Inspired Motor has launched the Infiniti QX80 in the country – an example of the automaker’s leviathan flagship SUV has been on show in the Infiniti showroom since November last year (it’s actually a prototype of the RHD version), but it’s only now that the vehicle has been officially introduced.
General details remain as they were when we first reported on the unmissable beast, which made its debut last year in facelifted form at the New York International Auto Show. The update has brought about a new upper and lower grille design as well as new LED headlights, indicators and fog lights.
Measuring in at over two metres wide and 1,940 mm tall, the nearly 2.8-tonne vehicle is powered by a 5.6 litre V8 engine with 405 hp and 560 Nm on tap. The direct-injection VK56VD is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with adaptive shift control and downshift rev matching, and power is laid down to the ground via an All-Mode 4WD system with a computer controlled transfer case (Auto, 4H and 4L modes).
As you’d expect, there’s plenty in the way of luxury inside the vehicle. The eight-seater features plenty of wood inlays/accents and semi-aniline leather upholstery, with climate-controlled (heating/cooling functions) front seats being standard, as are heated second-row seats (very useful in our weather, this, no?).
Speaking of seats, the second-row 60/40-split seats have remote release switches to run a tip-up function for easy access in and out of the third-row seats – the latter are 60/40-split units with reclining capability, allowing the rear-most passengers to adjust their seating position electronically.
Kit includes a 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround sound system – the original mention was a 13-speaker system, but the retail version adds the cost-option additional two A-pillar-mounted tweeters to take it to the above number). There’s an eight-inch touchscreen dipslay, single in-dash DVD/CD player, USB connection port and Bluetooth connectivity, and the system also features two seven-inch colour headrest monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones and a wireless remote control for rear occupants.
The QX80 comes equipped with a Driver Assistance Package, which includes Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Warning and Backup Collision intervention. Also on, intelligent cruise control, an Around View Monitor system and Moving Object Detection.
There are four exterior colours to choose from – Majestic White, Graphite Shadow, Dark Currant and Black Obsidian, and the leather seats are finished in a graphite shade with Stratford Burl trim. The silver car that you see in the live gallery below is actually not part of the official colour offering for Malaysia.
The Malaysian-spec QX80 rides on the model’s optional 22-inch forged aluminum alloys (ticked here as standard fit), and the wheels are wrapped with 275/50 Bridgestone Dueler H/T (road) rubbers. The fully-imported-from-Japan offering is priced at RM799,000 on-the-road without insurance.
Get full specs of the new Infiniti QX80 at CarBase.my.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Infiniti QX80 launch in Malaysia are largely negative, with many critics calling the vehicle ugly, poorly designed, and inappropriate for Malaysian tastes. Some compare its appearance to a sperm whale or similar large, bulky vehicles meant for American or Middle Eastern markets, noting its size and ruggedness. While a few acknowledge the vehicle’s strong build quality and spaciousness, especially for large families needing 7 or 8 seats, most focus on its unappealing aesthetics and high price of RM799k. There are also humorous remarks and jokes, with some expressing skepticism about its demand in Malaysia. Overall, sentiments lean towards disapproval of the design and questioning whether there’s a market for such a vehicle locally.