Infiniti refers
to its new QX56 mega-SUV as “The
full-size embodiment of progressive
thinking.” I’m not sure
how “progressive thinking” a
vehicle that gets 13 miles to the
gallon in the city really is in these
fuel-conscious times, but with its
impressive handling and unique styling,
QX56 is poised to grab market share
from segment-dominating Cadillac
Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
QX56 is available
in two well-equipped models (two-
or four-wheel drive), with a number
of option packages available. Both
come with a powerful 315-horsepower
V-8 engine. If you’ve seen
the Nissan Armada on the road, you’ll
recognize its distinctive profile
on the QX56. The boxy roofline makes
the back end look like an afterthought,
as if it was thrown on after the
rest of the vehicle was complete.
I like the unique styling, but it
could be a polarizing factor on an
otherwise outstanding full-size luxury
SUV.
On
the road, the QX56 handles almost
like a car. The five-speed automatic
transmission is smooth, shifting
seamlessly through the gears, even
under heavy acceleration or slowing.
Normally, I’m not a fan of
land-yachts such as these, finding
them bulky to drive and difficult
to control. Not so with the QX56.
The only time I registered the enormity
of the vehicle was trying to park
this monster in my garage (never
gonna happen), and during cornering,
where there is a moderate amount
of lean. If I could afford a bigger
garage, you might find a QX56 parked
inside.
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