UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach

 

When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class.

But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014.

A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package.

400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big QX80 is even offered as a simple rear-drive configuration for those in arid climates like Arizona. Or Abu Dhabi.

So, is the QX80 a cynical restyle of the Nissan Armada? It is easy to assume this is the case — but you would be dead wrong. The first QX56 was, indeed, a bit of a badge/stickers job on the outside even while the interior carries 400-pounds of extra comfort materials over the work-a-day Armada.

 2014 vs 2015

But while the original Armada soldiers forward — the QX80 actually was fully redesigned only a few years into its stint on the global Infiniti sales books. A blend of more-upright layouts for the seating and a thorough chassis overhaul means that the Armada and QX80 are distant cousins as best these days.

This comes into sharp relief when considering the QX80 comes from Japan, while the Armada from a US assembly plant. For car people: this means they are completely different machines. It also brings a standard of quality execution that is beyond volume-car-lines.

2015 QX80 Limited Interior

2014 QX80 Interior

The Infiniti (and Lexus) flagship factories are slow, detailed-obsessed and attentive to the low, low volumes of cars they produce. It is not that the Lexus LS460 has smarter robots to build it than the ES350 in Kentucky — but just much more freedom to stop the line, make changes, and ensure things are perfect.

Versus stopping the line: I think much more handcrafting means the cars may not be on a moving assembly floor at all. But this is speculation.

The QX80, if we’re not mistaken, is now assembled in the old Q45 shop — indicating a max output volume per head that might make Bentley blush. Fewer than 10,000 units, we estimate, from a staff of thousands. That is attention to detail — and that is also a major benefit of this luxury hauler versus the Armada, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Expedition… all of them.

But this car’s real laser-guided target is the new Range Rover. The Infiniti is larger in all dimensions, seats seven in proper padded seating, and may outlive even a Range Rover assembled in 2020. There simply is not the same quality of production-level engineering in any English car factory, we regret to report.

So is the QX80 just as unburst-ably-tough as Land Cruiser or Lexus LX570? Yes, these are the QX80’s closest kindred spirit.

But while the Land Cruiser is still mighty wobnbly and insecure in corners, the QX80’s lower roof keeps things chill even in 100-mph-plus sweeping corners.

Will it love gravel roads like an Escalade? Oh yes. And this truck, unlike any previous Escalade at least — will keep the interior fittings tight over years of washboard surfaces. Many Yukon Denali XL owners will know what we refer to here — a cacophony of trim rattles is the Suburban’s classic first-birthday-gift for many owners who push the trucks beyond urban comfort zones.

The QX80 is actually a real hoot to drive — in the way that flogging any big, powerful truck is — but also a sweet companion when simply trying to nap quietly in the middle row of captains chairs.

Is the QX80 without faults? No. The LED accents in the headlamps are a bit passe — while the lower foglamps are halogen and do not match the HID hue above. It is also, perhaps, a bit too subtle for many Q7 or Escalade aspirants. But, for many shoppers, the fewer rap-video appearances the better at maintaining the QX80’s quiet excellence.

Quiet.  And rattle-free — of course.

 

2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos

 

 

Official Release Details from Infiniti Below.

2015 Infiniti QX80

2015 Infiniti QX80

• New QX80 Limited with unique exterior highlights, ultra-luxury interior and state-of-the-art entertainment and safety technology

• New Infiniti-signature front fascia and grille, LED headlights and fog lights

• New bright finish side rearview mirror covers (Deluxe Technology package only)

• Revised 20-inch and 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs

• New fully integrated rear bumper protector, flush surface front and rear sonar sensors

• Three new exterior colors: Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow and Majestic White (Moonlight White and Platinum Graphite no longer available)

• Revised interior grade level content, with greater visual differentiation between trim offerings – with Mocha Burl trim replacing the previous Tuscan Burl and new Stratford Burl trim added to Deluxe Technology Package

• New available technologies include Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and standard High Beam Assist

• Two new option packages: Driver Assistance Package and Deluxe Technology Package

• Offered in two models: QX80 and QX80 AWD

• Expected availability in October 2014, QX80 Limited Expected availability in late 2014

2015 Infiniti QX80 receives updated appearance, interior enhancements for new model year

 

• Extensive list of enhancements for new model year includes Infiniti Q50-style front end styling, LED high/low beam headlights, new exterior colors

• Luxurious interior offers additional refinements, starting with new Stratford Burl trim, leather-wrapped and Stratford Burl steering wheel

• High Beam Assist and Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) join long list of previously available technology

New York / Hong Kong – The Infiniti QX80 offers a fresh new exterior design and a more crafted interior for 2015, plus additional standard features and technology, bringing Infiniti’s premium full-size luxury SUV closer in look and feel to the dramatic new Infiniti Q50 sports sedan. The new Infiniti QX80 made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show prior to going on sale at Infiniti retailers in the United States in fall 2014.

 

 

 

 

The extensive exterior design refinements focus on the QX80’s frontend appearance, with the new upper grille shape and added lower grille mirroring the bold style of the popular Q50. The revised front fascia also features new LED high/low beam headlights, LED turn signals, LED fog lights and a new bumper with flush-mounted sonar sensors. Chrome-plated outside rear mirror caps have been added to the QX80 Deluxe Technology Package.

In the rear of the QX80 a larger, standard bumper protector helps reduce potential damage when loading or unloading recreational gear or bulky cargo. There are also three new exterior colors among the seven total color choices: Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow and Majestic White.

 

Two new wheel designs are also added – standard machine-finished 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 14-spoke 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels (the largest available in segment) available with the optional 22-inch Tire and Wheel Package.

The 2015 QX80’s interior refinements and revised grade level content reflect input from current owners, who have requested greater visual differentiation between color/wood trim offerings and more choices in the optional technology groupings.

As in the 2014 model year, two interior color atmospheres are available – Wheat or Graphite leather-appointed seating – along with two interior finisher colors. The previous Tuscan Burl trim has been replaced with a darker Mocha Burl with a heavier, richer and more reddish wood grain. Also added as part of this interior is new steering wheel trim.

The previous Deluxe Touring Package’s Mocha Burl finisher package receives a new Stratford Burl with a heavier, fine furniture-like appearance, along with new leather-appointed upper door panel design with a fresher, more cut look. Now named the Deluxe Technology Package, it also features semi-aniline leather seating surfaces and Stratford Burl-trimmed steering wheel.

All Graphite-colored interiors feature new silver contrast stitching (previously black stitching) and the center stack and steering wheel switches receive new silver color accents.

Several new technologies have been added for 2015, starting with the Q50’s advanced High Beam Assist and Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW). The High Beam Assist headlight function, which is standard on all models, utilizes a forward camera to read oncoming or upcoming traffic and automatically dips the high beams to the low beam setting. The high beam setting is restored when the traffic is clear.

The Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system warns the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s field of view. It not only can sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also of a vehicle travelling in front of the preceding one. Also added are standard 3-Blink one-touch turn signals

An extensive suite of advance technology systems is again available with the QX80, but where last year the major systems were combined in the Technology Package (which also required the Deluxe Touring Package), for 2015 the previous content is split into a new Driver Assistance Package and the Deluxe Technology Package.

Included in the Driver Assistance Package are 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 steering wheel switches for the Safety Shield technologies.

The Deluxe Technology Package now includes Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). As in previous years, the comprehensive package also offers Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts, Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, the Stratford Burl trim, 2nd row footwell courtesy lights, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS), chrome mirror caps, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers. 

About the 2015 Infiniti QX80
The 2015 Infiniti QX80 again offers a unique combination of inspired design and performance that makes it stand out in the luxury performance SUV class. The QX80’s unmatched combination of power, strength and luxury style makes it capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance.

The QX80’s drivetrain is rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped), while being equally at home transporting friends and family for a night on the town.

All Infiniti QX80s include a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The QX80 is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the AWD model featuring Infiniti’s proven All-Mode AWD® system with Auto, 4H and 4L modes.

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. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) is standard on all models.

The QX80’s suspension is an independent double-wishbone design front and rear, with Dual-Flow PathÒ twin tube shock absorbers and an automatic rear leveling system that seeks to maintain uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system’s air bladders. In addition, an advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is available on both 2WD and AWD models as part of the Deluxe Technology Package. The system helps to reduce body lean in turns, resulting in improved ride comfort for passengers in all three rows. Suspension travel is automatically controlled by hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber.

Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (13.8-inch vented discs front and rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are standard on every QX80, along with engine-speed-sensitive power steering.

The QX80’s world-class inner sanctum offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant. It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available.  Leather-appointed seating is standard for all three rows. Even more luxurious semi-aniline leather seating surfaces are offered in the Deluxe Technology Package. 

The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support.  It features a standard dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors.

The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. Heated front seat are standard, with available climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions) front seats and heated 2nd row seats (outboard positions only when equipped with a bench seat). 

The 2nd row captain’s chairs offer a tip-up function for easy 3rd row entry/exit. For those desiring 8-passenger capacity, the Split Bench Seat Package replaces the standard 2nd row captain’s chairs and center console with a 3-passenger bench seat with 60/40-split folding. The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design. The 2nd row center console includes two cupholders and two storage bins. Also standard is a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 16.6 cubic foot cargo space for luggage is provided with the 3rd row seat up.

The QX80’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 and Infiniti signature analog clock.

Available as part of the Deluxe Technology Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.

Among the QX80’s available premium entertainment and technology features are 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 with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately). Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is also standard.

The QX80’s standard 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. The MOD function helps enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings (front or back range object detection) if the system detects large moving objects within the displayed image in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space.

Two advanced audio systems are offered. The standard Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System includes two subwoofers and rear headliner-mounted 3rd row speakers that help ensure that sound quality is not compromised by obstructions such as luggage or cargo. Also available is the Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, which is part of the Deluxe Technology Package. Other standard equipment includes a single in-dash 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 available Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120V power outlet. The system allows playback of games or movies in the rear (games and movies sold separately), while front occupants listen to audio all at the same time.  The two 7-inch color monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime, clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting.

 

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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.

 2014 Infiniti QX80 Pricing

MODEL	SUGGESTED LIST PRICE (1)	ENGINE	TRANSMISSION
QX80	$62,550	5.6L V8	7-spd auto w/ manual shift mode
QX80 AWD	$65,650	5.6L V8	7-spd auto w/ manual shift mode

FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS	SUGGESTED LIST PRICE (1)	QX80	QX80 AWD
Theater Package	$3,100	•	•
Tire & Wheel Package	$2,400	•	•
Deluxe Touring Package	$4,650	•	•
Technology Package	$3,250	•	•
Split Bench Seat Package	No Charge	•	•

 

 

PORT INSTALLED ACCESSORIES	SUGGESTED LIST PRICE (1)	QX80	QX80 AWD
Roof Rail Crossbars	$325	•	•
Rear Bumper Protector	$270	•	•
Moonroof Wind Deflector	$190	•	•
Cargo Mat, Cargo Net & First Aid Kit	$200	•	•
Illuminated Kick Plates	$405	•	•

(1) Manufacturer Suggested List Price. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.
Excludes tax, title, license and destination charges. Destination and handling $995.

 

Infiniti QX80 Technical Specifications, Features and Options