Who says luxury has to stop at the road’s edge? After all, it’s a big world out there, just waiting to be explored. “That’s why we built the Infiniti QX4. Now true luxury meets authentic off-road performance. And rough going is smooth work. Why limit yourself to the road when you can travel first-class wherever the mood takes you?” This statement from the manufacturers may read like a publicity handout, but the all-new Infiniti QX4, a new addition to the range of the world’s most luxury 4X4 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) has some astonishing features.
Alhamrani United Co. recently introduced the QX4 in Dubai, and followed up with a launch in the Kingdom. What distinguishes this SUV is the way it combines the features of a prestige saloon with go-anywhere capability.
It was not a superfluous statement from Ahmad A. Alhamrani, general manager, marketing and vehicles, Alhamrani United Co., when he said: “The QX4 offers the heart of a rugged authentic vehicle with the soul of a true luxury version. We’ve added the muscle of the most powerful V6 engine in class and unmatched comfort and convenience.”
The car’s power and performance are outstanding. Its VQ35DE 3.51 DOHC 24-valve V6 engine provides the kind of performance expected of an SUV of this class and also provides the opportunity for smooth and dynamic driving.
Its unique moncoque construction and advanced aerodynamic body add sophistication to this luxury vehicle. The source of the luxury feel of the vehicle lies deep in its heart. The lightweight aluminum alloy delivers smooth and vibration free power due to the microfinishing on crankshaft and camshafts, reducing friction and noticeably adding to the efficiency of the unit.
Power is delivered through a four speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive and lockup torque converter. Electronic control provides smoother gear shifting, greater efficiency and longer service life. The combination of overdrive and lockup torque converter yield greater fuel economy and reduce cabin noise at highway speeds by lowering the engine rpm.
All-mode 4WD varies power delivery to the wheels as road conditions demand or as the driver desires. The system automatically provides power to the front axle in addition to the rear axle for as long as it is needed. Auto mode directs power to the rear axle only during normal driving conditions, but as road or surface conditions change it automatically varies torque distribution between front and rear axles for optimum grip or traction.
Its heavy-duty long-stroke independent strut front suspension allows front wheels to react independently to changes in the road surface and remain perpendicular to the ground for a smoother ride, improved control and optimum traction. Five-link coil-spring rear suspension provides rugged off-road capability and smooth highway cruising.
Its elegant styling catches the eye immediately. Front grille and bumper come with a distinctive headlight design featuring high intensity discharge xenon headlights with auto on/off feature and new integrated fog lights and turn signals.
Its all comprehensive safety package incorporates some of the world’s most advanced measures for protecting passengers and avoiding accidents. Its high intensity discharge low-beam xenon headlights provide a brighter view of the road at night — up to 70 percent better than conventional halogen lamps.
Antilock braking system (ABS) prevents wheel lockup under hard braking, helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle. The g-sensor measures the deceleration rate and interacts with the ABS system depending on road surface — whether dry or wet, or with dirt, gravel or mud — to assure that ABS does not interfere with braking during low speed off-road maneuvers.
Collision safety minimizes the risk of injury of unavoidable accidents. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to deform and absorb impact energy, helping to reduce the risk of injury by helping to maintain structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Airbags inflate immediately when the sensors detect a significant frontal impact is occurring, reducing the risk of injury to driver and front passengers. Front seat-belts feature pretensioners and load limiters for additional injury prevention.
Its interior has an ergonomically designed instrument panel, highlighted by electro-fluorescent gauge cluster illumination and a new integrated sports style analog clock. It’s, no doubt, an enviable SUV.