Test Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56
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VOICE OVER: Miranda Lightstone
This behemoth of an SUV is the largest member of the Infiniti family -- and perhaps the ugliest as well. Newly designed for 2011, the QX56 exterior is definitely not what it used to be. Thankfully, inside, this Infiniti stuck to its guns and kept the high-end, luxurious feel throughout the vehicle. This third-generation of the car was unveiled in early 2010, and it showcased a complete redesign. And today, it is even more suited to the well-to-do family planning a trip to the country house. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com spends a week behind the wheel of the 2011 Infiniti QX56.
Design
If you hadn’t figured it out already; I’m not too keen on the exterior design of this vehicle. It’s as if Infiniti decided to try and use their signature rounded nose (seen on the G Series) and put it on a vehicle that’s much too large to carry the look. Couple that with an over-sized Nissan Cube-like rear and you have a car that looks a bit like a brontosaurus; not very attractive at all.
If you can make it past the horrendous exterior and get inside the QX56 then you’ll feel much better and much more at home. Filled to the brim with amenities, this Infniti is definitely the leader of the pack (not just the biggest) when it comes to cool gadgets and comfort. From the onboard entertainment system to the three-zone climate control and electronically controlled liftgate and third-row seating, the QX56 is the ideal family weekend trip vehicle.
With an optional third row, the Infiniti QX56 isn’t just high-end, it’s practical. Although the seats aren’t the most comfortable, nor are they that large, they do make the car a 7-seater without the minivan stigma. However, once the third row has been erected (which takes eons, by the way), the trunk space all but disappears. So practical for people, yes, cargo not so much.
Drive
Equipped with the M56’s 5.6-liter V8, the new direct injected engine powers the QX56 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. With two more gears to work with in the 2011 model (it’s now a 7-speed automatic instead of a 5-speed), more horsepower (up from the previous generation’s 320) and a lighter weight, this new iteration of the QX56 is better in every way.
Driving this behemoth isn’t as cumbersome as you might think. It handles very well for a large vehicle and is sturdy on its wheels. With an optional AWD platform available, the QX56 offers options for all family types and all wallet sizes. You just have to get past that ugly mug and get behind the wheel every day.
