Auto blog

2018 Infiniti QX80 Drivers' Notes Review | Big, brash and big

When it comes to body-on-frame, full-size SUVs, it seems every automaker has the same strategy. Offer one version as a more affordable, workman-like model, and another one as the plush luxury model. Ford has the Expedition and the Navigator, Toyota has the Land Cruiser and the LX 570, GM has the Tahoe and the Escalade. Over at Nissan, the pairing is the Nissan Aramada and the Infiniti QX80. We recently reviewed the Nissan version, and we just had a turn in the Infiniti. So how did the Infiniti fare against its proletarian twin? Read on to find out. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: So here's the thing about the Infiniti QX80: It's literally just a flashier Nissan Armada. As I sat down to write my thoughts, I took a second look at what I wrote about the Nissan-badged version, and I realized almost everything on my mind I already covered. The thing is enormous. Walking up to it, it seems like it might be an inch taller than me (5'11"). It's pretty wide, too, and the width is consistent all the way up. But it is still easy to drive with light steering and very good visibility. The 5.6-liter V8 sounds lovely and seems well-matched to the truck, and the transmission shifts smoothly and picks gears well. The real problem I see is that my feelings about the QX80's interior are nearly identical to those of the Armada. They're virtually identical, especially when comparing the higher trim Armadas. They have the same infotainment, the same buttons. There are a lot of buttons, too, scattered seemingly haphazardly and are difficult to use, especially with the very dated infotainment system. The dash design and shape of the wood are the same, and so is the steering wheel. The only things I could tell were really different were the shift knob, the gauge faces and the quilted leather seats. And Nissan offers a version of the latter on the Armada Platinum Reserve. I'm dwelling on this a bit because the Infiniti QX80 is not cheap. The four-wheel-drive one we had here in Michigan had a base price of $68,845. That's a few thousand more than the aforementioned Armada Platinum Reserve, and I don't see how the Infiniti is worth that extra money. It seems all you're getting is a flashier exterior, especially with the $2,800 22-inch wheels, and a more prestigious badge. I need more than chrome and badges to spend so much money. My recommendation is just buy an Armada.

Production Infiniti QX30 coming to LA Auto Show

Infiniti showed its QX30 small crossover in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and now, we've got confirmation that the production car will debut in Los Angeles. But this is just one of some 30 global reveals that will take place at the LA Auto Show this November. The QX30 will be a higher-riding version of the new Q30 hatchback that we'll see in Frankfurt later this month. And since the Q30 shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, we can probably expect the QX30 to be a sort of Infinitized GLA-Class. Just picture a lifted version of the production Q30 we've already seen in teaser shots. In addition to 30 global debuts, the LA Auto Show will host 20 North American reveals, including the Jaguar F-Pace, Kia Sportage, and Bentley Bentayga that will initially be shown in Frankfurt. The only other LA show global reveal we know about right now is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Still, there will no doubt be a lot to talk about come November, with Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, and Volkswagen all confirming that they'll have something to show in Los Angeles. Naturally, we'll be on site with our usual obsessive auto show coverage. Related Video: THIRTY WORLD DEBUTS CONFIRMED FOR 2015 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW 50 total reveals expected and will be streamed live by CNET from the show floor LOS ANGELES, CA (September 2, 2015) – The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) announced today that 30 world debuts, totaling 50 vehicle unveilings overall, will be introduced in front of media, analysts and automotive industry executives during its Press & Trade Days, November 17-19, 2015. Almost every manufacturer will be making news, and while most have yet to announce details, a few manufacturers have begun to share their debut plans. Specifically, Infiniti will have a global reveal of its all-new QX30 crossover and Hyundai will host the world premiere of its all-new Elantra. Other debuts include Jaguar's first luxury SUV, the F-PACE, and Kia's next generation Sportage. Other automakers officially confirming premieres include Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen.

2022 Infiniti QX55 pricing is out, and it carries a premium over the standard QX50

Pricing for the coupe-ified 2022 Infiniti QX55 crossover is out, and just like every other coupe-like version of a crossover, it’s more expensive than the regular one.  For starters, the QX55 comes with standard all-wheel drive. It also starts at the second trim up the QX50Â’s hierarchy, Luxe. The premium over an equivalent QX50 is $3,000, landing the QX55 at a $47,525 starting price, including the $1,025 destination charge. There are only two other trims available: Essential and Sensory. A QX55 Essential starts at $52,625 and adds leather seats (heated/cooled in front), a heated steering wheel, navigation, 16-speaker Bose audio and a 360-degree camera. For a little more cash, you can tack on a ProAssist and ProActive package to the Essential trim for a host of driver assistance features, including all the goodies weÂ’re accustomed to in NissanÂ’s ProPilot Assist. The last and top trim is Sensory, and it starts at $58,075. You get all the packages and features of the lower trims, plus a motion-activated hatch, semi-aniline leather seats, open-pore wood trim, tri-zone climate control and ambient lighting. Unlike the regular QX50, there is no top-of-the-line Autograph trim. If youÂ’re interested in a QX55, Infiniti says itÂ’s opening up a digital reservation program today. If you reserve one via this method and go through with the purchase or lease, Infiniti promises you the choice of “a tasteful trendsetting gift.” Your options include a Transparent Sound speaker, Away luggage bundle or a Tom Dixon Brew coffee set. QX55s will start landing in dealers this spring, where you can buy one the old-fashioned way, sans gift. Related video: