Infiniti QX56

sandeep5 · January 2004

From where are you getting the different published prices?
This is for the people who have placed a deposit on the QX: are you paying MSRP or a premium on top of that?

josh684 · January 2004

You pay MSRP, from what I have been told Infiniti does not allow their dealers to add on a premium. Also, I was told that dealers will only get 6-8 per month. 20,000 in the US I think per year. So MSRP will prob be the going price for a while. My dealer is suppose to be getting one in Feb. but only for showroom and not for sale. Anyone else been told this?

wdog · January 2004

Saw one at NJ auto show. Most comfortable seats, to me, of any vehicle there.

Hope there's not a long wait for selling prices to get to where they will be long term. If still close to MSRP in September I'll see what else is out there for 2005. I too have seen an Internet site MSRP drop of over two grad on a 4x4, no other options, from last month.

Only thing I didn't like is the analog clock. Also seems too low on the console. BTW, the PFA in leather seemed a better grade then the one I saw at a dealer in October.

rctennis3811 · January 2004

Love the Armada, and I bet I'll love the QX after a test drive even more. People who slam this new SUV because of its looks are just jealous that their luxury SUV doesn't have side-curtain airbags, a rear backup camera, intelligent cruise control, etc. Escalade anyone?? Sure the styling is a bit odd, but when you look at all it has it is amazing. I'll bet it even looks better when in person. Oh, Infiniti is such on a roll!!

josh684 · January 2004

I heard that they were gonna raise the MSRP for the 2005's by 3K. If this is true, im gonna go grab my 2004 Quick.

rshe · January 2004

but sooner or later you have to look at the thing. LOL. I have to admit though, I thought the Armada was ugly until I got to see one up close.

wibble · January 2004

Start at $47400 for the 2WD and $50400 for the AWD.

nv32 · January 2004

I saw the msrp too, but couldn't access the link for the options because I have WebTV rather than a computer. Could you please post the option prices? Thanks.

wibble · January 2004

Here we go..............

Infiniti QX56 2WD - $47,400

Infiniti QX56 AWD - $50,400

Destination & Handling - $680

DVD Entertainment system - $1600

Power sunroof - $1200

Split bench second row seat - no charge

Smartvision package (Rear view camera and Intelligent cruise control) - $1100

Painted splash guards - $100

Carpeted cargo mat - $70

Sunroof wind deflector - $90

Satellite radio (XM or Sirius) - $400

photoguy2 · January 2004

Its right on the infiniti site... For my zip all is the same as posted except the base price

2WD = 48,080
4WD = 51,080

nv32 · January 2004

Thanks. The difference in base price between what you posted and what photoguy2 posted seems to be the destination charge, although there may be differences according to zip area I suppose. Lexus does that a lot.

IMHO the only two large luxury SUVs worthy of consideration are the QX56 and Navigator. The LX470 is somewhat dated, underpowered, and far too expensive, trading only on the Lexus image for service, which they usually deserve very well. But Infiniti has that same reputation, maybe better according to the Powers Survey.

The Escalade, again in my opinion, is a beautiful truck, and it does have high HP, but you must take the AWD to get that power, and the interior, in the opinion of many, leaves much to be desired.

I have not seen the QX56 interior, but the catalog and web photos make it seem very nice.

That leaves the Navigator, which has a lot of nice technology, and is not bad looking inside or out. It would have been my choice until seeing and reading about the QX56, which has a navigation system standard --- and this appears to be the same navigation system used by Acura that has earned such a good reputation for ease of use, etc --- plus the optional backup camera that neither of the other 3 big SUVs offer. The Navigator does have the sun/moonroof standard this year, kind of offsetting the standard nav in the QX56. At MSRP, too, Infiniti has all of the others beat, though I expect the Slade and Nav will begin discounting soon if they haven't already.

All in all, the QX56 seems to have the others beat hands down in every category except the SLADE power (but only with AWD) and, possibly exterior style, though that's a subjective decision anyway.

Still gotta see and drive one though.

yosappy · January 2004

Do NOT be fooled by the classic GM marketing ploy of producing cool, nice looking sheet metal on the outside while skimping on everything else, including QUALITY engine parts. The Escalade seats do NOT fold flat. You have to remove both the 2nd and the 3rd row to use the space and those seats are HEAVY! The Lexus has the same fundamental problem, although, its wimpy engine is its biggest problem. The Caddy doesn't have an overhead console either. This is a great feature if you have children. The Escalade also doesn't have brake assist, a must with this large of a vehicle. The Caddy also doesn't have exterior mirror or steering wheel position memory. With my wife, I must have this feature since she always changes the steering wheel and outside mirrors. The QX56 is 300 pounds lighter, has a Double (or Dual) Overhead Cam (DOHC) with 32 valves and tows more. The Infiniti has 390 Lb.-Ft. of torque @ 3600 RPM while the Caddy has 380 Lb.-Ft. of torque @ 4000 RPM. Since the QX56 is also lighter, the higher torque at lower RPM means that the Infiniti is the quicker vehicle. The Caddy is still running with 1970s designed Overhead Valves (OHV) and has half of what the Infiniti has, with only 16. Oh yeah, and they BOTH LOOK GOOD!

That's an easy whomp to me.

rctennis3811 · January 2004

is the worst luxury value for your money. The way I see it is this...

QX56: gives you everything, aka the BEST, for your money
Navigator: same thing as the QX56
LX470: smoothest ride in a luxury SUV ever. underpowered but it comes with the Lexus prestige, lots of safety, and a nice, luxurious interior
Escalade: only advantage is the high output engine, which has to be with AWD only. Cadillac prestige is still not comparable to Infiniti or Lexus because of their past troubles. Interior is Tahoe/Suburban with different gauges, real wood, slightly nicer leather, stitching, and navigation...oh yea, that clock too!! LOL seats dont fold flat, the Silverado (same platform) got a marginal crash test score, no available side-curtains, etc. WHY DO YOU BUY IT THEN!?! lol

stever · January 2004

steve_ "Infiniti QX56 vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX470 vs. Lincoln Navigator" Jan 24, 2004 5:24pm

Steve, Host

wibble · January 2004

"Thanks. The difference in base price between what you posted and what photoguy2 posted seems to be the destination charge, although there may be differences according to zip area I suppose. Lexus does that a lot."

You're welcome. The prices for Infiniti should be the same across all ZIP codes. They are for all their other vehicles as far as I know.

nv32 · January 2004

... behind the mirror.

In the brochure, on the first page after the ADAPTABILITY page where there's a guy in the 2nd row with a cell phone, facing that page, the shot of the mirror shows a dark semi oval area around it.

I thought the photoshop people had forgotten to take that out, but yesterday I found this dark area on the Armada too. It's a rubbery or plasticy "lattice-like" sheet attached to the inside of the windshield. I then forgot to ask the salesman what it is.

Does anyone know?

wibble · January 2004

It's the antenna for the radio. There's usually 2 or 3 (depending on the model). The one with the strongest signal is used.

nv32 · January 2004

Thanks again for your help. You seem to be the most knowledgeable of the posters to this site. Concerning the radio reception, I have seen complaints on the Armada forum about poor reception using that kind of antenna, which must be the "diversity" antenna that I have heard about but never known much about. I wonder if this kind of antenna is used --- by several makers I think --- to reduce costs or for aesthetic reasons (or both), or does it supposedly actually improve reception? The opinion voiced on the Armada forum is that the old pole type i more effective since it can receive from any direction, whereas the windshield type, even if there are two of them (which I think is the number mentioned) under some conditions, conditions that occur fairly often apparently, the reception is poorer or non existent. If this is so, does anyone know of a workaround for this? Could a better, aftermarket antenna be installed?

josh684 · January 2004

Has anyone heard from their dealer when they are coming in? As of now I am just being told febuary. They have no clue what colors or an exact date.

wibble · January 2004

Any dealer with a February allocation will already have the exact details of all the cars they are going to receive. The only unknown until recently was the price. If they say they don't know what they are getting, they are either lazy or incompetent.

rshe · January 2004

If the Infiniti dealers are anything like most of the Nissan dealers I have had the pleasure of dealing with, lazy and incompetent is a common theme.

josh684 · January 2004

What date are most dealers expecting?? I live in a fairly big city. Orlando, FL
so im guessing they would be on top of the list?

jomi · January 2004

I'm not sure when QX56's will start arriving (I was told March by a few dealers) but it must be soon. I received today in the mail the QX56 brochure from Infiniti. Not just a teaser, but a full blown brochure. They didn't get the Armada brochures out until after the Armada's were already being delivered.

I bought the Armada LE a month ago and don't regret it. The QX56 looks identical (except for the grille) and although there are interior upgrades, the associated costs are pretty hefty. The only mechanical differences I noticed were the extra 10HP (but same engine) and a more advanced 4wheel drive system (it looks like an all wheel drive setup). The leather seats do look a lot nicer in the QX56, but much of the plastic on the Armada also shows up on the QX56 (noticeable on the door panels). For me it made no sense to spend the extra money on the QX56 since I have 3 boys under the age of 5 (and they are already getting the interior dirty). I would be much more stressed having them in a QX56 than the Armada.

ceric · January 2004

I've been doing some research on both QX56 and Armada. Please correct me if I am wrong here, but I have found the following differences to account for the $6,000 difference between a standard QX56 (4x4) (~$50,000) and a Armada LE+tech package (~$44,000). In addition to the subjective exterior looks and the feel of plastics...
- 70 lb of extra insulation
- 10+ hp and 5+ ft-lb more torque
- Xenon headlights
- Italian-designed Sojourner leather (vs Seton)
- 10/8-way driver/passenger power seats (vs 6/6)
- Chrome Wheels (vs Aluminum)
- Wood-trimmed interior
- Heated 1st/2nd row seats (vs 1st row seats only)
- LED tail lights and 3rd lights (vs bulbs)
- Audio, with DSP (vs w/o DSP ?)
- Audio, dual in-glass antenna (vs 1?)
- Thicker glass, thicker carpets,
tripple door seals
- Fine vision guages
- 3-zoned climate control (vs dual)
- Stainless door-sill plates
- more remote control functions (remote window openning, closing with keys, etc.)
- Battery Saver, preventing complete power drain
- (-)8900 lb towing (vs 9100)
- (-)91 octane (vs 87 octane)
- (-)6.3" LCD Navi (vs 7")

Misc:
- available backview camera
- better choices of metalic colors (IMHO)

OK, that was from what I read on the web and from comparing two brochures. Anything to correct or to add is extremely welcome.

Kirstie_H · January 2004

This was about as close as they let us get to the QX56. It was closely guarded by a sales rep, who gave us all sorts of vague details :0

nv32 · January 2004

Ceric,
I wanted to make a similar comparison using both catalogs but hadn't gotten around to it. That's a lot of work, so thanks.

I do have some comments, though, but I'm not sure they're corrections.

I was comparing the RWD, not 4WD, so I'm not sure if these notes will all apply to the 4WD.

First, there does seem a greater difference in MSRP than you noted, at least for the RWD. The QX56 is 47,400 for the LE, while the Armada is 37,800 and is likely discounted by now from what I read. However, if you add the Tech Package to the Armada LE, then 37800 + 3900 = 41700, coming closer to the difference you mentioned but not considering the likely discount.

The 6-way passenger seat and sunroof in the Armada are only available if you take the Tech Package, which also includes the rear power liftgate.

The adaptive cruise control is an option also available with the 56 that you didn't mention I think; it comes together with the camera; no way to get them separately.

The wheels description for the 56 is, I think, "chromed aluminum alloy", while that for the Arm is "aluminum alloy charcoal color", for whatever difference that makes. I saw the wheels on the Arm yesterday and they didn't look charcoal color to me.

I think there are two diversity antennas on the Arm; the salesman said so, and I saw the two rear quarter windows both did have some sort of defroster-like wiring in them that he said were antennas.

I don't know where you got the octane ratings, 'cause I have been looking in both catalogs for them and couldn't find them. Could you please tell me where? Thanks.

The Nav size... the Arm navigation screen is larger than the 56, which doesn't seem logical. Why would they take the trouble and expense to make that area smaller for the more expensive truck? Doesn't make sense and I bet one of them is wrong; probably one screen was measured (correctly) diagonally and the other across the width, or one measurement didn't include the bezel around the screen, or there was confusion with the DVD Rear Seat Entertainment screen size.

I have not yet decided which is the better deal (for me anyway), because I do want the HID lights, better sound insulation and some of the other upgrades of the QX56.

Wibble, if you're reading this, yesterday the Armada salesman said that the dark area behind the mirror that we discussed is a kind of sunscreen ... an aid to the sunvisors when they are extended ... if the sun happens to be in that position. I would rather it had been another diversity antenna, however (since I've read that some owners have had reception problems), and served dual use as a sunscreen. And maybe it does and the salesman didn't know.

ateixeira · January 2004

Bob Holland and I went during the Industry Preview days at NAIAS, so I was able to get closer, inside actually. :-)

Bad news is it didn't address my concerns with the Armada: my kid still can't reach the rear door handle, and the middle of the 2nd row was still stiff and uncomfortable. Also, the 3rd row still has that headliner that is about an inch lower than the other rows, for no reason.

The whole ambience did seem nicer, but I'd get 2nd row captain's chairs, and leave the 3rd row for kids only.

I was only inside for a few seconds, but I remember because I was comparing it with the Armada I'd test driven. Plus Bob pointed out the headroom issue in the 3rd row.

-juice

photoguy2 · January 2004

I priced on the web site a 4wd Armada LE with Tech pack only at $45,150 MSRP and the 56 4WD with sunroof added (to make it apples to apples with the Tech pack on the Armada as it comes with the sunroof) $52,280 for a difference of $7,130.

texbmw · January 2004

Does anyone know what type of alarm will be available? I am curious as to whether Infiniti uses the GM type of alarms which are garbage and absolutely useless to prevent a car break-in (personal experience) or whether they use the type available for BMW or Land Rovers which has glass break and motion sensors as well as tow away alerts. Thanks!

ceric · January 2004

Sorry, I was in sort of hurry last night when I posted. Some corrections and answers for 'nv32'
- price (for my zip code)
  QX56+Sunroof = $52280
  Armada+Tech = $45150 -> diff = $7130
  So "photoguy2" was right. My oversight.
  I was estimating and I forgot about the Sunroof package needed for QX56.
- Octane: Armada requires 87+. QX56 requires 91+. Both say so in their manuals. (Yes, I have both from web sites) Where do you think the extra hp/ft-lb comes from? Sam engine, same muffler. They get diff computer chips, I think.
- GPS NAVI. QX 6.3" vs ARmada 7" LCD TFT screens. Both mentioned in their brochures. No mistake. It is due to the design issue. Armada's pops up when required. QX's is an integral part of the dash. Some design issues make it necessary to be smaller. It does appear to be smaller from the brochure of QX56.
- Yes, most chromed wheels are aluminum wheel under the coating.
- I wasn't sure about the counts of antenna. That is why I put a "?", next to it. Thanks for correcting it.

More, I forgot to add some more differences...
- 4 year of basic warranty (vs 3)
- 6 year of power train warranty (vs 5)
- Road-side assistance (vs none)
- loaner car for service w/ appointment (vs none)

Well, my point is to high-light the differences so that people can make educated decisions.

Oh, BTW, Armada is selling at invoice (as my friendly auto broker told me), and I bet QX56 would be at MSRP for a couple of months. That is another $3000 difference for now.

wibble · January 2004

The QX56 brochure has been available since December. The first QX56's will be in dealerships the 2nd week of February. All dealers will have their February and March allocations and will know exactly what they are getting.

wibble · January 2004

Ask anyone who owned a QX4 rather than a Pathfinder and they will tell you that the whole package just exudes more quality. All the talk of a little more power, more sound-proofing, better interior materials, etc. don't look much on paper but just drive the two cars back to back. The difference is night and day and more than makes up for the price differential.

nv32 · February 2004

... on the QX56? We have now seen the catalog or seen enough on line to know more or less what this great truck has. Is there anything else you would like in the way of features/improvements that it apparently doesn't already have? My own personal list would include, not necessarily in the order wanted:

Power folding door mirrors; self-dimming driver's door mirror; the ability to program either or both door mirrors to tilt down (or not) during reverse; voice-recognition navigation; touch-screen navigation; cooled front seats; turn signals in door mirrors; cornering lights; driver knee air bag(s); on-board air compressor (no true SUV should be without one IMHO).

I think Infiniti has done a great job with the QX56 as it is and at the price it is, but I hope some of these can be added as near-future upgrades, and personally wouldn't mind paying just a bit more for some of these features, many of them safety related. Opinions will differ I'm sure.

What is your wish list, aside from the usual "less plastic" and better fuel economy?

ceric · February 2004

Responding to nv32's question, here is my list of top 5:

- split folding 3rd row seat
- use 87+ octane instead of 91+. for extra 5hp and 10lb-ft torque than Armada's, I'll pass. Thank you.
- larger DVD entertainment screen. 10" at least.
- active headlights (cornering lights?)
- (packaging) Backup camera standard with Navi, separate from intelligent cruise control. I like the former, but no need/trust for the latter.

ateixeira · February 2004

would include:

* move the rear door handle down, like the Titan's
* make the 2nd row middle seat more comfortable
* split 3rd row (as mentioned above).

Those are the 3 "misses" on the Armada, and the QX doesn't address a single one.

-juice

knockoff · February 2004

add a locking gas cap....?

wibble · February 2004

Why? If your doors are locked, the gas cap should be inaccessible.

wibble · February 2004

OK, I'm probably going to regret this but here goes;

"Power folding door mirrors"
More complication and more to go wrong. How often do you need to fold the things anyway. If things are tight, get a bigger garage or a smaller car

"self-dimming driver's door mirror"
It might have one already. Not everything makes it in the brochure. Both the M45 and Q45 have this feature. Check out the QX56 when it gets here.

"the ability to program either or both door mirrors to tilt down (or not) during reverse"
Again, the M45 and Q45 have this to a limited extent. It's a nice feature for curb parking.

"voice-recognition navigation"
Yet again (beginning to sound like a stuck record), the M and Q have this. The rest of the Infiniti range should really have the voice recognition system. It's one that actually works. It even recognizes my dulcet British tones!

"touch-screen navigation"
Sounds nice in theory. Most touchscreens I've seen have a couple of problems though. One is that they just get dull and dirty where the screen is touched frequently. Secondly, the calibration tends to drift so the spot you need to touch can drift.

"cooled front seats" & "turn signals in door mirrors"
Sure you don't really want an M or Q?

"cornering lights"
Never seen any that really do anything appreciable. More faddy than anything. Anyway, we don't have corners in So. Cal., just intersections

"driver knee air bag(s)"
Does any car have these? I really don't think the knees are at risk in a QX56.

"on-board air compressor"
$25 at Costco. Anyway, the furthest these things are going to go off-road is the parking lot at Walmart.

wibble · February 2004

What I don't always understand is why Infiniti don't include some of their best features on all cars. The QX56 would be an ideal vehicle for the Intelligent Key system on the FX line. As nv32 mentioned, voice recognition would be nice to have too. The door mirror mounted turn signals would complete the package.

Talking of the rear view mirrors, what does everyone think of the chrome finish. I, for one, can't stand chrome on cars. I don't think the chrome mirrors and wheels does the car any favours.

peter_in_atl · February 2004

First of all, best to whom? Second, people are complaining about the price already, if they added more, the price goes up. They choose what they think most people will want. When you compare the QX to the rest of the market segment, the features are compareable. They also need features to add to future models. If they threw in all of the features, it would add several thousand $$ to the price. How many people would pay that for "just a rebadged Armada".

nv32 · February 2004

Knee bags ... The Pacifica, for one, has either one or two for the driver, but, as you say, they may not be needed on a vehicle this large.

Air compressor ... Not so much for tire problems, though that's an excellent use, but also for inflating things at the lake or beach; air mattresses, swimming rings and the like.

Folding door mirrors ... Not so much for the garage as for parking lots, where people are constantly brushing against them, sometimes not so accidently I think.

Want to add one more. There is a kind of exhaust fan system for keeping the vehicle cool while parked in the hot sun. Would go over well in our Texas heat. I think the Audi among others has it on some models.

And yes, as someone mentioned, I'm sure they are saving a few of these for the 2005 model.

As for the comment that such things would increase the price, some of them could be included with an options package so as to raise the price only to those who thought them worthwhile.

wibble · February 2004

I keep seeing these references to "a re-badged Armada". What would you folks rather have; a totally new design costing $70,000+ or the QX56 as it is? With the low volumes in this market segment and the cost of a new car design, the only realistic option is to re-badge. I don't see many references to Cadillacs being re-badged Chevrolets, Lincolns being re-badged Fords or Lexus' being re-badged Toyotas.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - drive both cars back to back before condemning the QX56 as just a re-badge. The difference is night and day.

Kirstie_H · February 2004

Mr. kirstie_h is sold on the QX56 after seeing it at the auto show. Wibble, I presume from the flag that you are currently in the UK? Mr. moderator is also from the UK, and enjoys the range of choice in the US, and his first vehicle here was the I30. We really enjoyed the I30, and all of the luxury features and customer service. He's always wanted a luxury SUV that's really an SUV with luxury features, and here it is!

wibble · February 2004

"First of all, best to whom?"
Customers mainly and the motoring press.

"Second, people are complaining about the price already"
They are? News to me. Start comparing the car to the Lexus, Cadillac and Lincoln that it is designed to compete against and you'll find that it is a bargain.

"if they added more, the price goes up"
Door mounted turn signals would add around $200 at the most. Intelligent key, voice recognition and climate controlled seats could be an option package. Infiniti offer all of these items on other cars in their range already.

"just a rebadged Armada".
See my other post on this subject.

peter_in_atl · February 2004

to find complaints over price. Once you start adding those options, the "bargain" diminishes. Look, I like it. I like Nissan/Infiniti but the general public doesn't see it on a par with toyota and the other luxury marques. Just look at the resale. I'm not condemning it as a rebadge. Other people are. Read the freshalloy infiniti forums and that's all they scream.

nvbanker · February 2004

You mean to tell me it doesn't have air conditioned seats? Where I live, that's a deal breaker.... Once you've had them....

rctennis3811 · February 2004

Yea, I wish it had airconditioned seats, but not many cars have them. I remember when I sat in a Saab with airconditioned seats and it was HEAVEN in Dallas for summer. But, I think it'll still sell well without it, as airconditioned seats still aren't as mainstream. Too bad though...

aggiedog · February 2004

No one cares about the gas cap as long as the fuel door locks. Well, the fuel door does not lock on the QX56 or Armada. It's a theme with most large suv's. If you check out the Fords (Exp and Expl), Lincoln Nav, and all of the large GM suv's, none have locking fuel doors. Even the Mercedes ML's don't lock.

As for things left off. I agree they probably want to keep some things for 05 upgrades. The auto folding mirrors and the split 3rd row still should have been in this model, no matter the price increase. I believe these are the only two full size suv's that don't have power folding rear view mirrors. If I'm wrong I'm sure y'all will correct me.

wibble · February 2004

OK, one last post on this subject to me and I'm going to shut up. I read (and post) at FA extensively and the majority of the posts there are extremely positive ragrding the pricing. The styling is another matter but that is subjective.
How many people here have driven the Nissan and Infiniti back to back? Until you have you can't appreciate the true difference. You don't see people whining about how much more a Lincoln is than a Ford, a Cadillac than a Chevy, etc. (I'm having deja vue here). You may not hold Infiniti in the same esteem as those brands, or Lexus, BMW, etc. but a lot of people do. Start comparing the QX56 to the Escalade, Navigator and the LX470, not the Armada in order to see the true value that the QX56 offers.

wibble · February 2004

I have to admit I'm in Southern California now but I miss the old country, hence the flag. The QX56 is going to be an awesome car. I just wish that some folks would wait until they drive a production version before complaining about it's shortcomings.

Infiniti QX56

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