The first option that strikes one when they scout a bulletproof, reliable, luxurious and a 7-seater SUV that can ‘go anywhere’ is the Nissan Patrol. Standing really tall against other Japanese and American heavyweights, it has demonstrated its supremacy in its segment by being the best bulbous SUV that perfectly suited the taste of hooligans. However, brands keep visualising and ideating new product development strategies and it is never enough for them. To better the best, Nissan turned its head towards its premium Infiniti brand and launched the QX80 setting a quintessential example of luxury for those who didn’t want a Nissan badge on a high-end model.
What stunned the audience was exceedingly well quality of plastics and materials used for the seats, dash and panels that ranted flamboyance. However, to keep up with the times and current crop of SUVs, Infiniti has chosen this moment and is offering an improved version of the QX80 with several cosmetic and feature updates.
Design
Before getting to know the changes made to the dermis, it should be noted that its appearance is still identical to the outgoing model which means a corpulent Infiniti grille which curates an imposing stance, mean looking headlamps, enormous wheel arches concealing the 22-inch rims and a rather high shoulder line providing a commanding view of the road minimising the size of every object in its vicinity. Clean layout for the side profile and elongated roof rails add to its purposeful built. Some portion of the rear is ornated in chrome while LED inlays are found for the taillamps giving it a smarter look.
Interior
The room of command of the QX80 is all about indulging in top-notch quality and developing an obsession for the same. The faux wood finish on the top of the dashboard and beige combination continue to affirm and define luxury. This is likely to be appreciated by the consumers. The gloss black finish surrounding the dual infotainment screens and AC vents looks plush especially when it spouts refulgence under the impact of light.
The major change is in the silhouette of the screens. What used to come as a cluster of buttons studded in a rotund demeanour, does away with and a second infotainment screen providing access to those functions is present to transcend it. This frees up a lot of space and makes for a simplistic and futuristic look eliminating the need for any buttons.
Being the brand’s flagship, the QX80 amazes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, ventilated seats, push button start/stop, sunroof, leather seats and some advanced driver assistance features such as forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors and adaptive suspension for a pliant ride on any tarmac. It also gets some other convenience features such as smart key which starts the car from outside and BOSE® 13-speaker sound system.
Engine
To make sure there is a plenty of torque on and off the road, the 5.6-litre V8 engine continues to do its duty and offers alacrity with 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Its 7-speed automatic transmission bears the objective of providing a seamless drive in an unruffled manner so that the car propels forward with ease and a generous amount of pace.
These little but notable updates do their job amazingly well to keep the QX80 fresh in the face of competition.
