The local Infiniti range is set to expand once more, following the announcement today that the massive, V8-engined QX80 SUV will join the product portfolio from this month.
Based on Nissan's Y62 Patrol – which coincidentally dropped in price less than a fortnight ago from $114,490 to $86,990 – the QX80 will enter the market priced at $110,900, placing it over $23,000 below the price of the Lexus LX570 that is arguably its one true competitor in Australia.
Powered by a 5.6-litre direct-injected petrol V8 producing 298kW and 560Nm, the QX80 boasts a seven-speed automatic transmission driving through an 'All-Mode' four-wheel drive system. According to Infiniti, the QX80 is rated to tow 3500kg in Australia.
The QX80 comes with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, a system that regulates suspension on the fly to provide reduced body roll cornering and improved wheel articulation off the road. Safety features offered include Lane departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Distance Control Assist (DCA) – an active cruise control system by a different name – allied with Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), to monitor two cars ahead and respond to the potential for a rear-end collision occurring. Finally, the QX80 comes with Back-up Collision Intervention, which brakes automatically if it should detect an obstacle behind the vehicle while reversing.
Standard comfort and convenience features fitted to the QX80 include 22-inch alloy wheels, a heated leather-bound steering wheel and a 15-speaker BOSE audio system with two sub woofers and an entertainment system for second-row seat passengers.
"The QX80 is among the most luxurious and generously appointed SUVs available in the world," he said. "It is spacious, elegant and has an incredible presence, and its arrival in Australia will position Infiniti squarely in this important vehicle segment," says Jean-Philippe Roux, MD of Infiniti Cars Australia.
"A number of buyers have asked us for a model at least one size up from the QX70 crossover. Adding the QX80 to our local catalogue in small volumes will meet this local opportunity."
The QX80 heralds an expanded range of models for Australia. Starting from next year, Infiniti will add the Q30 small car, the QX30 crossover SUV and a production version of the Q60 Concept coupe that debuted in Detroit back in January to the local range.
"Expanding the Infiniti vehicle range is a key part of our plan for sustainable growth in Australia," Roux said. "These next four new models to join our range will see the Infiniti brand cover a much broader range of the local premium market. And we have even more all-new models planned."