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Luxury and refinement highlight the Infiniti QX56 full-size SUV Story and photos by Lorne Drury Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine Ive never been a fan of full-size SUVs, proba- bly because Ive never had a need for one. Theres just two of us in the family and with the exception of summer camping trips and driving to oldtimers hockey tournaments with the guys and all our equipment, there just isnt a need for that much space. Yet, our close friends have five kids. Theyre all grown up now with the youngest already finished university, but there was a time that they would all travel together so their vehicle of choice was a big Yukon Denali or Honda Pilot. So when it came time for me to test the full- size, and I mean FULL-SIZE Infiniti QX56, I tried to go into it with an open mind. Its not something I would buy but Im sure our friends at one time would have had it on their lets look at it list. The QX56 has been redone for 2011, and although it still is a body-on-frame design like the outgoing model, it now sits on a dif- ferent platform than before, no longer shar- ing a platform with its Nissan sibling, the Armada. The result is a much stiffer frame structure for enhanced ride and comfort. Noise, vibra- tion and harshness have also been noticeably reduced. For 2011, the QX56 is offered in seven- and eight-passenger models and its still one of the biggest SUVs on the market. Power is up 25 per cent with a new 5.6-litre 32-valve alu- minum-alloy V8 engine under the hood. This is the same engine used in the M56 sedan. Meanwhile fuel economy has been improved by 10 per cent, but its definitely not this vehicles strong suit 15.7L/100 km (18 mpg) city and 10.3L/100 km (27 mpg) high- way. The new engine produces 400 hp and 413 lb/ft of torque. For anyone pulling a boat or camper trailer, this is the vehicle. It has a towing capacity of 3,863 kg (8,500 lb). The QX56 is just the thing for cottagers who want to travel in style especially if theres lots of passengers and baggage to get there. While it may not have the most elegant exte- rior styling, the QX56 does exhibit a sense of luxury and presence on the road. It is longer than the previous generation by 35.56 mm (1.9 in) and wider by 27.94 mm (1.1 in), but it is also lower in height by 96.52 mm (3.8 in). The wheelbase is also shorter by 53.33 (1.2 in). My tester was the QX56 eight-passenger model with the $8,000 Technology Package, bringing the price as tested to $81,000 plus $1,950 freight and PDI. The base seven-and eight-passenger models start at $73,000. First introduced in 2004, the QX56 was refreshed in 2008. The engine then was a 5.6- litre, but it only provided 320 hp and it was mated with a five-speed automatic. This time around, there is a slick seven-speed automat- ic with adaptive shift control and manual shift mode with downshift rev match. Inside the cabin is where the refinement is really evident. Rather than a gussied up Pathfinder, the QX56 now presents true lux- ury with quality materials and craftsmanship and all the technological goodies one could imagine. Among the features that would please even the most ardent techies are a hard-drive based navigation system, 13-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a dual seven-inch colour monitor DVD system that allows two different sources to be played at the same time. Included in the Technology Package are fea- tures such as an adaptive front lighting sys- tem, blind spot warning, hydraulic body- motion control system (helping to reduce body roll on cornering), lane departure warning system, intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, vehicle speed sensi- tive power steering, advanced climate con- trol system, 22-in forged alloy wheels and P275/50 R22 tires. The first and second-row seats are fit for roy- alty theres lots of room to stretch out. The third row, which much more usable than many, is certainly less spacious than the front two seating areas. On the eight-passen- ger model, the second row has a 60/40 split folding bench seat. Of course, the driver is well looked after here. There is a 10-way power drivers seat with two-way power lumbar support. The passen- ger seat has eight power settings. Continued on page 26 Infiniti QX56 2011At A Glance: BODY STYLE:full-size luxury SUV.DRIVE METHOD:front-engine, four- wheel drive.ENGINE:5.6-litre 32-valve DOHC direct injection V8 (400 hp, 413 lb/ft)FUEL ECONOMY:15.7L/100 km (18 mpg) city, 10.3L/100 km (27 mpg) high- way.TOW RATING:3,863 kg (8,500 lb)PRICE:$73,000, as tested $81,000.WEB:www.infiniti.ca The 2011 Infiniti QX56 may be the ultimate in luxury full-size SUVs with seating for seven or eight passengers. Interior luxury is the name of the game here lots of wood trim, chrome accents and leather seating surfaces. And if you need to tow a boat or trailer, it will pull up to 3,864 kg (8,500 lb). 25 W ednesday , D ecem ber 1, 2010 O A KVILLE BEA V ER w w w .o akvillebeaver .co m 345 Speers Rd. (at Dorval), Oakville 905-842-9299 Valid at all GTA locations. any oil change package $8OFF Expiry: Dec. 15, 2010 Code: 5724