New for 2016
Highlights for the 2016 model year include a limited-production QX80 Signature Edition that comes with the Driver Assistance and Split Bench packages, Saddle Tan high-contrast interior, bodyside moldings, and chrome mirror caps.
Supersized Luxury
Full-size SUVs are beloved for many reasons: they're powerful, they're accommodating, and they’re perfect for towing, hauling, and carrying lots of gear and passengers. The 2016 INFINITI QX80 is all of those things and more, blending the brawn and versatility of a full-size SUV, with the refinement and technology upscale drivers desire.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2016 INFINITI QX80 is available with one powertrain, but it offers all the performance and refinement luxury-car-buyers expect. A 5.6-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Buyers also have the choice of rear-wheel drive or INFINITI’s All-Mode 4WD system for added traction and all-weather capability.
While it is a full-size SUV, the QX80 does offer reasonable fuel economy. The EPA rates rear-wheel drive models at 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway). Thankfully, four-wheel-drive models don't suffer a substantial penalty in terms of fuel economy, returning 15 mpg combined (13 city/ 19 highway).*
Features and Trims
The five-door, eight-passenger 2016 INFINITI QX80 starts at $63,250** with rear-wheel drive. That price of entry buys plenty of standard equipment.
Even the base QX80 features: 20-inch alloy wheels, powered external mirrors, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, a Bose® 13-speaker audio system with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and SiriusXM® satellite radio capability, and navigation.
New for 2016 is a limited-edition QX80 Signature Edition trim. It come with Saddle Tan high-contrast interior, bodyside moldings, and chrome mirror caps. Also included are the Driver Assistance (see safety section) and Split Bench packages, the latter of which replaces the second-row captain's chairs and center console with a 60/40-split folding bench seat that increases seating capacity from seven to eight.
Further refinement can be had with a step up to the Limited model. It adds all previous content (where applicable) and adds leather interior coverings, unique 22-inch wheels, and Ash wood trim.
In addition, there are several option packages that can turn the QX80 into a luxury apartment on wheels. The Theater package includes dual seven-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, a remote control, auxiliary input jacks, and a 120-volt outlet.
The Deluxe Technology package includes an Advanced Climate Control System, a Bose® Cabin Surround audio system with 15 speakers, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, different interior colors, and other features.
Another possibility is the Tire and Wheel package, which features 22-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels on all-season tires.
Design
The 2016 INFINITI QX80 features bold, upright styling set off by details like the stylish side vents, auto High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, and LED taillights. A big chrome grille makes quite a statement, while the boxy profile is set off by a distinctive kink in the D-pillar.
A front underbody spoiler and rear liftgate spoiler even help this big SUV slice through the air with some efficiency. INFINITI claims a drag coefficient of 0.36, and zero lift.
The interior is lavishly trimmed in leather and wood, with a prominent center-stack screen for navigation and audio functions. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, but a bench seat can be substituted at no charge. There are also nine cupholders to make sure that all of those passengers stay hydrated.
Safety
The formidable exterior conceals a formidable array of safety features. Standard safety equipment on the 2016 INFINITI QX80 includes INFINITI’s Advanced Air Bag System, Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.
Also standard (and quite useful in a full-size SUV), is the Around View Monitor system, which uses for small, super-wide angle cameras and advanced image processing to give the driver a 360-degree “birds-eye view.” It’s teamed with front and rear sonar and Moving Object Detection.
A suite of additional driver assistance features are also available with the aforementioned Driver Assistance package. It includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and intervention, front collision warning and mitigation, and a backup collision mitigation system.
Bottom Line
The 2016 INFINITI QX80 offers everything a good full-size luxury SUV should. Its powerful V8 engine will ensure pleasurable driving, and the vehicle’s handsome styling will ensure drivers look good while doing it. Several electronic aids will help anyone feel comfortable behind the wheel, despite the QX80’s size.
Meanwhile, the interior forms a spacious mobile oasis, full of modern tech features like navigation, premium audio, and plenty of available entertainment options. It’s also got enough room for all of the people or cargo you’ll ever need to carry.
Contact us or visit us at 3Birds Template today for a test drive.
*2016 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
**All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. Retailer sets actual price.
Image: INFINITI
