It's been noted before a few times in this space that the market for mammoth SUVs just ain't what it used to be, thanks to higher gasoline prices and a still wobbly economy.
But that doesn't mean there isn't any market for these vehicles, especially those that offer luxury.
That's the spot that the 2013 Infiniti QX56 targets.
This huge vehicle has three rows of seating capable of carrying up to eight passengers, has a colossal 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and has a remarkably sporty appearance to be such a big machine.
Infiniti has added as standard the Around View monitor camera system, which can detect moving objects, a great safety feature for a vehicle of this dimension.
There are also auto-dimming outside mirrors that are standard.
On the inside, the QX offers all the amenities you would expect of such a high-end vehicle, including an optional rear entertainment system that can play two video sources on its two screens.
The standard seating alignment offers a middle row with captain's chairs, but if you want to seat eight, you can opt for the three-seat bench.
For storage capacity, the third row of seats can fold into the floor. And for comfort, those seats can also recline.
Leather seating is standard, as are heated front seats and steering wheel.
Infiniti says the QX offers safety features that include front-seat side-impact airbags and three-row side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.
As you might imagine, with a vehicle and an engine of this size, fuel economy isn't stellar. The QX is rated at 14 mpg city, 20 highway.
As you also might imagine, it would be difficult to afford this vehicle on a pauper's wages, with the QX ranging from around $62,000 to about $70,000.
But for those who need a large and luxurious people and cargo hauler, the QX gets the job done quite nicely.
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