Infinity to introduce QX80 behemoth

Hot on the bumper of Nissan slashing the prices of its Y62 Patrol large 4x4 wagon and cutting the range from three to two models, the company’s luxury partner Infinity is introducing its own take on the Patrol, in the form of the QX80.

Priced from $110,900, the single-variant Infinity QX80 will theoretically top the Patrol model range in much the same way as the Lexus LX570 tops the Land Cruiser 200 Series, on which that vehicle is based.

The $134,700 Lexus will be the QX’s main competitor but as both of them are offered with petrol V8 only, we expect them to remain small sellers.

According to VFACTS figures, only 87 LX570s have been sold in the first six months of 2015, as opposed to the class-leading GL-Class Mercedes Benz which has racked up 295 sales.

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The QX80 will share its stonking 298kW, 5.6-litre V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with the Nissan Patrol.

It will also share its All-Mode 4x4 drive system with low-range transfer case and clever hydraulic body motion control (HBMC) suspension system that reduces body roll on high-speed corners yet maximises suspension travel in off-road driving conditions by doing away with sway bars.

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As you would expect, the big Infinity will be loaded with all the luxury and convenience features the company can stuff into its cavernous, leather laden eight-seat cabin.

The managing director of Infiniti Cars Australia, Jean-Philippe Roux, claims that:

“The QX80 is among the most luxurious and generously appointed SUVs available in the world. It is spacious, elegant and has an incredible presence.”

There’s no denying that the bespoke body styling of the QX has presence.

It is unique and will certainly get noticed once it hits Infinity showrooms later in July.

We’ll have the full specifications and a drive report following the launch at that time.

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