After bursting onto the luxury SUV scene in 2004 with a number of class-leading standard features and a major revision in 2008, the 2010 INFINITI QX56 continues to set the standard for luxury, performance and technology.
Voted as top in its class in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the QX56 maintains its class-leading 2nd row roominess, go-anywhere ruggedness and the abundant power and up to 8,900-pound towing capability on the standard 320-horsepower DOHC 5.6-litre V8 engine. The 2010 QX56 went on sale at INFINITI retailers nationwide in June 2009.
Trim and wood designs return again to provide a rich aspect to the interior, while the standard Burr-Brownâ enhanced Bose® audio system with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, INFINITI Navigation System and INFINITI Intelligent Key® add a technological twist.
The INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System also boasts a large 8-inch screen.
A Luxury Look
The QX56 is immediately recognizable with its smooth, powerful and refined exterior styling, which is a presence befitting its top-luxury status. In the front, the distinctive “waterfall” grille is surrounded by a front full-body type fascia with front fog lights. Standard jewel-like Xenon headlights illuminate the road ahead, while the large hood hints at the powerful V8 located beneath. Standard 20-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and P275/60R20 tires, and standard integrated side body moldings add class and imposing stance. The smooth, chrome one-piece roof rack provides additional utility.
At the rear of the vehicle, the body-colour fascia enhances the unique taillight design, further providing visual distinction from the competition. A power liftgate with opening rear glass is standard, as is pre-wiring and trailer hitch for towing.
Standard exterior features include dual power adjustable folding heated sideview mirrors with driver’s-side auto-dim, memory, puddle lamps and integrated turn signals; privacy glass for the liftgate, 2nd and 3rd rows; power flip-out rear quarter windows; and running boards.
Standard front and rear sonar sensors work along with the RearView Monitor system, which utilizes a small CCD camera discretely located in the rear license plate finisher to provide a view (projected on the QX56’s standard navigation system LCD monitor) of what is behind the vehicle.
Feature-Laden Interior
INFINITI engineers have refined the QX56’s interior to rival the best SUV and luxury car interiors on the market, utilizing authentic materials such as wood, aluminum, stainless steel, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces and thick (16-oz.) Tuscano carpeting. Along with the new features and enhancements, the QX56 interior boasts class-leading 2nd row legroom (1,064mm/41.9 inches) and a flat-folding power 60/40 split 3rd row seat.
Key interior features on the QX56 include illuminated steering wheel controls, welcome meter illumination, a large lockable glove compartment, standard heated steering wheel, and more luxurious interior materials, including a cloth-wrapped A-pillar. Technological standards on the interior include standard INFINITI Intelligent Key® and Burr-Brownâ enhanced BOSEâ audio system with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive. The system also includes dual media capability, allowing radio and CD use simultaneously (with 2nd row headphone usage), AM/FM/CD, steering wheel-mounted controls and compact flash slot for playing MP3/WMA files. Three-month XM® satellite radio subscription is standard.
All QX56s include an INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System with a large flip-down console-mounted eight-inch monitor, as well as two wireless headphones and remote controller.
All of these enhancements add to the already high-standard luxury feature interior, which provides standard seating for seven passengers, with available second row bench seating making room for eight.
A modern instrument cluster with Fine Vision Meters provides clear information to the driver and the signature INFINITI analog clock, dual-zone electronically controlled climate control and rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct, and a standard INFINITI Navigation System (hard drive-based) with 7.0-inch LCD screen round out a truly luxurious interior. Comfort is aided by 10-way driver’s/8-way front passenger’s heated power adjustable seats. The driver position is optimized through standard adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock and memory function, part of the Auto Drive Positioner memory system that includes memory for pedals, sideview mirrors and driver's seat. Also standard is a Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System.
The standard seating configuration includes fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with integrated armrests and a removable 2nd row centre console. A fold-flat 2nd row bench seat is also available, providing eight-passenger seating. The 3rd row seating area is elevated to provide a commanding forward view and features standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection and its own audio speakers and amplifier.
Storage space is plentiful in the 2010 QX56 with full-length overhead storage configuration, a front overhead console with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver features, front centre console with large storage capacity and power outlets, side storage bins and a maximum of 12 cup holders.
Cargo capacity, with the 2nd row and power 3rd row seats folded down flat, measures 2750 litres (97.1 cubic feet.)
With the front passenger seat in the folded down position, it is possible to carry long items, such as lumber or surfboards, with the rear liftgate closed. For easier package handling, the QX56 includes rear area ceiling/floor-mounted cargo tie-down points and cargo net.
Powerful Performance and Exceptional Utility
INFINITI engineers sought to combine the best attributes of a luxury car-like ride with exceptional cargo and passenger carrying utility. The QX56 comes standard with a 5.6-litre DOHC V8, producing 320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 393 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 RPM. For hauling, towing or serious off-road driving, nearly 90 per cent of the engine's torque has been made available below 2,500 rpm.
Assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., the QX56's V8 incorporates advanced design features, such as an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, six-bolt main bearing caps, heavy duty cooling system, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.
An enhanced five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is also standard, and this unique component is reinforced for the high-torque application and features unique gearing and transmission management through a variable lock-up torque converter and electronic controls for improved shifting and fuel economy.
A special tow/haul mode revises shift patterns when engaged, and enables the QX56 to maintain a maximum towing capacity of 8,900 pounds.
The 2010 QX56 features standard four-wheel drive (4WD) with the INFINITI All-Mode 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear.
The QX56's All-Mode 4WD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 per cent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction.
A switch on the dashboard controls the two-speed electronic transfer case, allowing easy selection between auto, full-time four-wheel drive and 4LO.
For stability, the QX56 is built on the proven fully boxed high-strength steel F-Alpha frame. Rugged Dana front and rear axles provide the strength to handle on- and off-road challenges, and a comfortable ride is provided by a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. For additional undercarriage protection, all 4WD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.
Providing substantial steering and braking control is engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist with preview (BA), and for additional stability, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) is standard on every QX56, as is an advanced auto-leveling rear air suspension. The air suspension also maintains uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system's air bladders.
The 2010 QX56 also features standard 20x8 chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and heavy-duty P275/60R20 Michelin tires. A four-wheel independent monitoring Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard, with a gauge-cluster mounted warning lamp and display.
INFINITI's standard advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead via a laser signal, which automatically adjusts the QX56’s speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance.
NOTE: The ICC system is not intended for congested areas or city driving and will not brake the vehicle to a complete stop.
Comprehensive Safety Technology All QX56s offer an extensive list of standard safety features, including an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor, front seat Active Head Restraints, roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection for all three rows, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, three-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including centre position) and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.
The QX56 also features Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.
Advanced Luxury In One Inclusive Package
The 2010 QX56 is offered in one well-equipped model, with standard All-Mode 4WD. Standard equipment includes the 320-horsepower 5.6-litre V8, five-speed automatic transmission, auto-leveling rear suspension, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces, Burr-Brownâ enhanced BOSE® audio system with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, INFINITI Navigation system with RearView Monitor, power-fold 3rd row seat, wood grain trim, Power Moonroof with one-touch open/close and tilt, X XM® satellite radio subscription, Tow Package, INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The only option is 2nd-row Split Bench Seat Package.