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2011 Infiniti QX56 First Impressions

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Luc Gagné
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Louisville, Kentucky — Kentucky is every horseman’s paradise. Hundreds of owners and jockeys make the annual trip to Louisville’s Churchill Downs to take part in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. During the event, the backyards of the legendary horse track become a luxury SUV heaven, with most vehicles pulling trailers and other equipment. You wouldn’t believe the number of Escalades, Expeditions, Navigators, Q7s, Tahoes and Cayennes on site.

The polarizing new Infiniti QX56 has been completely revised and improved for 2011. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)

Oh yeah, the Infiniti QX56 is there, too. Granted, you may have to look far to spot one, since this big Japanese rig isn’t exactly the most popular in its class. In 2009, only 162 units have found takers in Canada. In fact, Nissan has never sold more than 380 copies of its pimped-up Armada since the model’s introduction back in 2003.

In all fairness, premium SUV sales must be considered from an American (not Canadian) point of view. In the U.S., demand for this type of vehicle is nowhere near as negligible as north of the border. More than 6,000 QXs flew off Infiniti dealer lots last year. True, the Cadillac Escalade sold more than 17,000 units during that time, but Nissan can still be proud to have a product which nicely holds its own in this key market segment. After all, most QX owners have a second vehicle in their garage(s) and, hopefully for the automaker, a lot of them wear an Infiniti badge.

Polarizing design
Now comes the third-generation Infiniti QX, which is set to arrive in showrooms very soon. Styling is reportedly inspired from the Essence Concept, a boldly-designed sports coupe that everyone has been talking about since the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Personally, I find it more appropriate to compare this upscale Godzilla to the Kuraza Concept, a less-than-sexy SUV which made its debut at the NAIAS five years ago.

Anyway you look at it, you can bet that the new QX56 will draw reactions from everyone.

Barely longer and wider than the previous generation, the vehicle isn’t quite as tall anymore thanks to smartly-integrated roof rails. The wheelbase is just five-centimetre shorter and total weight is down 28 kilos (the QX still tips the scales at more than two tons!).

The stylish dashboard, numerous wood appliqués and rich leather upholstery with accent stitching, among other highly-refined items, work to create a palace-like atmosphere. (Photo: Nissan)
Luc Gagné
Luc Gagné
Automotive expert
  • More than 30 years of experience as an automotive journalist
  • Over 59 test drives in the past year
  • Attended over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists