2012 Infiniti QX56 — Hardly a “looker,” luxury sport-utility vehicle nonetheless commands presence

By LARRY CORNWELL
Special to The Post and Courier

Prestige luxury models are not coveted, bought or judged in the same way other models are. The 2012 Infiniti QX56 is a perfect example of this.

Most models cannot get away with being ugly, but the QX56 pulls it off. Furthermore the Infiniti QX56 does this with attitude. Yes, I am saying that the Infiniti QX56 is ugly. If Frankenstein and a Scion xB could conceive a love child, it would look like a QX56.

On the other hand, no matter what your opinion is of the QX56, no one can argue that it has presence. It has the kind of presence that announces that it is a premium luxury model. For many, envious stares and comments are more precious than having a beautiful model. These owners want everyone to know that their vehicle has status and panache. The Infiniti QX56 instantly communicates this visually.

Once inside the Infiniti QX56 you can see why women love this big, lumbering beast. Passenger and cargo space is almost overwhelming. The interior is covered in elegantly stitched leather and polished wood accents. Features include a heated steering wheel for those cold winter mornings, heated and cooled leather seats, a blind spot alert safety system and a camera that can monitor all four corners of the QX’s exterior.

The QX56 is one of the most luxurious and pampering models I have tested. Its ride is good, the seats are comfortable and the QX even has good punch from its 5.6-liter 400 horsepower V-8. Sadly, like all full sized SUVs, this “bus” does not have great fuel economy.

The 2012 Infiniti QX56 is an excellent choice for long road trips. It would pamper and refresh the driver and passengers after many miles have been accumulated. No doubt, the QX56 is sure to be a very capable hauler and tow-er boasting 413 pounds-feet of torque. Among the giants of the SUV world, the Infiniti QX56 has taken the full size category to an even loftier height.

If the QX56 looked as good as the Cadillac Escalade, it would be the perfect package.

If you are in the market for a smaller premium car, check out my upcoming review of Buick’s small “luxury” model, the Verano.

Larry Cornwell is an automotive journalist based in the Charlotte area.

VEHICLE TYPE: Full size SUV
PRICE RANGE: $60,000-$67,000

ENGINE: 5.6-liter V-8 producing 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque

DRIVETRAIN: 7-speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY: 14 mpg city/20mpg highway

COMPETITORS: Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes Benz ML 450, Lexus GX 460

PRODUCTION LOCATION: Kyushu, Japan

WEBSITE: www.infinitiusa.com