Infiniti claims a 12% improvement in fuel economy over the old QX56. That’s good news, but our road trip which included a lot of highway mileage concluded with an average of 14.9 L/100 km, which isn’t really exciting. A Sumo wrestler usually skips breakfast, but can eat 5 to 10 times as much as the average person during lunchtime.
The big SUV’s four-wheel drive system includes an automatic setting, which is rear-wheel biased. Up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque can be thrown at the front wheels as needed, and a 50:50 split can be locked up to about 100 km/h. A low range is also offered for rougher terrain, but really, do you expect a Sumo wrestler to fancy rock-climbing? Me neither.
There is also a tow mode button that reprograms the transmission’s shift pattern, if you feel like hauling something heavy. In fact, the QX can tow up to 8,500 pounds (or 3,856 kg), which is a good reason for getting acquainted with a Sumo wrestler.
The new QX56 also has style to go with its brawn. Its muscular lines make it seem slimmer than it is, and distinguishes itself from other mammoth luxury SUVs. I personally don’t care too much for the Buick-inspired fender portholes, though.
The QX’s trick motion control suspension, which transfers fluid from side to side via cross piping and hydraulic cylinders, aims to reduce body lean during cornering and vehicle bounce on bumpy surfaces. Infiniti claims sedan-like handling and ride, which is a little optimistic, but on the other hand, no one on board ever complained about feeling queasy or being tossed around.
Alas, the sheer size of the QX56 becomes apparent when you try to park it. On a sightseeing trek with the kids, finding an adequate spot in the older area of Quebec City was quite a challenge. The 360-degree camera system, standard on the QX is very useful for centering the truck in a parking space. A generously-sized rear window doesn’t hurt, either.
 |
| There is a tow mode button that reprograms the transmission’s shift pattern, if you feel like hauling something heavy. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
The big SUV’s four-wheel drive system includes an automatic setting, which is rear-wheel biased. Up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque can be thrown at the front wheels as needed, and a 50:50 split can be locked up to about 100 km/h. A low range is also offered for rougher terrain, but really, do you expect a Sumo wrestler to fancy rock-climbing? Me neither.
There is also a tow mode button that reprograms the transmission’s shift pattern, if you feel like hauling something heavy. In fact, the QX can tow up to 8,500 pounds (or 3,856 kg), which is a good reason for getting acquainted with a Sumo wrestler.
The new QX56 also has style to go with its brawn. Its muscular lines make it seem slimmer than it is, and distinguishes itself from other mammoth luxury SUVs. I personally don’t care too much for the Buick-inspired fender portholes, though.
The QX’s trick motion control suspension, which transfers fluid from side to side via cross piping and hydraulic cylinders, aims to reduce body lean during cornering and vehicle bounce on bumpy surfaces. Infiniti claims sedan-like handling and ride, which is a little optimistic, but on the other hand, no one on board ever complained about feeling queasy or being tossed around.
Alas, the sheer size of the QX56 becomes apparent when you try to park it. On a sightseeing trek with the kids, finding an adequate spot in the older area of Quebec City was quite a challenge. The 360-degree camera system, standard on the QX is very useful for centering the truck in a parking space. A generously-sized rear window doesn’t hurt, either.
 |
| The 360-degree camera system is excellent for parking manoeuvres. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |