Infiniti QX56. Very large / Infiniti test drives

In Russia, it is customary to approach everything with a grand scale — the country is big, after all. Cars are no exception. This story is about a truly huge and brutal SUV, the Infiniti QX. The dimensions of this mastodon are impressive: the length exceeds five meters, the width exceeds two, and the height is almost equal to the width. These cars appeared on our roads long before official sales started. Gray dealers managed to make good money on this: the cars sold like hot cakes, despite inflated prices and a complete lack of warranty.

The Infiniti QX is a seven-seat premium SUV. And truly premium! If on the outside, apart from the imposing size, there is nothing particularly remarkable, the interior resembles the office of a big boss. Everything is here: leather, wood inserts, quality plastic. Everything is made very neatly. As is known, one quickly gets used to the good things, but the interior volumes are even frightening at first. The cabin is designed for seven, with each seat having adjustments, and the driver and passengers can use individual climate control. The light upholstery looks luxurious, and if someone worries about practicality, dark materials can be ordered as an option.

It is worth noting that Infiniti owners have a special privileged service program. With the purchase of the car comes a whole range of services: maintenance at a convenient time, even if there is a queue, and a personal manager who quickly fulfills any client's wishes.

2008 Infiniti QX56
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

This approach certainly attracts buyers, but what also matters is how the car behaves in the city and off-road. With a sharp press on the gas, the three-ton giant moves off quite briskly. Thanks go to the powerful 5.6-liter engine producing 325 horsepower and a large torque of 533 Nm.

Driving the Infiniti QX56 is not difficult — the steering wheel is informative. But one must remember the huge mass: in a turn, the car loads the front wheel so heavily that there is a risk of breaking the tire. One could install low-profile tires, but then the Infiniti would cease to be an SUV.

It is better not to venture into serious mud in this car, but it will overcome a broken spring road without problems. The drive has four modes selected by a regulator: rear, automatic, full, and full with a low range. The five-speed automatic handles the torque perfectly and quickly adapts to the driving style. The brakes are capable of quickly stopping the Infiniti QX from high speed, but one should not forget about inertia — overheating them is quite easy. The Infiniti QX knows how to make you fall in love with its "breadth of soul," but for the premium you will have to pay a considerable sum. However, we have long been accustomed to this.

Multimedia

For the entertainment of passengers, the Infiniti QX has a lot: a quality audio system with a six-disc CD changer and twelve speakers with a total power of 333 watts, and for rear passengers — a ceiling-mounted eight-inch monitor for DVD. All this is controlled by a multifunctional joystick on the front console or buttons on the steering wheel.

Driving

2008 Infiniti QX56
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Everything is aimed at comfort and safety, but the huge mass cannot be hidden — the body noticeably rolls in corners.

Interior

The interior is not just spacious, but more than spacious. Even in the trunk there is a lot of space left.

Comfort

The Infiniti QX provides comfort to the driver and all six passengers — each has many individual settings.

Safety

The safety system is thought out to the smallest detail. In addition to the standard set, there are also several new features.

Price

The price is justified by the status of the car and the possibility of additional service.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Spacious, comfortable interior, powerful engine.
- High fuel consumption, body rolls.

Technical specifications

Make and model — Infiniti QX56
Dimensions — 5255/2015/1998 mm
Engine — petrol, 5552 cm3, 325 hp/5200 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 5-speed gearbox
Dynamics — 7.8 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Armada

Our opinion

With the arrival on the official market, the Infiniti QX has become even more popular. Now buyers get the desired car with a warranty and proper service. The SUV fully meets the demands of a wealthy Russian: very large, with a luxurious interior, it commands respect on the road. And in reserve it also has a full-fledged all-wheel drive. Brilliant!