The QX80 Limited, a limited-edition model of Infiniti’s flagship off-road luxury SUV, was unveiled last November. The exterior and interiors of this upgraded QX80 have been refreshed along the lines of Infiniti’s ‘powerful elegance’ design language. It has also been given a few more specs as standard that are not available on the regular model.
To put emphasis on the fact that the new SUV is not just a large luxury urban crawler but a serious off-roader as well, the brand chose to take a fleet of them on an expedition; to explore new discoveries in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. This “Qxploration” expedition to Petra follows the one undertaken last year in the Gobi Desert, which saw the discovery of new dinosaur fossils. It was conducted as part of Infinity’s 30th anniversary.
In Jordan, the fleet followed the ancient King’s Road from the Dead Sea to the newly discovered site in Petra. Sarah Parcak, a National Geographic Fellow and Archaeology Professor, and a colleague discovered the site – a 50 meter by 100-meter platform just south of the ancient city – with the help of satellite and drone remote sensing technology. The team surveyed the platform which “had been hiding in plain sight” until it was discovered. It is believed to have no known parallels among any of the other structures in Petra discovered thus far.
“The sheer power of the QX80 Limited makes it the ideal choice for adventuring, whether on solo expeditions or family camping trips. Its 428 HP enables the driver to tackle the toughest of terrains effortlessly whilst feeling confidently safeguarded with outstanding safety features. At the same time, the two-tone semi-aniline interiors complimented by advanced entertainment make it a joy to drive, providing the ultimate vehicle for on-road bonding time.” – Markus Leithe, Managing Director, Infiniti Middle East
The SUV’s exterior features straight and more angular character lines for bodywork, sharper, thinner tail-lamps and light units, and a raised lower bumper section. It appears wider, taller and more athletic than its predecessor. The extended hood also creates a more squared-off, vertical front section, while large, functional fender vents maximize air delivery to the engine. The model features satin chrome exterior trim.
As in the regular model, the windshield, the driver and front passenger windows have UV-reducing coating. They also have noise-insulation. The rear door glass, rear quarter windows and rear liftgate have dark privacy glass. The Limited is distinguished by a stainless-steel running board with rubber grips and welcome lighting beneath, satin chrome roof rails and crossbars, and radiant illuminated kick plates.
The interior is modern, spacious and luxuriously handcrafted in quality materials including perforated and quilted leather. Black Ultrasuede covers the headliner as well as the A, B and C pillars. The A and B pillar grab handles are covered in stitched leather. The centre console is finished in matte silver, open-pore Ash wood trim. The upper instrument panel is wrapped in leather with contrast stitching. The lettering “LIMITED” is inlaid on the centre console, and on the front and 2nd-row seatback. The brand’s metal logo appears on the exclusive high-density floor mats.
The “NASA-inspired” ergonomic seats have a distinct two-tone design featuring a combination of perforated semi-aniline premium leather and Alcantara leather with quilting and contrast piping and stitching. The front seats are heated and cooled. Like the standard QX80, the Limited offers 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power passenger’s seat; both have 2-way power lumbar support. The driver’s seat has dual occupant memory as well as entry and exit assist in combination with the steering wheel.
Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system has also been updated, allowing drivers to personalize driving characteristics and the cabin environment. For entertainment, the Limited has the Theater Package with dual 8.0-inch colour monitors, two sets of wireless headphones, remote control, auxiliary audio-video input jacks. Sound quality is enhanced by Bose’s 15-speakers Cabin Surround sound system with digital 5.1 decoding. It has nine cupholders, four bottle holders and four 12V power points: two are in the front, 1 in the rear of the front centre console, and one in cargo-area. Ergonomic improvements give passengers a larger smartphone and tablet stowing area in the centre console.
The QX80 Limited has four driving modes designed to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, along with Active Noise Cancellation. It also has a host of driver-assist technology to make the task of managing such a large vehicle seem effortless. For those off-road trips, there is the 360-degree overhead view system to help avoid rocks, ruts and other obstacles called the Around Vehicle Monitor. For paved roads, the Limited has, as standard, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist and Tow Mode function.
Other features offered as standard exclusively on the Limited include Advanced Climate Control System with auto recirculation, Plasmacluster air purifier system, Grape Polyphenol filter, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention and Smart Rear-View Mirror, among others.
The QX80 Limited is powered by the same longitudinally mounted aluminium 5.6L V8 engine found on the regular models. It produces 428 bhp at 5,800 rpm, and maximum torque of 560 newton-meter at 4,000 rpm. The maximum engine speed is 6,000 rpm. The engine is coupled with an automatic, seven-speed transmission. It comes with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) as standard. Other standards include 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
The front and rear suspension are double-wishbone as in the standard QX80 but have Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and Vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist as standard. The tyres are mounted on exclusive 22-inch dark-finished forged aluminium-alloy wheels. The limited has a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kg.
