The second-generation QX80 came to be in 2010, when it still had its original name, the QX56. The company's largest crossover yet was renamed in 2013, when it also gained a significant facelift. Seven years old as of 2017, the QX80 is living its final years on the market, but Infiniti is putting a great deal of effort into keeping it relevant against the competition. At the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, the luxury brand launched a new special-edition model, called the Signature Edition.

Essentially a reheated soup – a Signature Edition version was also offered in 2016 – the limited-edition model aims to offer a blend of "popular equipment and unique design features." While there aren't many unique design features to talk about, the Signature Edition is indeed equipped with many tech features that are optional on most QX80 trims. The reasons why Infiniti brought it back are very simple. Not only the Signature Edition was a big success in 2016, it also helped the QX80 set an all-time U.S. sales record of more than 16,700 units last year.

“Infiniti's Signature Editions signify something special for our customers and deliver on our promise to provide an unparalleled level of sophistication with exclusive new content,” said Randy Parker, vice president of Infiniti Americas. “This year, these unique models feature the most sought-after selections to enhance the driver’s experience for our ever-popular Q50 sport sedan and QX80 full-size luxury SUV.

Milking it for all it's worth is the way to go in today's industry and I can't really blame Infiniti for doing this. Let's see what this "new" Signature Edition is all about.

Continue reading to learn more about the Infiniti QX80 Signature Edition.

2017 Infiniti QX80 Signature Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Infiniti QX80 Signature Edition
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What makes the Infiniti QX80 Signature Edition special

There aren't many features that set the Signature Edition apart from the regular QX80. Extra goodies include chrome mirror caps, a clear stop light atop the tailgate, and 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy sets finished in dark chrome and wrapped in all-season performance tires. While these features aren't bad compared to what you get on the standard model, all are available as options on most models and come standard on the range-topping QX80 Limited. So it's not a big deal really.

Another thing that sets the Signature Edition apart is that it can be had in one of only four colors. For reference, you can choose between seven hues for the base model or six colors for the QX80 Limited. The Signature Edition is restricted to Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, and Majestic White, all of which are available on any trim. The Majestic White is the only hue that requires an extra fee, but there's no word whether it's a no-cost option on the Signature Edition.

The interior doesn't get any changes in terms of design and layout. The only new feature is the Saddle Tan leather upholstery on the seats, central armrests, and door panels. Not available on other models, the light upholstery provides a high contrast with the dark wood trim on the door panels, center stack, and center console, and the black dashboard, which is pretty neat.

Just like any QX80 out there, it's available as a seven- or eight-passenger vehicle. The QX80 Signature Edition also includes a suite of driver assistance technologies, including Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention. From this standpoint, it's a solid offer.

Drivetrain-wise, the Signature Edition is offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations and gets its juice from the same 5.6-liter V-8 as the regular QX80. Output is rated at 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and enables the SUV to tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Pricing is not yet available, but I expect Infiniti to give the Signature Edition a solid bang-for-the-buck ratio and make it more affordable than a QX80 fitted with the same features as separate options. If not, the Signature Edition is pretty much pointless. The previous Signature Edition package added $1,000 to the cost of the base vehicle.

Infiniti QX80 - Drivetrain Specifications

Type

5.6-liter (5,552cc) 32-valve V8 engine, aluminum-alloy block and heads

Horsepower

400 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque

413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission

Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)

Fuel Economy (mpg) (city/highway)

14/20


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