segment with all-new or refreshed models debuting from a number of manufacturers. But when it

comes to the ultra-luxury faction, this new Infiniti QX80 Limited raises the bar – awash

in fine leather and wood that’ll have you seeing Bentley.

2015-Infiniti-QX80-LimitedWhether it’s a Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade, or any other

luxo-utility of similar avoirdupois, not a single one can match the styling grandeur

of the ornate QX80. Though it’s anything but reserved, I’ve always appreciated Infiniti’s

ability to design a vehicle like this with a touch of retro elegance, avoiding the boxy,

butch look of the others. And now for 2015, the QX80’s updated appearance further harmonizes

its brutish gracefulness with a new front fascia, grille and LED lighting.

But that’s not the headline, per se. Nope, that belongs to this new Limited Package valued

at $10,000. When you check that box, every other one on the order form automatically

populates to generate one fully-loaded model with no options other than color – of which

3 are exclusive to the Limited, including this Mocha Almond. It’s only available with

all-wheel drive, and after a few nominal accessory add-ons like the roof rail crossbars and illuminated

kick plates the sticker crosses $90 grand, landing here at $91,245. And when it says

Limited it means it, with this version virtually built to order with dealers getting less than

1 per month. Any skepticism I had prior to taking delivery immediately vanished as soon

as I opened the door. This isn’t the typical mythomania propagated by the auto industry

– what you see here is the real deal. The range of rich, earthy colors, silver accents

and real wood appointments is a feast for the eyes and executed with a hand-crafted

level of quality.

This cabin truly is gorgeous with its Truffle Brown semi-aniline leather and matte-finish

wood. And it feels and smells as authentic as it looks. Sure, there are a few overlooked

moments – such as the lack of interior LED lighting, the absence of Blu-ray and the yesteryear

central gauge display – but all-in-all this is a QX80 worthy of the Limited badge.