2012 Infiniti QX56 Review

Feeling good is never overrated. Safe, warm, cozy, relaxed — we are hard-wired to seek out those things that make up our version of Heaven.

Comfort always finds its way onto lists of criteria when people shop for new cars. Be it in the first or fifth position, no one weeds through cars looking for the one that will break their back, blow out their eardrums or want them to amputate a leg. That is, unless they're in the market for a race car. Good for you if you are!

Nearly every manufacturer offers up a champion in this department, including BMW's 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class and Lexus' LS. At Infiniti, the title of Most Cossetting goes to the QX56. You'd never believe it to look at it, but this gargantuan SUV is the Bentley Mulsanne of trucks.

At Infiniti, the title of Most Cossetting goes to the QX56. (Photo: Infiniti)

Rough brush-stroke
Yes, the 2012 Infiniti QX56 resembles an elephant that has had its trunk cut off and its face and rear-end beaten in with an ugly stick. The front end of the QX has all the charm of a French bulldog and the rear, of a moping duckbill platypus. But beauty is far more than skin-deep.

I will give kudos to Infiniti for the 22” alloy wheels as they properly fill the Bag End front-door sized wheel wells. I would, however, suggest they drop the Harley Earle-inspired fender portholes.

Palatial cabin
Once hoisted aboard, occupants of the QX find acres of room, leather and other tasteful, luxurious materials. Stitched leather and soft-touch materials fill every nook and cranny and all of it looks very rich.

The giant seats are comfy; however, in the piloting position, I was never able to find a perfect driving position despite the 10-way power adjustable perch. The plethora of controls is fairly simple to adopt and their size permits decent ease of use.

Inside, occupants of the QX find acres of room, leather and other tasteful, luxurious materials. (Photo: Infiniti)