2015 Infiniti QX80: Luxury Personnel Carrier

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting.

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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.

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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

Photo: Dominic Dubreuil

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