Review: Infiniti Z62.I QX80 (2015-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2015, the Infiniti Z62 Series I (Z62.I) QX80 was an eight-seat, all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Yukuhashi, Japan, the Infiniti QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

VK56VD engine

Shared with the related Nissan Y62 Patrol , the Infiniti QX80 was powered Nissan’s 5552 cc VK56VD V8 engine which had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct petrol injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Nissan’s ‘Variable Valve Event & Lift’ (or VVEL) which combined hydraulically-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable inlet valve lift. Furthermore, the engine had a compression ratio of 10.8:1 and produced more than 500 Nm from 2500 rpm.

4WD system

The Infiniti QX80 had Nissan’s ‘All-Mode 4WD system’ which consisted of an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch and a helical limited slip rear differential with locking function. In the normal 4H drive mode, torque was directed to the rear axle to minimise fuel consumption. If traction was lost, however, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle.

As part of the All-Mode system, a circular electronic switch cluster located behind the gear selector enabled the driver to:

• Select from sand, rock, snow or on-road drive modes;
• Activate the rear differential lock;
• Turn the electronic stability control on or off; and,
• Engage hill descent control.

Body and dimensions

Compared to the Nissan Y62 Patrol , the Infiniti QX80 was 165 mm longer (at 5305 mm), 52 mm wider (2047 mm) and 5 mm taller (1945 mm), though wheelbase length (3075 mm) was unchanged. Furthermore, the Infiniti QX80 had a kerb weight of 2785 kg.

The Infiniti QX80 had ground clearance of 245 mm, an approach angle of 24.3 degrees, departure angle of 24.5 degrees and ramp angle of 23.6 degrees. Maximum braked towing capacity for the Infiniti QX80 was 3500 kg; unbraked towing capacity was 750 kg.

Suspension

The Infiniti QX80 had independent front and rear suspension with double wishbones and twin-tube shock absorbers. The suspension included Nissan’s ‘Hydraulic Body Motion Control’ (HBMC) system which consisted of hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber – these chambers automatically control suspension travel and were cross-linked to allow for the transfer of hydraulic fluid by nitrogen-charged accumulators from one side of the vehicle to the other. When cornering, the operation of the accumulators increased roll stiffness to reduce the amount of body lean.

Steering

The Infiniti QX80 had hydraulic, speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Infiniti QX80 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

As standard, the Infiniti QX80 was equipped with the following active safety technologies:

• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Distance Control Assist (DCA): using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators, Intelligent Cruise Control could measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a pre-set following distance (selected from three distances via the Distance Control Assist button);
• Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Emergency Braking: if the distance to the vehicle ahead was closing too rapidly, the driver would be prompted to release the throttle and the brakes would be applied automatically to slow the vehicle;
• Forward Collision Warning: operating at speeds above 15 km/h, an alarm would sound to warn the driver when a potential collision was anticipated. Unlike Distance Control Assist, however, Forward Collision Warning did not autonomously brake the vehicle;
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW): illuminated an indicator light if another vehicle was detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activated the turn signal, the indicator light would flash and an audible warning tone would sound;
• Backup Collision Intervention (BCI): could detect oncoming traffic that may cross the vehicle path and stationary objects behind the vehicle when it was reversing. If detected, the brakes would be engaged momentarily to alert the driver;
• Blind Spot Intervention (BSI): provided selective braking of the wheels on one side of the vehicle to counteract the driver’s attempt to steer into an adjacent lane if another vehicle has been detected in the blind spot area; and,
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP): used a small camera behind the windscreen to detect lane markers and warn the driver of potential unintended lane departures with visual and audible warnings. If the driver did not return the vehicle toward the centre of the lane and the vehicle is travelling in excess of 70 km/h, the brakes on the opposing side of the drift would be automatically applied to counteract the drift.

Brakes

The Infiniti QX80 had 358 mm by 34 mm ventilated front brake discs with four-piston opposed callipers and 350 mm by 20 mm ventilated rear discs with single piston callipers.

Features: Infiniti QX80

Standard features for the Infiniti QX80 included 8.0J x 22-inch fourteen-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels with 275/50 R22 all-season tyres, a Bose 5.1 channel surround sound system with fifteen speakers (including two subwoofers), CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, hard-drive navigation with an eight-inch colour touchscreen and live traffic updates, hard drive for audio storage, three-zone climate control air conditioning, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second row seats, semi-aniline leather-faced seat upholstery, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, dual seven-inch colour monitors integrated in the front headrests and wireless headphones, powered 60/40 split and flat folding second row seats, reclining third row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power adjustable door mirrors with heating and reverse tilt-down functions, auto-dimming door and interior rear view mirrors, power windows, a power adjustable steering column (tilt and telescopic), courtesy lights, push-button start, illuminated vanity mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet, power sliding sunroof, power-operated tailgate, rear privacy glass, floor mats, stainless steel sill plates, roof rails, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Infiniti QX80 was also fitted with an ‘Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection’ which could display different views of the vehicle – from above (bird’s-eye view), the front, rear and sides – to assist with parking.

Paint colours

The Infiniti QX80 was available in Black Obsidian, Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum and Graphite Shadow paint finishes.

Specifications

• Specifications: Infiniti Z62 QX80 (July 2015)

Related links

• Infiniti Cars Australia: Infiniti QX80
• Wikipedia.org: Infiniti QX

Review: Infiniti Z62.II QX80 (2018-19)

Overview

Officially released in Australia in March 2018, the Infiniti Z62 Series II (Z62.II) QX80 introduced updated styling, an upgraded interior, revised suspension and improved soundproofing.

Styling changes

Visually, the Infiniti Z62.II QX80 could be identified by its 20 mm higher leading edge for the bonnet which extended 90 mm further forward, more upright ‘double-arch’ grille, an aluminium strip (beneath the grille to emphasise width) and raised lower section of the front bumper. The Z62.II QX80 also had ‘human eye’ headlamps which used a series of reflective channels to disperse light (Infiniti’s ‘triple light guide technology’). In profile, the Z62.II QX80 had new six-spoke alloy wheels that were finished in dark silver paint and, at the rear, a raised lower bumper section, thinner tail-lamps and straight character lines for the bodywork and light units.

The Infiniti Z62.II QX80 had an improved drag co-efficient of 0.36 Cd. In part, this was achieved through a re-shaped under-body cover which improved air flow, reduced air pressure and directed air away from the rear tyres.

Suspension

According to Infiniti, re-tuned shock absorber pistons for the Z62.II QX80 reduced damping forces at each wheel by 30 per cent to better isolate the cabin from high-frequency vibrations. The vertical angle of the radial steel belt in the tyre walls was also changed to reduce vertical deflection by 5 per cent for better absorption of small vibrations and road impacts when driving over rough or broken surfaces.

Safety equipment

As standard, the Infiniti Z62.II QX80 was fitted with a new ‘Smart Rear View Mirror’ which could display video – in the rear view mirror – from a wide-angle camera mounted in the upper rear windscreen.

Interior

Inside, the Infiniti Z62.II QX80 introduced a re-designed steering wheel, a new leather-wrapped gearshift lever and higher-density padding for leather-trimmed surfaces (such as the doors and armrest).The interior of the Infiniti Z62.II QX80 had larger storage spaces. For example,

• The centre console had a larger smartphone storage area (73 mm wide);
• There was a larger 5.4 litre space beneath the front passenger armrest which could hold tablet devices when stood vertically;
• The front cupholders were re-shaped so that they could hold two 1.3 litre cups with handles; and,
• All doors featured storage areas for bottles and other items.

The Infiniti Z62.II QX80 had a wider soundproofing area behind the dashboard panel to reduce engine noise, denser floor carpets and additional soundproofing materials around the cargo area. According to Infiniti, these measures produced a five per cent improvement in the cabin’s articulation index score.

Features

The Infiniti Z62.II QX80 had an upgraded rear entertainment system which featured eight-inch screens with 960 x 540 pixel resolution (previously seven-inch screens with 800 x 480 pixels) that could display separate content, a new HDMI auxiliary port and support for thirty-19e languages (previously three). Whereas the Z62.I QX80 provided wireless headphone support, the Z62.II QX80 added 3.5 mm auxiliary jacks for two rear passengers. The Z62.II QX80 also introduced an updated ‘InTouch’ infotainment system which had revised dashboard buttons and customisation of apps and icons on the touchscreen.

The Infiniti Z62.II QX80 was also available with ‘Remote Engine Start’ and ‘Remote Horn and Lights’ functions which enabled the driver to control these functions remotely using a smartphone.

Related links

• Infiniti Cars Australia: Infiniti QX80
• Wikipedia.org: Infiniti QX

Recalls: Infiniti QX80

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Infiniti QX80

No recall information is available for the Infiniti QX80. To search for recalls of Infiniti models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Infiniti.

Problems and faults: Infiniti Z62 QX80

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Infiniti QX80

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Infiniti QX80.

Released in Australia in July 2015, the Infiniti Z62 Series I (Z62.I) QX80 was an eight-seat, all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Yukuhadhi, Japan, the Infiniti QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission… Read full Infiniti Z62 QX80 review

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Images: Infiniti Z62.II QX80 (2018-19)

officially released in Australia in March 2018, the Infiniti Z62 Series II (Z62.II) QX80 introduced updated styling, an upgraded interior, revised suspension and improved soundproofing. Visually, the Infiniti Z62.II QX80 could be identified by its 20 mm higher leading edge for the bonnet which extended 90 mm further forward, more upright ‘double-arch’ grille, an aluminium strip (beneath the grille to emphadise width) and raised lower section of the front bumper. The Z62.II QX80 also had ‘human eye’ headlamps which used a series of reflective channels to disperse light (Infiniti’s ‘triple light guide technology’). In profile, the Z62.II QX80 had new six-spoke alloy wheels that were finished in dark silver paint and, at the rear, a raised lower bumper section, thinner tail-lamps and straight character lines for the bodywork and light units.

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