2015 Infiniti QX80: Luxury Personnel Carrier

The QX80 out-Americans the Americans by pairing brash sheet metal with one of the most elegant interiors offered by any automobile under $100,000.

More to the point, product planners at Infiniti, like their counterparts at Cadillac, seem to understand that teaching a dinosaur like the QX80 the latest dance moves is key to keeping it relevant in a modern context.

I heard all sorts of creative interpretations of the QX80’s looks during our week together.

This year’s refresh has improved the SUV’s appearance by smoothing out the front fascia.

There’s also a new back bumper and tailgate treatment to be found for 2015, along with revised wheel options.

There’s no question that the truck attracted stares everywhere I went.

With 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque on tap, the QX80 delivered strong acceleration.

A direct-injected, 5.6-litre V8, seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive are standard with each and every model.

A good part of the SUV’s sure-footed nature can no doubt be attributed to the ministrations of the truck’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control feature.

The QX80’s interior trappings assume their rightful place at the apex of the Infiniti line-up.

There’s also an automatic air levelling system at the rear of the QX80 that preserves a uniform ride height regardless of load.

In addition to being beautiful, the Infiniti QX80’s passenger compartment is also roomy and practical.

Fold the rear seats down using the power switches in the cargo area to take advantage of the Infiniti’s gaping maw.

Like most Infiniti vehicles, the 2015 QX80 can be tricked out with all manner of modern safety systems.

My Technology package-equipped tester boasted enough ‘burl’ wood trim to harvest and use in building a sizable kitchen table.

The SUV’s blind spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control were quite useful.

LCD screens in the front headrests and two sets of wireless headphones further add to the limo-like experience that the QX80 offers its riders.

That posh feel unfortunately doesn’t extend to the third row of accommodations, which feature dramatically reduced legroom.

Second-row captain’s chairs are separated by a huge centre console.