lane Departure Warning (LDW) that sounds an audible warning when you drift from your lane and the (LDP) or Lane Departure Protection uses the proper brake to move the QX56 back into your lane. Intelligent Brake Assist automatically monitors your distance from vehicles in front of you. If it senses a potential accident it will automatically engage the brakes to reduce the speed in a collision. Another state-of-the-art electronic system to be considered is the hydraulic Body Motion system. To make the drive even smoother the QX56 engineers designed a hydraulic body motion control system. Via computers the Motion Control System monitors force and distributes variable pressure to either the outer or inner suspension. The result you’ll feel with minimized body lean and a smoother ride at all speeds. The Deluxe Touring Package gives you this option and a lot more for an additional $6,950.00.

For ride and looks Infiniti does offer optional larger rims and tires in a tire package. Or in the Deluxe Touring Package a 9-spoked aluminum rim is skinned in 22 inch x 8 inch rubber is another way to go.

The center console has controls for the all-wheel-drive system. Auto, 4 WD high, 4 Wheel drive low plus “Snow” mode. Similar to the controls seen in other AWD SUVs. Infiniti All-Mode 4WD monitors and tunes torque between front and rear wheels to help maintain grip on slippery surfaces. I drove the QX56’s in fall and winter testing the 4-wheel drive abilities.

The large SUV’s have power and performance to move the vehicle even if towing a 8,500 pound trailer. The 400 horesepower 5.6 Liter V 8 has Direct Injection Gasoline and the VVEL valve control enhancement that delivers better fuel economy. The V8 allows for acceleration and the ability to pass thanks to the 413 foot pounds of torque being available throughout all rpm’s.

One safety feature seen on a lot of vehicles is Blind Spot Warning system that comes as part of optional technology package ($2850.00). If you are moving from one lane to another Blind Spot will flash and warn you if a vehicle enters your Blind Spot. Most of the other items I discussed above including lane departure warning, distance control assist, intelligent cruise control are part of the same package technology package.

The large center console screen offers when in reverse a bird eye view, side view, wide view. I used it together with the adjustable side mirrors to avoiding running over any object. Superb system. 360 degree camera system that can be easily changed to show front, side, rear and the best is not just one angle but numerous angles thanks to the fours camera on every side plus the birds -eye perspective to view every side of the car at once. When backing up the monitor has yellow lines to assist in avoiding hitting any object. If you get too close an audible sound will warn you. Others should offer this as an option. Already some after market parties are offering this type of system.

The press vehicles I drove were equipped with the next-generation touchscreen Hard Drive Navigation System. With Voice Recognition you can run the navigation system. The high resolution screen supports Birdview perspective control and 3-D building graphics. Beside navigation to direct you on your route the system has Real-Time Weather updates using XM Nav Weather. If you want a recommended restaurant the Zagat Survey guide will direct you to one.

If you want to turn the QX56 into a theatre they offer a package for $2,450.00. The dual 7- inch screens behind the driver and passenger headrest allow 2-nd row passengers to play movies, games or their own music. Headphones are wireless making it easy for passengers to watch the shows or listen to their favorite music.

The Infiniti QX 56 is quiet thanks to the many insulation designs. From glass to the panels on side and underneath the body. Even the engine has reduced noise inside the cabin thanks to designing of the body insulation.

I like the moon/sun roof. It may not be as large as others offered today but works well.

Infiniti gives the driver an interior crafted around touch, sight and sound. Rich textures and leather create a space with warmth and elegance.

Second row seats are large and comfortable just like the bucket driver and passenger seats. They do not include cooling seats as are available for the driver and front passenger seats. Heated second row seats. Third row is not heated. So unique for storage capabilities is the quickness the 7-8 passenger SUV can be converted. On the front center console two buttons can be accessed to tumble the second row seats. They go perfectly flat. You must manually set seats back into position once they are put down flat.

Third row seats can be adjusted front the rear tailgate. The buttons are on the right side and makes it easy to position to flat for cargo. The photo attached shows that with all seats up cargo space is reduced. When all seats are folded the QX can accommodate up to 95.1 cubic feet of cargo. However if that is the case the roof racks and the front and rear hitches can be used to carry cargo including bikes, kayaks, snow boards, and even cargo bins. After market and Infiniti accessories are numerous to further customize the QX56.

Another package to increase seating from 7 to 8 is offered by Infiniti when you order the vehicle. At no charge you can change the second row seats for a bench seat. It has a 60-40 split but as stated will increase capacity to 8 passengers.

The rear gate is operated by the key fob, interior button. Open or close easily with a touch of the buttons.

The QX 56 sound and entertainment system makes the journey even better. With 13 speakers the Bose delivers great sound throughout the vehicle.

My wish list for the superb Infiniti QX56 would be for front windshield heater coils like in the Range /Land Rovers. In addition another wish would be addition of optional hydraulics like on Range/Land Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and new Grand Cherokee. The Cadillac Escalade is a good alternative to the Infiniti QX56.

A backup for the keyless battery operated key fob. It already has a key to allow you to open drivers door. But, as I found out if the key fob is not working because it is damaged or defective you cannot start the vehicle. Thank goodness they allow up to four sets of keyless entry key fobs. I would keep one with me if I was traveling on the road.

The QX56 is one of the best large SUV’s made today. Not only powerful but it has on board all the best electronic systems made today offering for a safe drive where ever you wish to go.