Redesigned Infiniti QX First Drive Impressions

Exterior Styling: A Bold New Look

The redesigned Infiniti QX80’s exterior is a significant departure from its predecessor. Gone is the somewhat dated, conservative look. In its place is a bolder, more assertive design language. The front fascia is completely revamped, featuring a larger, more prominent grille and sharper, more angular headlights. The overall silhouette remains largely familiar, maintaining the QX80’s commanding presence, but the updated details create a more modern and sophisticated feel. The new wheel designs also contribute to the overall impression of enhanced refinement.

Interior Refinement: Upscale Ambiance

Stepping inside, the improvements are immediately apparent. The interior of the QX80 has always been spacious, but now it feels more luxurious. Infiniti has clearly focused on enhancing the materials used, with higher-quality leather and soft-touch surfaces dominating the cabin. The redesigned dashboard is less cluttered, with a more intuitive layout for the infotainment system. The seats are supremely comfortable, offering ample support even on long journeys, and the added sound insulation makes for a significantly quieter ride than before.

Infotainment System: User-Friendly and Responsive

One area where the old QX80 lagged behind competitors was its infotainment system. Thankfully, the redesigned model addresses this shortcoming. The new system boasts a larger touchscreen display, which is far more responsive and intuitive to use. Navigation is improved, and the overall interface feels less confusing. Smartphone integration is seamless, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. While not the most cutting-edge system on the market, it’s a significant upgrade and perfectly adequate for most users.

Driving Dynamics: Smoother Ride, Improved Handling

The driving experience is where the QX80 truly shines. While it’s not a sports utility vehicle designed for aggressive cornering, the improvements to the suspension make for a significantly smoother and more refined ride. Road imperfections are absorbed with greater ease, and the overall feeling of stability is enhanced. The steering feels more precise and responsive, allowing for greater control, even at higher speeds. The powerful engine provides ample acceleration, making overtaking maneuvers effortless.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy: Powerful yet Efficient

Under the hood, the QX80 continues to utilize its robust V8 engine, delivering plenty of power for towing and hauling. However, Infiniti has focused on improving fuel efficiency, making notable strides in reducing fuel consumption compared to the previous generation. While it’s still not a fuel-sipping vehicle, the improvements are welcome, making the QX80 a more practical option for everyday driving.

Technology and Safety Features: Enhanced Safety Net

Infiniti has equipped the redesigned QX80 with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and help drivers to avoid accidents. The overall level of technology is in line with competitors, providing a good balance of safety and convenience.

Off-Road Capabilities: Still a Capable Off-Roader

The QX80 has always been known for its off-road capabilities, and the redesigned model maintains this strength. The four-wheel-drive system is robust and effective, providing ample traction in challenging conditions. Ground clearance remains impressive, allowing for easy navigation of uneven terrain. While not a dedicated off-road vehicle, the QX80 is more than capable of handling most off-road adventures with confidence.

Overall Impression: A Significant Upgrade

The redesigned Infiniti QX80 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. From its bolder exterior styling and more luxurious interior to its improved driving dynamics and enhanced technology, this SUV has clearly benefitted from a thorough revamp. While it’s not perfect, and some might find the fuel economy could still be better, the overall package is compelling, offering a blend of luxury, capability, and practicality that’s hard to match in its class. Visit here for an Infiniti QX review.