ROAD TEST.....2015 Infiniti QX80

2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited AWD

BASE PRICE:      $64,000 including destination charge
FULLY LOADED: $91,000 including destination charge 
YIKES! When you choose the Limited package you are automatically required to select every other option package made available on the QX80 such as the Theater, Driver Assistance, Deluxe Technology, & 22" Wheels/Tires. That Limited package includes such niceties as smoked headlamps, taillamps, & exterior trim, dark tinted 14-spoke 22" wheels, stainless steel running boards, welcome lighting, exclusive Truffle Brown quilted semi-aniline leather interior, Matte Ash interior trim, & much more. Overall it's a pretty elegant package that's on par with the best of them in this class.This luxo-barge is big there's no denying it. The first version, the QX56, bowed in 2005 as the bigger brother to the QX4 & was essentially a fancied up Armada. Only a handful of large SUV's on the market today have room enough to carry 7-8 passengers PLUS all of the gear they bring along. In terms of smooth power delivery, interior space/comfort, and available technology the QX80 can hang with the best of 'em no problem. The area that really surprised me in a positive way was handling. This thing looks and feels as big as the rest of its competitors, yet when you get behind the wheel and hit an off ramp corner faster than you may have intended to, this thing does NOT handle big!It's a tad expensive but then again aren't they all in this class? I mean when you stack it up against the Escalade it screams bargain. You could realistically select one or two option packages & get out the door for basically the same as what the Escalade starts at.
MECHANICAL: 14 city / 20 highway MPGI have NEVER achieved over 15 MPG in one of these but every trip to the gas station sure was a comfy one!400 hp V87-speed automaticRear Wheel Drive (or) 4-Wheel Drive Luxury SUV
SAFETY: Standard safety features include the usual multitude of airbags, electronic brake force distribution, Brake Assist, electronic stability control, and front Active head restraints. Some of the many optional safety features are Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning to name just a few.

COMPETITION: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ($64,500, including destination charge)Cadillac Escalade ($74,000, including destination charge)Lincoln Navigator ($63,000, including destination charge) Lexus LX ($84,000, including destination charge) 

Besides the aforementioned Limited, other available option packages include: 

Deluxe Technology PackageTheater PackageDriver Assistance Package
At the end of the day, the QX80 is a beautifully crafted and ultra luxurious SUV that has more than enough power & comfort at a pretty competitive price. If I had a large family, made a decent salary, & was looking for an upscale family hauler, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 would be at the top of my shopping list no doubt about it.
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