Earlier that week, we also planned a trip to the zoo with another couple and their daughter. With seven people on board, two coolers, a kiddie stroller and a couple of other bags, no one complained about feeling squeezed in or lacking oxygen. The third-row bench is spacious enough for three kids, but fitting three booster seats across poses a challenge. Two adults will also fit for shorter trips, and accessing the rearmost row is fairly easy.
The standard-equipment navigation system boasts an improved control layout and visually pleasing graphics. The map seems about 200 feet late, though, as intersections I was crossing were still approaching on the map, so I had to adjust my navigation skills accordingly. I assume you get used to it after a while, but it led to some cursing, which was okay since the kids had their headphones on.
As for the rest of the Infiniti’s interior, occupants are swathed in fine leather, dark wood trim and straightforward switchgear. The front seats are cooled and heated, while the outboard seats in the second row are heatable. There are plenty of cupholders and storage points for long trips, even in the third row.
Like the previous QX56, the redesigned 2011 model uses a 32-valve, 5.6-litre V8. However, an overhaul includes direct injection, and it now produces 400 horsepower as well as 413 pound-feet of torque; that’s 80 extra ponies. Mated to a 7-speed automatic, the new QX muscles its way to 100 km/h in 7 seconds; it could have been even quicker if the transmission had reacted more promptly when full-throttle launches were summoned.
Not that a jumpy throttle tip-in is preferable, mind you. The QX is smooth and lays down its power in linear fashion. You can’t rush a Sumo wrestler.
The QX’s braking performance is noteworthy. It requires a car-like 43-meter stretch of track to stop from 100 km/h, which is impressive for a 5,850-lb, high-riding SUV. A good Sumo wrestler must be strong on his feet so he doesn’t get pushed out of the ring.
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| Even with seven people and their gear on board, there is plenty of space. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
The standard-equipment navigation system boasts an improved control layout and visually pleasing graphics. The map seems about 200 feet late, though, as intersections I was crossing were still approaching on the map, so I had to adjust my navigation skills accordingly. I assume you get used to it after a while, but it led to some cursing, which was okay since the kids had their headphones on.
As for the rest of the Infiniti’s interior, occupants are swathed in fine leather, dark wood trim and straightforward switchgear. The front seats are cooled and heated, while the outboard seats in the second row are heatable. There are plenty of cupholders and storage points for long trips, even in the third row.
Like the previous QX56, the redesigned 2011 model uses a 32-valve, 5.6-litre V8. However, an overhaul includes direct injection, and it now produces 400 horsepower as well as 413 pound-feet of torque; that’s 80 extra ponies. Mated to a 7-speed automatic, the new QX muscles its way to 100 km/h in 7 seconds; it could have been even quicker if the transmission had reacted more promptly when full-throttle launches were summoned.
Not that a jumpy throttle tip-in is preferable, mind you. The QX is smooth and lays down its power in linear fashion. You can’t rush a Sumo wrestler.
The QX’s braking performance is noteworthy. It requires a car-like 43-meter stretch of track to stop from 100 km/h, which is impressive for a 5,850-lb, high-riding SUV. A good Sumo wrestler must be strong on his feet so he doesn’t get pushed out of the ring.
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| The QX56 now boasts 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, good for 7-second 0-100 sprints. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |