Anybody have any experience with the Infiniti QX56?

MongooseGA · 01-26-05, 01:24

Well, being that we're a family of red-blooded Americans, the time has come to purchase an excessivley huge land-yacht for my Mom.

She started out looking at the FX45 and Murano, but decided she didn't care for the interior and wanted something a little bigger. I suggested the lexus GX470, and it is one of the top contenders.

Then this thought popped into my mind "Didn't Infiniti just introduce a full-size SUV?" The QX56 competes (and really crushes) the compettition- LX470, Escalade, Ultra Navigator, Denali, etc...

So we're going to check out the GX470 and QX56 tomorrow. Does anyone have any experience with either of these behemoths? Thoughts?

gearhead · 01-26-05, 01:54

My sister-in-law rented one and let us drive it briefly last summer. IT IS VERY LARGE, both inside and out. Had to park in a structure and I was worried about scraping the ceiling. It is also very nice and plush with soft leather, comfortable seats, every bell and whistle, even an auto-close rear gate which she appreciated as it is very large and high at full open position.

I personally don't like driving something that large and cumbersome (this is how it handled but to be expected) and we decided to look for something a little smaller.

I believe the direct Lexus competition for the QX56 isn't the GX but the LX470, another full-size suv. IIRC the GX is based on the 4Runner and is similarly sized. We also considered a Toyota Sequoia which is almost as big but more nimble handling, a Yukon Denali which i really liked the looks of but too $$$$ and still some cheap materials in interior. We ended up getting an Acura MDX which has more room inside than it looks like it would have given its exterior dimensions. Drives more like a car than a truck and is less $$ than Infiniti and Lexus competition but is also less plush.

MongooseGA · 01-26-05, 02:22

Yup, the LX is direct competition for the QX. Mom doesn't like the LX though and it costs a good 8k more than the Infiniti I believe. My dad's old room mate has a GX. GX= awesome ride, and that's why she considered it before the LX.

My dad has a '99 Super Duty. Full bed and crew cab, so I guess we're numb to the "too big" issue

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How was it on power? I had heard something like 15 second quarter mile times, but don't know if I believe it or not

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G35stilez · 01-26-05, 02:58

Jesus, my girlfriend is overly obsessed with that truck. She calls it the :

MILF Mobile

Every hot soccer mom should have one, in her eyes. We went and looked at em. They are pretty nice IMO. Shape is a little unproportioned, but it's not a dime a dozen truck. Too often some of these SUV's are just everywhere, not this one. It has 305hp BTW...not sure if it will propel it to do 15 second 1/4's, but don't quote me.

We priced out an Pathfinder Armada (it's crossover) with every option and it came out to about $5 k cheaper. With the QX, you are paying for a fancier exterior look and the name...Worth it? To me, yes.

I say, Go for it!

JDookie · 01-26-05, 03:08

Just to add to what GSRstilez just said, I agree. It's definitely worth the extra $5k. You aren't just getting better looks, but better quality appointments in the interior. The Infinity line is far superior to the Nissan line.

MongooseGA · 01-26-05, 03:09

Well, considering it will be my mom's car, MILF mobile just doesn't make me like the idea too much :scared

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I agree with you on the different badging. Just the trim on the Infiniti looks better. The same reason I prefer the looks of a GMC over a Chevy, G35 over 350Z.

I know how cliche the soccer mom thing is. I asked why she wanting an SUV instead of the A8 L she looked at. "Because one day I'm gonna have grand babies to put back there. And grocery shopping!". This scared me.

JDookie · 01-26-05, 03:18

Quote:

Originally posted by MongooseGA
I agree with you on the different badging. Just the trim on the Infiniti looks better. The same reason I prefer the looks of a GMC over a Chevy, G35 over 350Z.

That's because they are *better* cars!

gearhead · 01-26-05, 03:20

Yeah, the LX is actually around 10k more $$. I like the GX size and looks if you don't need the extra room of the QX. QX has 5.6 L motor making 315 hp hauling 5600 lbs, I dunno about acceleration (we drove it in Tahoe to casinos so too much traffic to find out) but i'm sure once it got going...

GX has 270 hp hauling 4800 lbs but with 3.73 axle ratio vs 3.36 for the QX. Test drive 'em both! And I agree with Sean, if it's going to be an around-town Mommymobile, the QX is the way to go over the Armada.

Personally I'd go for the mid-size Pathfinder to actually beat up taking out to the desert but it's on the small size. She doesn't like the Denali huh? 6.0 L, 335 hp, more cargo capacity w/seats folded, sweet in silver, chrome dubs...

MongooseGA · 01-26-05, 03:41

Nah, didn't like the looks of the Denali I guess. She thinks the design is kind of dated and the cockpit is as basic as it gets. I think they're gorgeous, but it's not my my $60k

We'll be checking out both of the cars tomorrow (QX and GX). If I'm lucky, we'll get to test drive it. I'll be sure to report the acceleration results to you guys. Mom's not one to fear the skinny pedal

I like the new Pathfinder alot, but it's just not what she's looking for. This is to be her last car for a while so she's 'going out with a bang'. I wouldn't mind the Pathfinder for myself though

*** I just checked out the Car and Driver report on the car. Their drivers got it to hit 60 in 7.2 seconds, and finished the 1/4 mile in 15.7 seconds. I don't know about you, but this ain't too shabby for a 5,600 lb. truck.

JDookie · 01-26-05, 03:57

Another idea is the Lincoln Navigator. 5.4 liter 24-valve engine, 300hp/365lb-ft torque. THX Certified 9-speaker 300watt RMS navigation/sound system w/ rear DVD. Very nice vehicle.
http://www.lincoln.com/vehicles/navi...lt.asp?flash=1

MongooseGA · 01-26-05, 04:12

Thanks Jason. I'll bring this up to her. The Navigator is a good looking truck.

While looking at the comparisons on there, I noticed that the H2 has about >.< that much stuff compared to its competitors. How are these selling? The Escalade ESV also has more ground clearance than the H2

Porkanbeans · 01-26-05, 04:51

IMO, Infiniti has vastly improved build quality, drivetrains, and fit and finish in their vehicles since 2002. The QX is a plush, sporty-elegant design with clean lines both inside and out. The interior materials are very nice. It's a truck that won't look worse and worse with age.

The GX is a fine vehicle, but there's something in Infinti's execution of design that won't bore you. I like that. My dad's old college roommate had a GX too, as a matter of fact, and he sold it because it wasn't exciting to him anymore. The novelty of it wears off in a hurry.

I think either would be a great decision, both are excellent, but the Infiniti has that extra kick to it that I really like. I bet your mom will like that 315hp too

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As for the H2s, I don't think they're selling as many as they were when they came out. Prices aren't coming down though. I think it's just too impactical for a daily driver.