There’s been a renaissance of sorts lately in the large, luxurious body-on-frame SUV
segment with all-new or refreshed models debuting from a number of manufacturers.
But when it comes to the ultra-luxury faction, this new Infiniti QX80 Limited raises the
bar – awash in fine leather and wood that’ll have you seeing Bentley.
2015-Infiniti-QX80-LimitedWhether it’s a Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade, or any other
luxo-utility of similar avoirdupois, not a single one can match the styling grandeur
of the ornate QX80.
Though it’s anything but reserved, I’ve always appreciated Infiniti’s ability to
design a vehicle like this with a touch of retro elegance, avoiding the boxy, butch look
of the others.
And now for 2015, the QX80’s updated appearance further harmonizes its brutish gracefulness
with a new front fascia, grille and LED lighting.
But that’s not the headline, per se.
Nope, that belongs to this new Limited Package valued at $10,000.
When you check that box, every other one on the order form automatically populates to
generate one fully-loaded model with no options other than color – of which 3 are exclusive
to the Limited, including this Mocha Almond.
It’s only available with all-wheel drive, and after a few nominal accessory add-ons
like the roof rail crossbars and illuminated kick plates the sticker crosses $90 grand,
landing here at $91,245.
And when it says Limited it means it, with this version virtually built to order with
dealers getting less than 1 per month.
Any skepticism I had prior to taking delivery immediately vanished as soon as I opened the
door.
This isn’t the typical mythomania propagated by the auto industry – what you see here
is the real deal.
The range of rich, earthy colors, silver accents and real wood appointments is a feast for
the eyes and executed with a hand-crafted level of quality.
This cabin truly is gorgeous with its Truffle Brown semi-aniline leather and matte-finish
wood.
And it feels and smells as authentic as it looks.
Sure, there are a few overlooked moments – such as the lack of interior LED lighting, the
absence of Blu-ray and the yesteryear central gauge display – but all-in-all this is a
QX80 worthy of the Limited badge.