Site icon

Infiniti QX80 is Now On Sale in Australia

Rob Fraser

Infiniti QX80 SUV

Infiniti’s premium full-size SUV, the QX80, is now on sale. Luxurious and sophisticated, the QX80 is the premium brand’s range-leading, full-size  SUV and its arrival this month heralds the start of Infiniti’s next phase of new-model releases in Australia.

Jean-Philippe Roux, the Managing Director of Infiniti Cars Australia, said the Infiniti QX80  is a commanding SUV that will meet the specific needs of premium SUV buyers.

“The QX80 is among the most luxurious and generously appointed SUVs available in the  world,” he said. “It is spacious, elegant and has an incredible presence, and it positions  Infiniti squarely in this important vehicle segment.”

According to Roux, adding the QX80 to Infiniti’s Australian catalogue is a logical move.

“A number of buyers have asked us for a model at least one size up from the QX70  crossover. Adding the QX80 to our local catalogue in small volumes will meet this local  opportunity.”

The arrival of the QX80 in July will be the first in a series of new-model additions for  Infiniti in Australia. From early next year, three all-new models are scheduled to be  released: the Q30 active compact, the QX30 active crossover, and the production  version of the evocative Q60 Concept 2+2 coupe, which made its world premiere at this year’s Detroit Motor Show in January.

“Expanding the Infiniti vehicle range is a key part of our plan for sustainable growth in  Australia,” Roux said. “These next four new models to join our range will see the Infiniti  brand cover a much broader range of the local premium market. And we have even  more all-new models planned.”

Engine and transmission   Powering the QX80 is a direct injection petrol V8 engine with a 5552 cc capacity. This  power unit generates 298 kW at 5800 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, of which  90 per cent is available from only 1600rpm, delivering exceptional low down torque.

The aluminium-alloy engine uses a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 32-valve design  featuring advanced Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology, Continuously  Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTCS) as well as direct fuel injection. The VVEL system  is employed on the engine’s intake side and combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve  timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift to help improve performance and  response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather  than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve.

The VVEL system also improves exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL  designs) by substantially lowering the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s  throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system provides better wide-open throttle  performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a nondirect-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and  offering more precise injection control.

Fuel consumption in the QX80 is 14.8-litres per 100 kilometres travelled (combined  cycle, according to ADR81/02, achieved with 98 RON petrol) and the vehicle’s fuel tank  capacity is 100 litres. For optimum performance, 98 RON petrol is recommended but the  QX80 can be operated with either 95 RON or 91 RON grade petrol.

Partnering the 298kW engine is a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox that  features Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and selectable manual mode with Downshift Rev  Matching (DRM). Coupling the engine and transmission unit is a conventional torque  convertor. The seven-speed transmission is the centre-point in the QX80’s ALL-MODE  4X4 system, which has been designed to distribute torque to all four wheels according to  the road’s conditions, with up to 50 percent of drive available to the front wheels on demand, helping to enhance traction according to conditions.

There is no mechanical centre differential, with drive fed to the front axle via an  electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case.   A convenient circular switch panel mounted next to the driver on the centre console  controls the various functions in the QX80’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system: Hill Descent Control,  Hill Start Assist and four specific driving modes: snow, sand, rocks and on-road driving.

The driver can select a drive mode suitable for the conditions simply via the press of a  button. The Hill Start Assist function allows the driver to pause on a slope and hold the  vehicle, even if the footbrake is released. Hill Descent Control uses the QX80’s brakes to  maintain a constant downhill speed of 7 km/h when in 4H mode and 4 km/h in 4L mode.

Chassis and suspension   The QX80’s body structure has a high-stiffness design for enhanced ride comfort and  reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The body-on-frame layout employs an  independent suspension design with double wishbones both front and rear.

A notable addition to the chassis is the Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension system. This intelligent design reduces body roll in high-speed corners on  sealed surfaces and maximises suspension travel when driving off-road.

The HBMC system’s cylinders replace traditional dampers and anti-roll bars. Hydraulic  chambers integrated into each shock absorber automatically control the QX80’s  suspension travel. The chambers are cross-connected by piping that allows for the  transfer of hydraulic fluid, managed seamlessly by nitrogen-charged accumulators, from  one side of the vehicle to the other. When cornering, roll stiffness is increased, reducing  the amount of body lean over the outside wheels.

The system is able to vary suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle,  creating a flat and stable ride that’s ideal for this premium SUV. The hydraulic pressure  in the QX80’s HBMC system is approximately nine percent higher than that in the Nissan  Patrol Y62, delivering a slightly firmer and sportier ride.

When driving off-road, the lack of anti-roll bars allows the suspension to rise and fall more freely, improving traction and allowing the driver to traverse tougher terrain.

Drivers will enjoy the response from the QX80’s vehicle speed-sensitive power steering  and the comfort from the standard-fitment heated and leather-bound steering wheel,  which is electrically adjustable for both reach and rake.

Braking power is delivered by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes that use an opposedcalliper  sports design, with four-piston units at the front and two-piston at the rear. The  QX80 is fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force  Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel Active  Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are also standard fitment.

The QX80 rides on 22 x 8.0-inch, 14-spoke forged aluminium wheels with 275/50 R22  all-season tyres and features a full-sized, 22-inch spare wheel.

Exterior, interior and equipment   The QX80’s unmistakeable design is dynamic and bold. Its combination of size and  styling conveys an underlying sense of power and strength. The prominent front chrome  grille is flanked by the dusk-sensing bi-functional Xenon headlights with integrated  washing system and front fog lights. The Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with  auto-levelling headlights also has an automatic high beam function.

Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated, power-folding sideview mirrors  with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body colour  integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, power  sliding tinted glass sun roof and a power-operated rear tail gate.

The QX80 is available in four exterior colours (premium metallic paint is a no-charge  option):

The interior of the QX80 offers up to eight occupants First-Class levels of comfort and  space. The three seating rows are arranged in a two-three-three format with third-row  passengers able to access their seats via the electrically controlled second-row, 60:40 split-fold seats, which flip into their access position at the touch of a button. The secondrow  seats also recline for optimum comfort.

The QX80’s rear cargo capacity is an impressive 470 litres with the third-row seats in  position. Conveniently, there is 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area.

The climate-controlled and power-operated driver and front passenger seats offer  heating and cooling for maximum comfort and the outboard second-row seats are  heated. The driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable, including two adjustments for lumbar  support. The driver’s seat also features a standard dual occupant memory system for the  positions of the seat, steering wheel and outside rear-vision mirrors.

Premium semi-aniline leather upholstery is fitted to all seats. The single upholstery  colour – Graphite – is complemented by elegant Stratford Burl trim.

The QX80’s generous list of comfort and convenience features includes nine cup holders  and four door-pocket bottle holders; Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control; Infiniti  Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition; Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and  Infiniti’s signature analogue clock.

Among the QX80’s premium entertainment and technology features are an eight-inch  WVGA colour touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information  systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation  System. Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and audio streaming are also standard.

The standard-fitment 5.1 Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system features 15 speakers  (including two sub-woofers) that delivers impressive concert-like sound. This impressive  sound system comprises a single-disc CD with MP3/WMA compatibility and the Infiniti  Navigation System (hard drive) with Traffic Message Channel. Streaming via Bluetooth®   wireless technology is also fitted.

The rear-seat entertainment system features dual seven-inch colour monitors, two pairs  of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and a 120V power  outlet. The system allows playback of games or movies in the rear (games and movies  sold separately), while front occupants can listen to audio, all at the same time. The two  seven-inch colour monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime,  clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting.

The front centre console contains auxiliary audio/video input jacks as well as a USB port.

The QX80 is also equipped with rain-sensing, variable intermittent windscreen wipers and rear privacy glass.

Innovative technologies   The Infiniti QX80 bristles with a variety of intelligent and intuitive technologies. They are  summarised below.

The Around View Monitor displays a combination of different views of the vehicle, from  above (a bird’s-eye view), front, rear and side to assist when parking. Cameras located  at the front and rear of the QX80 work in conjunction with additional side-mounted  cameras to deliver an aerial image to the eight-inch colour touch screen, assisting  drivers with safe and problem-free parking or manoeuvring.

Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention™ system, first introduced in 2013, detects cross  traffic and large stationary objects behind the vehicle when it’s reversing and can both  warn the driver and engage the brakes momentarily to help the driver avoid an  impending collision.

The Blind Spot Warning system illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is  detected in the driver’s blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the  indicator warning light flashes and an audible warning will sound.

The Blind Spot Intervention system provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches  an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. This helps the  driver return the vehicle towards the centre of the lane of travel.

Distance Control Assist is part of the QX80’s Intelligent Cruise Control system (see next).

It intuitively intervenes to prompt the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic if it detects the distance between the vehicle and other traffic is closing too rapidly.

Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control uses a combination of laser sensors, throttle  and brake actuators and the QX80’s braking system to measure the distance to the  vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to help maintain a preselected  following distance. The driver can select from three set distances using a button  located on the steering wheel (Distance Control Assist, or DCA).

The Lane Departure Warning and Prevention systems use a small camera installed  behind the windscreen to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its  position relative to those lane markers, and help warn the driver of a potential  unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and an audible buzzer. If the driver  does not return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane, the system assists the  driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift. The  system is operational at speeds in excess of 70 km/h.

Intelligent Brake Assist   When the Predictive Forward Collision Warning system detects there is a risk of a  collision ahead, it warns the driver with an alarm and an indicator to brake. The system  is operational above 15 km/h and even detects stationary vehicles ahead. Cleverly, when  driving, it monitors not only the vehicle ahead but the next vehicle ahead as well. If the  driver does not adequately respond to the Predictive Forward Collision Warning and a  collision cannot be avoided, the Intelligent Brake Assist system will automatically engage  the brakes to help reduce collision speed and impact, thus helping to reduce the  consequences of an accident. Infiniti introduced the Predictive Forward Collision system  in 2014 with the Q50 sedan.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System features an individual tyre pressure display.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure helps to maintain handling performance, achieve good  fuel economy and long tyre life.

Safety   The QX80 is equipped with a comprehensive arsenal of active and passive safety features. They are listed alphabetically, below.

Towing   The towing capacities of the Infiniti QX80 are:

The QX80 comes fitted with an integrated tow bar package as standard equipment. This  includes both the tow bar tongue and wiring harness.

Price   The Infiniti QX80 is offered in Australia with the single powertrain configuration and in one model grade: S Premium.

The QX80 features an Infiniti Service Assure scheduled servicing program, a fouryear/100,000 kilometre warranty and a four-year roadside assistance program.

Model MSRP* Estimated Driveaway**
Infiniti QX80 $110,900 $118,529

* Manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) are provided for media purposes only and  do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.   ** Maximum recommended drive-away price for vehicle in Victoria including 12 months’   registration, 12 months’ CTP and applicable statutory charges, dealer delivery and  administration charges. Price is based on a private owner aged 40 with a good driving  record and the vehicle being garaged in Victoria. Prices may differ depending on State  purchased, individual’s personal circumstances and will vary from dealer to dealer.   Premium paint is available at additional cost.   ^ Towing capacity is subject to towbar/towball capacity. The capacity may be reduced if  a non-genuine Infiniti towbar is fitted.

Exit mobile version