NASHVILLE, TENN.—I’m driving through some picturesque green forests — bright green, almost mint — with an ultra smooth stretch of dark black tarmac stretching ahead of me. I am in a hilly basin around the Music City. It’s beautiful, breathtaking, and I’m interested in this region because I’m a big history buff. I am not far from the roads where the prohibition era bootleggers made their living, running Bourbon from ‘round here up to Chicago, New York, Boston and beyond. They did it in cars that looked somewhat everyday, but were something else underneath. Which kind of encapsulates the Infiniti QX65.
The manufacturer defines the QX65 as a two-row, mid-size, luxury SUV. There’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye. On the surface, details such as an all-new-Sunfire-Red-with-gold-fleck exterior paint shade, black “bamboo”-style grille and aggressive lighting design are great additions. For some reason, the 21-inch wheels — the largest available — don’t quite look right. I like the spoke style, but too much gap between them and the fenders make it appear as though the QX65 is on stilts.
Neat exterior details include rear “Infiniti” scripting that tilts forward off the tailgate, an aerospace-inspired 3D rear light bar and “piano key” daytime running lights.
Peal back the layers and more unique details start to emerge that show the QX65’s true colours. It gets a turbocharged, variable-compression, four-cylinder engine, tuned to provide the fuel economy of a diesel with the running attitude of a traditional gas engine. So, it uses fuel at the claimed rate of 10.1 litres/100 km, but doesn’t exhibit the noise or less-than-smooth attitude of a diesel. Should have no problem making the state line in this thing ….
Infiniti has also modified the QX65’s nine-speed automatic transmission it shares with the QX60 three-row SUV for more of a performance feel. You don’t have to press the gas pedal too far for it to shift down, for example. It will also take into account steering inputs and angle to determine which gear you’ll want to be in to exit a turn more quickly. It’s all on-hand to get the most out of the engine’s 268 horsepower and 286 pounds-feet of torque. That engine is the only choice for the QX65.
The acceleration it provides is good, even when at speed and trying to pass on the highway. Infiniti has piped in some artificial exhaust noise and while it is not the only manufacturer to do so, this makes the vehicle sound a little faster than you’re actually going. Real acceleration seems to fall just behind the rising exhaust note.
Top Autograph spec provides real leather seating, 20-speaker Klipsch audio (including two speakers in each front headrest), massaging front seats, Vermillion red interior colour option and open-pore wood. Lower models (Luxe and Sport) get Klipsch audio with two fewer speakers, 360-degree parking camera, full-length panoramic moonroof and dual 12.3-inch, digital displays. A cooled magnetic wireless charging pad and a standard digital rear-view mirror at the Sport and Autograph levels make for a very well-equipped interior.
The digital rear-view mirror is a great option in a vehicle like this for a couple of reasons: It looks outside for you, negating the fact the rear window opening is a little small because of its angle; also, it means you can load your cargo higher in the back — Infiniti displayed a car stuffed high with four suitcases and two duffel bags — without obscuring the view out.
There’s lots to like in here, but my favourite bits include diamond-print seat stitching that’s offset to mimic a Japanese kimono — Infiniti often turns to Japanese tradition for design inspiration, hence the bamboo grille — as well as a smattering of brushed aluminum inserts and padded dash. The padding could be a little thicker, but it looks nice.
Those prohibition-era rum runners should have no qualms about the QX65’s handling. The front wheels respond rapidly to steering inputs. This is especially the case if you select the sport driving mode, which adds more responsive and slightly heavier steering. The ride is smooth, not easily upset by medium-size or even larger bumps and it is so quiet inside. That stands to reason; a quiet ride was one of Infiniti’s stated goals with the QX65’s on-road attitude.
That’s good, but it is a little strange that the exhaust note gets a noticeable artificial boost when you select sport mode. I get it; sporty cars make a noise. It’s just strange that you can’t choose to have all the other things sport mode adds without the noise, which tends to drone over time.
In the long run, I think that may be a bit of a nitpick, because the QX65 gets the important stuff right. The ride is smooth and quiet, the seats very comfortable, the interior’s fit and finish are right on and the tech on offer is generous. If the Infiniti QX65 is going to draw car-buyers away from competitors, such as the Lexus RX, it certainly has the tools to do so.
