Infiniti is attempting to redefine the luxury SUV market with the new QX80 Limited it introduced today at the New York International Auto Show.
Sometimes having a fully loaded luxury SUV isn’t enough. Fortunately, Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti, has a solution to this kind of dilemma: the new 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited.
The new Infiniti QX80 Limited starts with a fully equipped 2015 QX80 – which receives a major redesign for the model year itself – then adds subtle exterior upgrades and an interior that wouldn’t be out of place in an ultra-executive boardroom or private jet, the company said.
“The new QX80 Limited occupies a unique place in the luxury SUV market, offering an ultra-luxury interior in a three-row/seven-passenger contemporary platform,” said Infiniti Americas President Michael Bartsch.
The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited features a 5.6-liter V8 putting out 400 horsepower and capable of towing 8,500 pounds.
“Our new Limited answers the demand from QX80 owners for a vehicle that is more sophisticated but not over-the-top – and one that remains at its core pure Infiniti. It’s a combination that should also attract many new ultra-luxury buyers to the Infiniti brand.”
The Limited really is just that: limited. It will produce a short run of the SUVs. It also comes in just six colors, three of which – Imperial Black, Mocha Almond and Dakar Bronze – are exclusive to the Limited. The other three exterior colors, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian and Majestic White, are available on all 2015 QX80s.
In addition to the exterior color, the QX80 gets a distinctive “darkened” look. The SUV’s LED headlights receive a dark finish, matched with tinted rear combination lamps and special lighting under the brushed finish running boards.
The Limited boasts a special Truffle Brown “interior environment,” including the seats replete with unique seat quilting with silver accent piping, to go with a palette of brown, black and silver leather and wood appointments and trim.
A dark chrome finish is added to the upper and lower grille surround, fog light surround, side vents, roof rails and crossbars, A-pillar finisher, door handles, license plate surround and side mirror caps. The standard 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a unique dark finish treatment.
(Audi A3 wins World Car of the Year. For more, Click Here.)
Inside, the Limited features a Truffle Brown “interior environment,” including the seats replete with unique seat quilting with silver accent piping, to go with a palette of brown, black and silver leather and wood appointments and trim.
“The QX80 Limited’s stunning style and thoughtful package of exclusive features is going to turn heads – on the road and among the ultra-luxury status quo,” said Bartsch in the release.
The Infiniti QX80 Limited features a variety of comfort and convenience features for the seven passengers is hauls around.
Well, it can’t be “luxurious” if there isn’t a long list of comfort and convenience features for the seven passengers it can carry, and here, the QX80 Limited delivers. The list starts with nine cupholders and four door-pocket bottle holders, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, Infiniti signature analog clock and an Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
(Click Here to get a look at VW’s New Midsize Coupe concept coming to Beijing.)
Premium entertainment and technology features include an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with NavTraffic and NavWeather.
The Around View Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System includes the advanced Moving Object Detection system. Around View Monitor utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the QX80 – to provide a virtual 360-degree view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots.
(To see more about GM’s critics insisting Barra come clean about iginitions, Click Here.)
Also featured is a Bose Cabin Surround sound system with 15 speakers, CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB connection port for use with iPod Interface or other compatible devices and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth. The family entertainment system features dual 7-inch color monitors with auto-bright system, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120-volt power outlet.
Not only can it take passengers in style, it can take them to rugged places. The QX80 drivetrain can tow boats or trailers up to 8,500 pounds while riding on a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness, Infiniti notes.
The 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The QX80 Limited will hit dealer showrooms this fall.