Think the Escalade is the freshest and best super-luxury full-size SUV for 2015? Think again: the new QX80 Limited has a new VIP backstage pass.
The QX80 Limited is a new flagship trim level that is a comprehensive style and substance upgrade for an already-extremely-tough truck — with all the dark trims, 22-inch wheels, latest LEDs and Autech cabin restyle adding serious desirability to this already-formidable package.
Build with a frame + unibody and a 5.6-liter V8, the QX80’s strength and size has never been in question. What the truck was missing was some of the X factor of style appeal to the latest generation of yummy mommies and red carpet celebs. Despite handling everything from towing 8500-pounds to taking five child seats, the QX80 is in a price bracket where buyers have the luxury of choice. For these stylish individuals, the QX80 Limited brings a broad new appeal to the machine that was never really a factory option before.
EXTERIOR
Outside, the QX80 Limited brings a unique styling makeover that drops every piece of bright chrome in favor of a charcoal-tone black chrome that is at once ultra-posh and ultra-appealing for 2015. The QX80 Limited with these enhancements is able to move beyond its previous positioning as a Land Cruiser or LX570 rival and into the seriously cool big-leagues of the Range Rover, Escalade, Denali or GL63 AMG.
The makeover is extremely effective, with the dark trims for the A-pillars and numerous other elements setting the style well above the standard QX80 for 2015. All QX80 models bring upgraded designs and fresh LED lighting front and rear — but only the Limited will really turn heads both at private school and private nightclubs.
The LED accent around the HID low-beam is joined by LED fog-lamps and distinct HID high-beams. This is a setup that will light up the desert like 2pm even at 2am.
In back, the QX80 Limited has a new dark-tinted clear lense for its brake lights. The internal LED elements are square-themed and the look is unique versus the base QX80 as well as many Toyota and Lexus models employing clear taillamps. It is subtle and sexy, albeit very flashy.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the QX80 Limited is where the Infiniti will really earn stares from Escalade, GL63 and Range Rover owners. The upgrades are handled by a special boutique partner of Infiniti called Autech, and the flowing quilted leather shapes echo the grille style very nicely. Piped seat trims and open-pore, matte and natural woods line the entire QX80 cabin in a way that might make Bentley blush.
Size and roominess is what really sets the QX80 above the GL-Class and Audi Q7, as well as the five-seat-only Range Rover LWB. The QX80 is comfortably between the Escalade and the Escalade ESV in terms of overall roominess, but comfort in the second row of the Infiniti is best-in-segment versus the Cadillac, Lincoln Navigator or Lexus LX570. It is parlor-room comfy and roomy with overstuffed chairs deep with padding and adjust-ability. If this were not the age of austerity, this would be the go-to limo for Chinese party members.
The QX80 was a huge hit at Pebble Beach, where it stands proud as a higher-qaulity and higher-minded truck than the Escalade. Even with its Platinum 2015 leather upgrades — there are numerous places where the Escalade will not mature gracefully in these high-net-worth zip codes.
For red-carpet glamour with a high IQ — the QX80 is the new go-to full-size SUV for Monterey Bay and beyond.
We went overboard in these photos — all 150 of them! — so please enjoy almost every angle of the QX80 Limited – inside and out – plus all the lighting elements front and back.
The QX80 Limited is set to arrive in November or December of 2014 as a 2015 model. Find out more at InfinitiUSA.com
http://www.infinitiusa.com/now/future-vehicles/2015-qx80-limited.html
2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited – Lighting Details
2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited offers unique styling, highest level of premium comfort and technology ever
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New Infiniti QX80 Limited Makes World Debut at New York International Auto Show
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Features unique exterior highlights, ultra-luxury interior and state-of-the-art entertainment and safety technology
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Offered in one fully equipped, production-restricted All-Wheel Drive model
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Set to arrive at Infiniti’s U.S. retailers in late 2014
New York / Hong Kong – The new 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited is destined to be unlike any Infiniti SUV ever when it launches in late 2014 in the United States. With restricted production, the Limited lives up to its name with an extensive menu of exclusive features, including an upgraded level of craftsmanship surpassing even the high standards of “ordinary” QX80s.
The new Infiniti QX80 Limited starts with a fully equipped 2015 QX80 – which receives a major redesign for the model year itself – then adds subtle exterior upgrades and an interior that wouldn’t be out of place in an ultra-executive boardroom or private jet.
“The new QX80 Limited occupies a unique place in the luxury SUV market, offering an ultra-luxury interior in a 3-row/7-passenger contemporary platform,” said Infiniti Americas President Michael Bartsch. “Our new Limited answers the demand from QX80 owners for a vehicle that is more sophisticated but not over-the-top – and one that remains at its core pure Infiniti. It’s a combination that should also attract many new ultra-luxury buyers to the Infiniti brand.”
2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited – Interior
Unique Exterior, Premium-Plus Interior
In addition to the refinements to the 2015 QX80, which bring it closer to the look and feel of the dramatic new Infiniti Q50 sports sedan, the QX80 Limited adds a number of exterior enhancements. The QX80’s LED headlights receive a dark finish, matched with tinted rear combination lamps and special lighting under the brushed finish running boards. A dark chrome finish is added to the upper and lower grille surround, fog light surround, side vents, roof rails and crossbars, A-pillar finisher, door handles, license plate surround and side mirror caps. The standard 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a unique dark finish treatment.
The QX80 Limited is available in six exterior colors, three of which – Imperial Black, Mocha Almond and Dakar Bronze – are exclusive to the Limited. The other three exterior colors, shared with all 2015 QX80s, are Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian and Majestic White.
Inside, the QX80 Limited stands out with a unique Truffle Brown interior environment marked by a palette of brown, black and silver leather and wood appointments and trim.
When it comes to the fine luxury details of the QX80 Limited, nothing has been overlooked. Along with the special Truffle Brown semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, there is unique seat quilting with silver accent piping. In addition, the speaker grilles on the instrument panel have also been leather-wrapped. Even the assist handles are covered in leather and the center cluster features special silver accenting.
The seats themselves have the appearance and feel of contemporary leather furniture. The wood trim is unique to the QX80 Limited – natural-tone genuine Ash wood selected for its “open pore” look and matte finish. The 2nd row follows the same pattern as the front seats, with open pore wood trim on the doors and center console finisher, along with leather-wrapped assist handles.
The headliner and pillars (A-, B- and C-pillars) are also covered with an Ultrasuede® leather lining. The steering wheel, too, is wrapped in special high-grade, smooth leather. Completing the long list of interior enhancements are unique branded stainless steel lighted doorsills.
The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited will be available in one completely equipped All-Wheel Drive model with the Truffle Brown interior. There are no option packages.
“The QX80 Limited’s stunning style and thoughtful package of exclusive features is going to turn heads – on the road and among the ultra-luxury status quo,” said Bartsch.
2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited – Exterior
More Than Just Fine Leather and Wood
Along with all the features that set the new Infiniti QX80 Limited apart, not to be overlooked is the fact that it also comes complete with all of the standard features and equipment of the top-of-the-lineup QX80 AWD with Driver’s Assistance Package, 22″ Wheels, Theater Package and Deluxe Technology Package – and its unmatched combination of power, strength and luxury style.
Capable of transporting seven adults and their belongings in spacious elegance, the QX80 drivetrain is rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped). The Infiniti QX80 is built on a foundation of a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.
The proven 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.
The advanced V8 engine is mated to a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). The standard Infiniti All-Mode AWD® system includes Auto, 4H and 4L modes. The system is designed to distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), helping to enhance traction. Also included is Hill Start Assist.
Responsive handling is provided by an independent double-wishbone design front and rear with automatic rear leveling and advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. The system helps to reduce body lean in turns, resulting in improved ride comfort for passengers in all three rows.
The Infiniti QX80 Limited exterior includes automatic on/off LED headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated LED front fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers are also standard, as are LED taillights, heated power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature. Body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails and crossbars, power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate are also standard.
The QX80 Limited’s interior features a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, (including 2-way power lumbar support) with dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable. Both front seats are climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions), while the 2nd row captain’s chairs are heated. A 2nd row tip-up function with remote release provides easy 3rd row entry/exit.
The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design. A 16.6 cubic foot cargo space for luggage is provided with the 3rd row seat up. When the 3rd row seat is folded, the flat load floor offers a wide, versatile space for carrying cargo.
The QX80 Limited’s long list of additional comfort and convenience features includes nine cupholders and four door-pocket bottle holders, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, Infiniti signature analog clock and an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
Premium entertainment and technology features include an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with NavTraffic and NavWeather (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
The Around View® Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System includes the advanced Moving Object Detection (MOD) system. Around View® Monitor utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the QX80 – to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots.
Also featured is a Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), USB connection port for use with iPod® Interface or other compatible devices and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. The family entertainment system features dual 7-inch color monitors with auto-bright system, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120V power outlet.
The Infiniti QX80 Limited also offers a seemingly unlimited list of advanced technology and safety features, including High Beam Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Emergency Braking and the new Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts. Also included are Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).
The extensive list of standard safety features includes an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted side-impact supplemental curtain air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); front seat Active Head Restraints; LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.
Finally, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) features an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator, which provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures.
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About Infiniti:
Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand’s portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti’s Director of Performance.
More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti in Formula One, visit www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGP.
Find out more at InfinitiUSA.com
http://www.infinitiusa.com/now/future-vehicles/2015-qx80-limited.html
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.