Power from the 5.6L V8 comes in at 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque enough to get the 2.5-tonne QX80 up and running with very little drama or noise. This is one quiet rig, whose occupants don’t have to put up with the drone emitted by the exhaust in, say, the V6-powered QX70. There’s a hint of that if you’re really digging into the throttle, but it only sticks around for a short time, enough to let you know that you’re making some serious forward progression.

Otherwise, with peak torque coming at 4,000 rpm, peak power at 5,800 and a standard seven-speed automatic (that will learn your driving style and change its attitude accordingly), rest assured that power is always on tap for high speed passing. Towing capacity, meanwhile, is rated at 3,856 kg.

Of course, any towing you do will have a negative impact on your fuel economy, and the QX80 already isn’t one of the leanest sippers; we saw 17.1 L/100 km during our combined testing. You’ll likely get better fuel economy from a Navigator, Escalade and especially a diesel-powered Mercedes GL 350. At least it takes regular fuel. Which dipped below $50/barrel recently…

There is just so, so much to like about the QX80 that you can’t help but feel it’s one of the great missed opportunities we’re seeing on the current automotive landscape, all because of its awkward styling. Get past that (or try to celebrate it for being different, up to you), and you’ll find yourself at the helm of one of the most capable, luxurious, well-equipped and powerful luxury SUVs out there. For me, it’s a slam-dunk proposition. For those concerned about the styling, well, you can’t see your grille from behind the wheel, can you?

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Warranty:
4 years/100,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 7 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/100,000 km 24-hour roadside assistanceCompetitors:
Cadillac Escalade
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus LX570
Lincoln Navigator

Pricing: 2015 Infiniti QX80
Base Price: $73,650
Options: Tech Package – $8,150, Hermosa Blue 3-coat paint – $385
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $84,180

Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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