But it doesn't get the cheers of the Navigator's powered running boards, also not available on any competitor's vehicle. To me,
 |
| The Infiniti QX hardly deviates from its lesser priced Nissan relative, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
these are mere conversation pieces, however, and only serve to wow would-be buyers in the showroom and separate Lincoln's flagship SUV from other luxury conveyances. I would also be concerned of how all the servos and electronics will stand up over time, and if we'll start seeing Navigators running around with one non-functional step lowered and the other tucked underneath the rocker panel after the warranty runs out. No, after spending some time with Infiniti's new QX I find its technology much simpler than that in the Lincoln, and as far as design goes much less distinctive inside. The same goes for its exterior design, when compared to the Escalade at least. Or maybe it isn't that the QX is less distinctive than either of these two domestics, it's just that the Japanese truck hardly deviates from its lesser priced Nissan relative. This is not necessarily bad, as the Armada looks pretty nice from all angles. Infiniti has obviously modified the grille, headlight
 |
| With large SUV sales down and fuel prices rising, it begs the question of why the QX exists at all. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
cluster and front fascia, giving it the brand's four-horizontal-slat, chrome-trimmed trademark look, a much less foreboding design than the Armada's tough as nails, eats-up-and-spits-out economy cars for lunch appearance. But any attempt to distinguish the QX from the Armada from the front corners rearward was halfhearted at best. The side profile and rear end design is identical, other than hardly noticeable taillight clusters, sporting LEDs in the Infiniti. In a way it reminds me of what the Escalade looked like when Cadillac first launched it, albeit Infiniti has at least modified the grille. Still, it wasn't distinctive enough and the model did not sell well. I don't know if this is why QX sales are low, but more likely it's a combination of a lot of things including slowing full-size SUV sales due to exorbitant fuel costs.
