It’s big, brash and powerful. It’s also tremendously refined and uncommonly indulgent, and regrettably, merciless at the pumps.
New appearance and improved efficiency accompany 2011
It’s undeniably Infiniti’s flagship SUV. It’s also less truck-like and cleaner, more curvaceous and daring in its execution—as evidenced by fender vents—than last year. Its flowing lines are now consistent with Infiniti’s latest design language.
Modifications for 2011 are more than just cosmetic. The new QX56 is slightly longer and wider this year, expanding its opulent, elegant cabin to palatial dimensions. Think of it as a greatly expanded version of the voluptuous interior of Infiniti’s crown-jewel M56 sedan and you’ll get the picture; not a pretentious cabin but close to it.
Complementing the visual impact for 2011 is a significant bump in performance and efficiency.
More power, more gears, more MPG—it’s all good but is it good enough?
The first two elements of the, “is it good enough” question, are answered with a resounding- yes. The fuel economy query, not so much. It’s better than last year but it’s like declaring a prolific serial killer “good” for a modest reduction in kill-rate.
More on fuel economy later. I want to highlight the exceptionally smooth, responsive powertrain that now spins the QX56’s four wheels. As with last year, Infiniti’s 5.6-litre DOHC V8 powers the QX, however, this year sees the production of 80 additional horsepower for a total output of 400 horses.
Torque is also up considerably, rising from 393 pound-feet @ 3,400 rpm to 413 @ 4,000 rpm. Perhaps more influential than the increased intensity under the hood is the inclusion of an extra pair of cogs in the automatic transmission.
 |
| The new QX56 is slightly longer and wider this year, expanding its opulent, elegant cabin to palatial dimensions. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
New appearance and improved efficiency accompany 2011
It’s undeniably Infiniti’s flagship SUV. It’s also less truck-like and cleaner, more curvaceous and daring in its execution—as evidenced by fender vents—than last year. Its flowing lines are now consistent with Infiniti’s latest design language.
Modifications for 2011 are more than just cosmetic. The new QX56 is slightly longer and wider this year, expanding its opulent, elegant cabin to palatial dimensions. Think of it as a greatly expanded version of the voluptuous interior of Infiniti’s crown-jewel M56 sedan and you’ll get the picture; not a pretentious cabin but close to it.
Complementing the visual impact for 2011 is a significant bump in performance and efficiency.
More power, more gears, more MPG—it’s all good but is it good enough?
The first two elements of the, “is it good enough” question, are answered with a resounding- yes. The fuel economy query, not so much. It’s better than last year but it’s like declaring a prolific serial killer “good” for a modest reduction in kill-rate.
More on fuel economy later. I want to highlight the exceptionally smooth, responsive powertrain that now spins the QX56’s four wheels. As with last year, Infiniti’s 5.6-litre DOHC V8 powers the QX, however, this year sees the production of 80 additional horsepower for a total output of 400 horses.
Torque is also up considerably, rising from 393 pound-feet @ 3,400 rpm to 413 @ 4,000 rpm. Perhaps more influential than the increased intensity under the hood is the inclusion of an extra pair of cogs in the automatic transmission.
 |
| As with last year, Infiniti’s 5.6-litre DOHC V8 powers the QX, however, this year sees the production of 80 additional horsepower for a total output of 400 horses. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |