2011 INFINITI QX56

2011 Infiniti QX56

 Infiniti makes some of the most beautiful sedans you’ll ever see and builds s them full of electronic goodies and intelligent technology.  That’s part of the Infiniti experience – Inspired Performance – it’s the seamless blend of comfort, performance, technology, and style.  No matter the weather outside or where the destination you’ll be cradled in the most sophisticated blend of features that makes a car fun to drive.

When I think of a big, 7-passenger, luxurious SUV I think of a few – Cadillac Escalade ESV, Mercedes GL and the Infiniti QX56.  There are a few others out there but I feel these best represent the genre.

  Infiniti didn’t come to the game to play defense; they came to score the game winner in overtime.  The QX56 we got to drive for a few days was absolutely absurd; and I loved every single minute.

 For starters, you’re piloting an SUV with the same 5.6 liter V8 pumping out 400 hp and 413 ft-lbs of torque as the Titan pickup truck only this time you’re carrying 7 passengers in total and absolute comfort. 

 TVs abound inside the interior for all the passengers to view while the driver is provided with top notch vehicle dynamics making the SUV feel like you’re driving a mid sized sedan.  Ok, maybe not that literal but it does feel absolutely solid and nimble.  

 Along with a powerful engine the QX is fitted with some pretty cool technology and some that’s not so cool, but annoying.  The cool stuff included things like radar cruise control, Birds eye camera technology and a hard drive sounds system so you can save all your music in the car.

  Infiniti’s radar system is slightly different than most companies, it’s called Intelligent Cruise control and it helps you keep pace with the changing speeds of highway traffic.  Of course, with all the radar technology in the world you still must pay attention and intervene where necessary.

      My favorite gadget on the QX is the “Around View” monitor with front and rear sonar.  There are 4 cameras mounted at front, rear and under each mirror to provide a 360 degree virtual image of the QX to assist in properly maneuvering different parking situations. 

 It’s helpful, but I’m not a fan of depending on cameras and radar to tell me where the vehicle is. That’s what the mirrors where designed for in the first place!  There are other safety options like lane departure warning systems and blind spot detection technology and the nice thing is you can turn most of them off.  I find the lane departure and distance monitoring systems to be intrusive so I usually turn them off.

 There are a few reasons I love the QX.  It’s got a strong engine, room for everyone and is a blast to drive.  You don’t feel like you’re driving a monster truck until you get into a grocery store parking lot or congested city street.  But even then the QX is accurate and controlled.  If you really want to test your parking skills, take the QX to a parking garage and back it in, that’s where you appreciate the around view camera option.  

 The QX is totally equipped in the price department as well. 

 The QX56 4WD starts at $60,000 but with the options. Ours had vaulted the bottom line to a staggering $72,989. Extras included 22 inch wheels, the entertainment package and second row heating/air conditioning.  Building a QX 56 4WD online tips the scales at $74,150 with the Theater Package, Deluxe Touring Package and Technology package. 

If all that’s in your budget, Infiniti just made you and your family happy consumers.