Large and on the charge
Hard-edged QX56 is Infiniti's first full-size sport-ute

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The last two years have seen an uncanny renaissance for Nissan. In its infancy, the automaker's Infiniti luxury brand fought an 'also-ran' reputation, mostly because it was surviving on what amounted to gussied-up Nissan products. But with the introduction of the G35 sedan in 2002, Infiniti instantly became competitive, even with the likes of the heralded BMW 3 Series.

Finally unique, Infiniti-dedicated products were in the pipeline. While the basic platforms might be shared with a Nissan cousin, the vehicles were their own distinct expression, not an exercise in badge engineering. Not long after, the G35 coupe, M45 sedan and FX SUVs joined the ranks, solidifying Infiniti's intent to seriously compete in the luxury class.

Today, Infiniti is pushing into more uncharted territory with its first full-size SUV, the QX56. Competing against heavyweights like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the new truck offers "convenience items galore."

Nonetheless, it's a bit of a relapse for Infiniti. The QX56 seems to be pushing overly hard to reach the sporting edict of the brand, while ignoring the unmistakable Nissan roots that obviously shine through.

Described as an exercise in "massive precision," the QX56 measures 5255 mm (just over 17 feet) in length. To these eyes, the truck bears an uncomfortable resemblance to the less-expensive Nissan Pathfinder Armada, especially the roofline. Larry Dominique, Nissan's chief product specialist for trucks and SUVs, says the QX56 is unique from the A-pillar forward.

The truck's new front end displays the trademark Infiniti grille, including a football-sized company logo and standard high-intensity discharge headlights. Some reporters questioned the offbeat positioning of the headlamps, which Dominique says are mounted at a level where they won't irritate drivers of smaller cars, a complaint that's becoming more common with xenon lights.

Other major exterior features include handsome 18-inch, 7-spoke chrome alloy wheels, a body-coloured roof rack, standard power liftgate, chrome accents on the doors and tow hardware integrated into the rear bumper.

The QX56 can pull an impressive 4000 kg (8,800 lb), thanks mostly to its F-Alpha fully-boxed frame.

Despite the impressive performance of the QX56's powertrain, there's one fatal flaw that will keep it out of the same league as the hot-selling Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator: its suspension.

Despite a modern 4-wheel independent setup (air-levelling in back), the QX56's ride is simply too harsh. And while most competitors have found that sweet spot between comfort and handling, the Infiniti fights too hard to pull off a sporty character that just doesn't materialize. The result is a suspension that pounds inharmoniously, even over the smooth California asphalt we piloted it on. We appreciate this type of setup in the speed-oriented G35 coupe, but the QX56's rough suspension is a real detriment to its overall impression.

Inside, the QX56's similarity to the Pathfinder Armada and even the Titan pickup shines through. The basic dashboard and centre console designs are nearly identical, but Infiniti has dressed up the interior with imported wood, real metal trim and the automaker's signature analogue clock.

The driver faces orange-illuminated gauges and a wood/leather steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls. Laser-guided Intelligent Cruise Control is standard.

To keep the QX56's interior at the same hushed level as the best-in-class Lexus GX 470, 32 kg (70 lb) of sound insulation was added throughout the truck.

Only one 7-passenger model will be sold in Canada, fully-equipped with luxury features like leather seats, a 6-disc Bose stereo/CD system with 10 speakers, navigation system (which doubles as a backup camera) and a rear seat DVD entertainment system.

The QX56 offers best-in-class second row legroom, with reclining captain's chairs and a removable centre console. Third row headroom is less than the Navigator and Escalade's, while legroom is right in between the two. With both rows and the front passenger seat folded flat, a three metre (10 ft.) ladder will fit inside with the rear hatch closed. With all the seats up, the QX56 offers more cargo volume behind the third row than the Cadillac or Lincoln.

As is the norm for Infiniti, the QX56 is loaded with safety features. Front, side and three-row curtain airbags are standard, as are adjustable pedals, which keep shorter drivers at a safe distance from the steering wheel. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) is also standard. Besides the previously mentioned rear backup camera, the QX56 is also equipped with rear proximity sensors.

The first Infiniti to be built in North America, the QX56 goes on sale in mid-March. Infiniti has yet to announce pricing, but estimates the SUV will sticker for about $75,000. This would make the truck about $5,000 cheaper than a similarly-equipped Lincoln Navigator. With a full-size SUV market of only 20,000 to 30,000 units a year in Canada, Infiniti is being conservative with their sales estimate of only 500 per year.

Despite a somewhat brutish ride and offbeat appearance, every QX56 that Infiniti brings to Canada should find a home.

Immediate competition:
Cadillac Escalade,
Lexus GX 470,
Lincoln Navigator