The QX80 out-Americas the Americans. It’s bigger, more brash and more opulent than many of its competitors – though not quite as big as the GMC Yukon. It’s almost like the designers wanted to satirize the giant American SUV. The problem with satire though, is that if it’s too subtle people think you’re for real. I can only imagine the look on the young designers face when the bosses picked his or her joke design over the real one….

If you think I’m being too harsh on the exterior of the QX80 let me draw your attention to the fake porthole vents on the quarter panel. See what I mean?

At least the wheels are tasteful. Where others might go with gaudy bright chrome to blind you, the gold-hued brushed aluminum 22-inch rims fitted here are elegant and gorgeous. It’s a splash of good taste on the outside that hints at the execution within.

Those enormous wheels are another of the examples of excess inherent in this class of vehicle, which seemed to somehow become less offensive and more charming as the week went on. Coddled into the deeply comfortable driver’s seat, I couldn’t even bring myself to be upset with the fuel economy reading. Rated at 16.9 L/100 km city and 11.9 highway, I spent the first four days of rush-hour commuting up over 20! Only a few longer stretches to the country got me down under 15. And yet I was more bemused than anything else. I might even have used “LOL” as a word.

It takes a lot to transform an opinion of mine so dramatically. In a few short days I went from “Oh God, No. Why? #Nope” to “Heh, this thing is ridiculous and funny” and finally on to “Hey, who wants to come for a drive in the QX80 – this thing is awesome!”

Warranty
4 years/100,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 7 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Cadillac Escalade
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus LX570
Lincoln Navigator
Queen Mary Ocean Liner

And it is. Comfort-wise, there are few that will match it. Interior quality and design is likewise top notch. The drivetrain is refined and powerful, like a large boat engine throbbing away just under the water level.
The Infiniti QX80 is effortless to drive and immensely capable. If you’re anything like me you might not get it at first. But once you do, you’ll never look back.

Pricing: 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited
Base Price: $92,800
Options: None
A/C tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $94,895

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