By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 22, 2024) Infiniti's largest vehicle, the QX80 hasn't received a full generational redesign in a more than overdue fifteen years. Now completely new for 2025 the third generation QX80 boldly ups its game with a concentrated focus on opulent luxury ready to compete with the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 600, and Lincoln Navigator.

Infiniti tells us the QX80 embodies the brand's new design language, "Artistry in Motion" that designers claim emphasizes the artful expression and added amenities of five-star hospitality with a harmonious integration of technology consistent with what you'll find in ultra luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus.

New also, its mechanical bits now feature a 450-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous generation's 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 and seven-speed transmission. Tapping into that power the engine and transmission shifting is buttery smooth with ample amounts of power in reserve for easy highway passing. It offers the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds but we found it goes hard on gas.

While this three-on behemoth is easy to drive it handles best on paved urban and suburban roads and highways but sporting driving isn't part of the offering on curves and twisty roads. Equipped with Propilot 2.1, it enables hands-free driving on some highways.

Our test QX80 was the range topping Autograph trim (with an astonishing price of $112,590) shod with the most gorgeous 22-inch wheels that allowed for some noticeable pavement imperfections to transcend into the cabin when driving over rough and uneven pavement. That said, driver and cabin occupants are cosseted in a welcoming space that the Japanese call Omotenashi, and treated to a sumptuous and fully modern interior with three extra roomy rows of seating for up to eight. As expected, it delivers the most creature comforts where seemingly every need is indulged.



The highest quality and tactile materials adorn the cabin including soft, semi-aniline diamond patterned leather upholstery with two rows of heated and cooled massaging seats, a refrigerated center console, and open pore ash wood trim with metal inlays. There's even a unique tech feature called "Biometric Cooling" that uses infrared sensors to detect when back-seat passengers might be feeling too warm and automatically directs cool air their way. All trim levels come with a Klipsch stereo system with a 24-speaker array in the Sensory and Autograph models.

Technology abounds including a panel of dashboard displays with touchscreen infotainment and digital gauges both courtesy of Google and built in Google maps for navigation. The QX80 also accepts over-the-air updates for the various systems.

With more than ample road presence, the completely new QX80 ups its came with thorough upgrade it so desperately needed. There's no denying what a great improvement the strikingly handsome and luxurious the all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 represents.

VITAL STATS:

2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph
Base Price: $109,900
Price as Tested: $112,590
Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 450
Seating: 7 or 8

Fab Features:
Gorgeous inside and out
Twin-turbo V6 is smooth and powerful
Concert hall-like Klipsch Stereo System