Pros:
- Powerful 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with 450 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque.
- Luxurious interior with premium materials and advanced technology.
- Smooth ride with standard four-corner air suspension.
Cons:
- Muted color palette on infotainment screens.
- High starting price, with top trim reaching $124,995.
- Lacks the imposing presence of competitors like the Escalade and Navigator.
Napa Valley, CA – The Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator are about as big as luxury SUVs come. These body-on-frame behemoths became cultural icons in the late 90s when they were first introduced. Featured in music videos and movies they were a display of wealth, a way to show that you’ve done well in life.
Infiniti’s take on the formula, the QX56, arrived in 2004. It spun off the Nissan Pathfinder Armada and was a direct shot at Cadillac and Lincoln. With V8 power and a fully independent suspension, it was more than competitive, and with famed Japanese reliability, Infiniti had a great product in its hands, enhancing its SUV and crossover lineup.
An Aging Beast Ditches the V8
The current second-generation QX80 is an aging beast that was first introduced in 2011 and has long fallen out of relevance, surpassed by its much newer competition. So, it’s about time that we finally get to try the highly anticipated 2025 QX80 we first saw at the 2024 New York Auto Show, the first model that begins a new era for the luxury brand.
Infiniti has thrown everything and the kitchen sink at the new model and they say it goes back to their roots utilizing their Japanese heritage in the design of the grille, taillights, and interior trim.
The creamy smooth V8 is gone, replaced by a 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 that makes 450 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque. The V8 will be missed but the V6 is much more powerful and not as thirsty.
Inside the QX80 SUV’s Cabin
Two massive 14.3-inch screens plus a lower-mounted 9-inch touchscreen form the basis of the interior. The infotainment is powerful and quick to respond but its muted colour palette could be more visually interesting. There are multiple new camera display views that allow you to see around cars and large objects and even right through the floor, perfect for avoiding obstacles.
You can even expand those views to cover the entire 28 inches of screen area. Infiniti says it’s an industry first. There’s also the first use of Pro pilot 2.1, Infiniti’s latest hands-free driving system that allows hand-free self-driving on mapped highways in North America.
While it doesn’t quite have the presence of the Escalade or the Navigator, the QX80 is a thoroughly refined luxury SUV and should absolutely be given consideration if shopping in this exclusive space.
Sumptuous leather, fine wood, and intricate metal detailing give off a luxurious ambiance. The company says they were going for a private jet feel and it certainly has that air of exclusivity about it. The top trim Autograph model gets it all with massaging first and second row seats that are also heated and ventilated. Even the third-row seats are heated and can easily accommodate a couple of adults or a trio of kids.
Under the centre armrest there’s a large fridge that can hold big bottles and chill them very quickly. Second row passengers get power sunshades and a large control screen for their seats and entertainment.
Refined Ride and Robust Acceleration, but Performance on Rough Roads Uncertain
With a four-corner air suspension standard on all trims, the QX80 rides beautifully with most lumps and bumps registering as muffled thunks, however, that statement needs further testing on the much rougher roads we have here in the north.
The turbo V6 has no trouble moving the big QX80 up to speed with ample torque for any situation. It even drives like a smaller SUV displaying a more agility and balanced handling than its competition.
While it doesn’t quite have the presence of the Escalade or the Navigator, the QX80 is a thoroughly refined luxury SUV and should absolutely be given consideration if shopping in this exclusive space.
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