2011 Infiniti QX56 4WD
Months in Fleet: Two
Miles to Date: 8578
Our 2011 Infiniti QX56 is quickly accumulating miles, which is not surprising for big, luxurious vehicles in their first few months at Automobile Magazine. We've already visited the dealer for service at 5500 miles and had the engine oil and filter replaced for a total of $44.41.
It took copy editor Rusty Blackwell more than a month to get a chance to drive the QX. Blackwell's drive happened to coincide with the first snowfall of the year and he had a chance to put the heated steering wheel, heated seats, and all-wheel drive to the test, declaring the big Infiniti "wasn't fazed a bit." His only complaint was that it isn't possible to turn off the lane departure warning system without also taking blind spot detection offline as well. Associate editor Eric Tingwall first pointed out this flaw a few days after our QX56 arrived.
With the freezing temperatures throughout Michigan in December, many staffers wanted a crack at the QX56 simply to evaluate the heated seats and steering wheel. Associate Web editor Evan McCausland is one of the few who publicly admitted his vehicle selection criteria changes with the season and reported the heated seats "don't feel all that hot" though the steering wheel's heater is "a boon." The navigation unit impressed McCausland as well: "Displays are clear and legible, maps crisp and accurate, and the system is always quick to respond to user input. "
Despite our proclivity for powerful engines and sumptuous interiors, some staff members have blanched when it comes time to refuel the QX56. A few admitted to ignoring the manufacturer's suggestion to use premium fuel and topping off the SUV with regular instead. We've decided to stick with the recommendation for premium for the remainder of our test so we take full advantage of the 5.6-liter's 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque and don't compromise fuel economy or performance. It will certainly cost us a few dollars more on a vehicle that will undoubtedly see more than 30,000 miles during its time here, but owners of a $72,500 luxury SUV certainly have the extra $0.20 per gallon to make sure it performs as the manufacturer intended.
2011 Infiniti QX56 4WD
Base price (with dest.): $60,750
Price as tested: $72,560
Overview
Body Style: SUV
Accommodation: 7-passenger
Construction: body-on-frame
Powertrain
Engine: DOHC 32-valve V-8
Displacement: 5.6 liters
Power: 400 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Drive: Four-wheel
Fuel economy: 14 / 20 / 16 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Chassis
Steering: Vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering
Turning Circle: 41.6 ft
Suspension, Front: Hydraulic Body Motion Control System
Suspension, Rear: Hydraulic Body Motion Control System
Brakes F/R: Power-assisted ventilated disc; ABS
Wheels: 22 x 8.0-inch forged-aluminum
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II
Tire Size: 275/50R22 111H
Measurements
Headroom F/2R/3R: 39.9 / 40.0 / 36.8 in?
Legroom F/2R/3R: 39.6 / 41.0 / 28.8 in
Shoulder Room F/2R/3R: 63.8 / 63.5 / 60.5 in
Wheelbase: 121.1 in
Track F/R: 67.5 / 67.9 in
L x W x H: 208.3 x 79.9 x 75.8 in?
Cargo Capacity: 49.6 / 95.1 cu ft (3R seats down / with 2R & 3R seats down)
Weight: 5850 lb
Fuel Capacity: 26.0 gal
Est. Range: 416 miles
Fuel Grade: 87 octane
Standard Equipment
5.6-liter V-8 engine
7-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel drive
Snow and tow modes
Hill start assist
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Vehicle dynamic control
Traction control system
Tire pressure monitoring system
8-way driver/6-way passenger power/heated front seat
Power lumbar support
Leather-appointed seats
Second row captains chairs
Power 60/40 split and fold third row seats
Power tilt/telescoping steering column
Heated steering wheel with multi-function controls
Bose 13-speaker premium audio system
Single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback
9.3 GB Music Box hard drive
XM satellite radio
USB/iPod adapter
Bluetooth connectivity
Infiniti hard drive navigation system
8-inch color touch-screen display
Voice recognition for audio
Around view monitor with front and rear sonar system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Intelligent key with push button ignition
Power sliding tinted glass sunroof
Options
Deluxe touring package -- $5800
22-inch forged-aluminum wheels
Hydraulic body motion control system
Climate-controlled front seats
Heated second row seats
Remote tie up second row seats
Advanced climate control system
Headlight washers
Technology package -- $2850
Intelligent cruise control
Blind spot warning
Land departure warning
Land departure prevention
Intelligent brake assist
Forward collision warning
Adaptive front lighting system with auto leveling
Theater package -- $2450
Dual 7-inch color rear monitors
Two wireless headphones
Wireless remote control
Auxiliary audio/video input jacks
120V power outlet
Illuminated kick plates -- $390
Roof rail crossbars -- $320
Credit: Automobile Magazine (www.automobilemag.com)
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