Long Term Update 3: 2011 Infiniti QX56

The 800-Pound Gorilla of the FleetFrom the August, 2011 issue of Motor Trend / Photography by Motor Trend StaffThere’s an 800-lb gorilla in our long-term garage and its name is QX56. Although most of us are getting used to the size of the hulking Infiniti, its sheer mass remains a little intimidating for some of our staffers. That said, most of us have a change of heart after climbing behind the wheel. For all its bulk and heft, the QX56 is remarkably easy to drive, maneuvering on congested Southern California roads and freeways with a lightness that is totally unexpected.

“Although I wouldn’t call the QX56 nimble, it continues to captivate me with the amount of grace it displays in tight quarters,” associate online editor Benson Kong noted after one of several recent drives. “I recently found myself in a parking structure that should really be restricted to small cars only. Thanks to the easy steering and considerable visibility, our long-termer was able to glide down several stories while dodging opposite traffic.” Still, there’s no getting around the heft of the QX. Couple its near-6000-lb curb weight and the aerodynamics of a school bus with a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine, and it doesn’t take an EPA certification expert to see that fuel economy isn’t going to be a strong suit. And of course, this high-brow whale of an SUV only chugs the good stuff.

“With a 26-gallon fuel tank, which requires premium fuel, one can easily drive away from the pump having spent $100,” complained staff photographer Julia LaPalme. “On my drive back from San Diego, with the cruise set to 73 mph, the instant fuel economy readout on the QX56 indicated 17.1 mpg, which means more frequent expensive fuel stops. Keep that AmEx Black Card at the ready.”

Of course, given that our tester has a $72,000+ sticker price, one could argue that few qualified buyers will be sweating the fuel costs. Besides, our copy chief, Emiliana Sandoval, reckons one could almost live in the QX, should Judgement Day arrive.

“When the Big One hits L.A., this is the car I want to be in. With the seats folded down there’s room to comfortably sleep in the back of it and two DVD screens for entertainment, plus nine cupholders and four bottle holders,” Sandoval asserts. “You can even buy a special tent that attaches to the back for silver-spoon camping. The only thing it doesn’t have is a refrigerator.”

But what about the aesthetics? In the past, we’ve been quick to deride the QX as having, erm, questionable styling features what with its bulbous snout and tacked-on chrome fender vents that appear to be pulled off a street racer’s Civic. Well, we’re even starting to warm up to the Infiniti’s styling too.

“It has happened,” said senior editor Jonny Lieberman, ominously. “After looking at the new QX56 long enough, my eyes are telling my brain that she’s a good-looking beast. I can’t explain it, other than familiarity breeds… the opposite of contempt. Stockholm Syndrome – let’s go with that. Still not totally sold on the portholes, but man, I’m liking the big Infiniti’s looks more and more with each passing week.”

$445.96 (2-oil change, inspection, rotate tires, 1-replace cabin air filter)

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