Author: Steve Allen |
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2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid Adds Freshened Design and Improved Dynamic Performance to Advanced HEV Powertrain

The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid – like the 3.5-liter V6-equipped QX60 models – receives significant upgrades to its exterior, interior, dynamic performance and available features and technologies for the 2016 model year. Offering a second powertrain choice for buyers of Infiniti’s popular premium crossover vehicle, the QX60 Hybrid realizes 28 miles per gallon fuel economy highway and, most significantly, it does so with absolutely no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space (compared to standard QX60 models).

The QX60 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15kW electric motor connected to an advanced electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Net system horsepower is rated at 250 horsepower.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Based on technology found in the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid, the QX60 Hybrid’s Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. An Intelligent Regenerative Braking system partially recharges the battery during vehicle braking. The result is exceptional fuel economy without compromise of performance.

In addition, with use of the compact Lithium-ion battery located under the 3rd row seat, the QX60 Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no reduction of cargo room.

Seating and Premium Features for Seven

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Infiniti QX60 – both the Hybrid and the standard 3.5-liter V6 versions – offers exceptional levels of interior flexibility and roominess, safety and advanced hospitality features. That list includes excellent overall passenger and rear cargo volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position) and access to 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.

By utilizing a flat platform floor, it not only enhances 3rd row roominess and provides a long 2nd row total adjustment of 5.5-inches fore and aft for versatile roominess and cargo carrying capacity, it also allows use of a more dramatic styling approach – which has been freshened for 2016.

The new exterior design continues the QX60’s taut, muscular shapes and flowing lines – adding a host of new styling cues and details that embrace the dramatic new Infiniti design language. The redesigned double-arch grille is flanked by new bi-xenon headlights with new LED Daytime Running Lights. New LED fog lights are standard, as are LED turn signals incorporated into the side rearview mirrors.

In the rear, a new chrome finisher surrounds the standard power lift-function hatch and a new body-color “shark fin” antenna has been added to the roof, which also features a standard power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade. Also available is a panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, which provides a light, airy environment for rear passengers. The new front and rear fascias include flush-mounted sonar sensors, adding to the premium appearance.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The aerodynamic shape of the QX60 results in a coefficient of drag of 0.34. A front underbody spoiler, integrated rear spoiler and rear tire deflectors also help contribute to its zero front and rear lift for enhanced road holding. Hybrid badges are added to the front quarter panels to designate Hybrid-equipped QX60 models.

Other QX60 exterior features include the double-wave hood, crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design, automatic on/off headlights with manual levelizers, and large LED taillights. In addition, the QX60 offers rain-sensing front windshield wipers, rear window intermittent wiper and defroster with timer, power folding heated outside mirrors with available reverse tilt-down feature, front door handle courtesy lights, UV-reducing solar glass and rear privacy glass.

Acoustic glass has been added to the front windows for improved insulation from high frequency noise. The acoustic side glass minimizes the intrusion of wind noise into the cabin, while also reducing the effects of tire noise. The result is improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels at a constant speed.

The 2016 QX60 is offered in seven exterior colors: Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Hermosa Blue, Majestic White, Graphite Shadow and new Hagane Blue and Jade Green.

Inside, the 2016 QX60 adds new graphite weave interior accents, stitched upper dash and a new shift lever (shared with the new Q60 coupe). Key design features include the signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents, and an interior color palette that provides an elegant color harmony – Graphite, Java or high-contrast Wheat leather appointments with available Maple trim accents.

The QX60 Hybrid’s multi-mode 2nd row seat’s unique forward movement function overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a 2nd row child seat for entry or exit. The installed child seat moves forward with the 2nd row seat (40 percent side of 60/40 split-folding seat) without limiting 3rd row access. In addition, both 2nd and 3rd row seats are split folding (60/40 2nd row, 50/50 3rd row) and recline for greater occupant comfort.

Along with its wave-like flow, the instrument panel is highlighted by the Infiniti Intelligent-View display in the center meter cluster, along with large, easy-to-read Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, and standard 7-inch color vehicle information display. Special HEV information screens display Hybrid power usage and charge regeneration readouts.

Leather-appointed seating is standard, along with heated front seats with 8-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power front passenger’s seat. Climate-controlled front seats (heating and cooling) are optionally available, as well as heated 2nd row outboard seats, as part of the HEV Deluxe Technology & Theater Package. A heated steering wheel is standard.

Also standard is a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. An Enhanced Intelligent Key that stores an occupant memory position and last-used audio, climate control and navigation settings is also offered (an Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition is standard).

Other standard features include a Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system with microfilter, rear-seat heater ducts under the 1st and 2nd row seats, and rear console-mounted and 3rd row side trim air vents. Available as part of the HEV Deluxe Technology & Theater Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.

Other interior comfort and convenience items include RearView Monitor, eight cup holders and four bottle holders, front and 2nd row armrests with storage, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

A Connection with a Human Touch

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

For 2016, the QX60 Hybrid continues to deliver a high level of assistive and intuitive technology features, aimed at enhancing the premium crossover experience for all occupants.

Infiniti Connection™ services include 24-hour automatic crash notification, emergency call, enhanced roadside assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, remote door lock/unlock, alarm notification, maintenance alert and scheduled maintenance notification. The “My Schedule” function can automatically synch a user’s schedule through Google Calendar™ and provide navigation guidance to appointments.

The system allows owners to set up Drive Zone boundaries and Speed Alert, which parents may find useful in monitoring young drivers’ vehicle usage. Infiniti Connection™ will send a notification via text, e-mail or phone if the boundary has been crossed or the speed exceeded. In addition, owners can route road trips with a Journey Planner and personalize news, sports and stock reports via Mobile Information Services. Both Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Connection™ Plus are included complimentary for the first year of ownership.

The 2016 QX60 features Infiniti Personal Assistant™, Infiniti’s personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants. The service allows owners to make reservations, get directions, find points of interest, make dinner reservations, access gift services and receive a wide variety of other services at the touch of a button from inside the vehicle or through the owner’s mobile or home phone. In vehicles equipped with Infiniti Connection™, owners can have their Infiniti Personal Assistant™ find a restaurant, make the reservation, and have directions sent directly to the QX60’s Infiniti Navigation System.

Inspired Technology, including Backup Collision Intervention

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid’s Deluxe Technology & Theater Package includes Backup Collision Intervention (BCI). With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the QX60 will help alert the driver about crossing vehicles and large stationary objects behind the QX60, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

Another advanced system utilized as part of the all-around protection philosophy is the standard Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). The AVM system shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the QX60. The MOD function builds on the AVM functionality, helping enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects within the displayed image in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space.

Other available technology includes both Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI).

The QX60 Hybrid also offers available advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts. New for 2016 are Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection and Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW).

The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid’s list of standard safety features includes an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.

The standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator, which provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge. Drivers can also monitor individual tire pressures from the interior display.

Also standard is a Remote Engine Start System, which allows the owner the option of starting the vehicle remotely using the remote keyless entry system (state laws may apply; review local laws before using). The system is ideal for warming or cooling the interior, prior to driving, as desired.

Balanced Performance and Fuel Efficiency

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The 2015 QX60 Hybrid is designed to balance driving enjoyment with fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15kW electric motor, connected to an advanced continuously variable transmission, produces fuel economy of 28 mpg highway for both the front-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive models.

The gasoline engine is rated at 230 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower, with net system horsepower estimated at 250 hp. These figures compare to 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft or torque for the standard QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 internal combustion engine.

The QX60 Hybrid, like the standard model, includes an Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, which uses a rotary switch mounted in the center console to allow the driver to choose between four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow – depending on road and climate conditions. The system varies throttle response and shift schedules to optimize performance.

For 2016, the focus for Infiniti’s QX60 engineers was to provide an even more assured and confidence-inspiring driving experience. This has been achieved through the introduction of new chassis technologies and revised settings for components carried over from the previous model.

The independent-strut front and multi-link rear suspension feature new shock absorbers and spring units, which result in smoother ride control with a reduction in body movement when cornering. New 235/65 R18 T-rated all-season tires are standard, selected to provide improvements in grip and balance.

Linear, easy-to-operate steering comes from the retuned-for-2016 vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system. The available Active Trace Control system utilizes the QX60’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes or smoothing engine torque characteristics while accelerating.

The QX60 Hybrid’s braking system is a 4-wheel vented disc design with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Regenerative Braking to automatically recharge the battery during braking by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy otherwise lost in braking.

New 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 all-season tires are standard on every QX60 Hybrid, with 20-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires available as part of the HEV Deluxe Technology & Theater Package.

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid Premium is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. It is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Price

Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $52,050

4.5 Out of 5
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