2025 Infiniti QX80 First Look: A New Level of Luxury
After years of waiting for the next generation, the new QX80 is poised to reinvigorate Infiniti.
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The 2025 Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV is more than just a new generation for the model. On a larger scale, it represents the rebirth of an automaker that had in many ways been left in the dust. The 2025 QX80 is the first vehicle featuring a new design language that will reach future models, and it’s the first new Infiniti model since the QX60 made its debut in 2021.
Infiniti’s new flagship luxury SUV also uses a new platform for the brand, now based on the global Nissan Patrol, and it adopts a new engine, air suspension, and a new interior. It boasts technology never seen in the industry, and it’s built to challenge the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The QX80 is also the first of two gasoline and two electric models planned for Infiniti’s Vision of the Future roadmap, essentially the company’s renaissance strategy that includes the QX65 crossover coupe, the Vision QXe Concept electric SUV, and the Vision Qe Concept electric sedan.
Commanding Exterior
Penned by Infiniti’s Japanese design studio, the 2025 QX80’s exterior stands out from every angle. It’s both futuristic and modern, bringing a long, raised hood and crisp lines to deliver a sleek design. If the QX80 looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s based on the QX Monograph Concept seen at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The exterior displays much attention to detail. Vertical slats on its double-arched grille meet the “piano keys” at the top of grille’s frame—a theme seen across the exterior. Daytime running lights, side air intakes, and taillights also adopt the piano-key design. Headlights are hidden in the fascia, giving the face a wider look. The profile view features soft, sleek lines, and the door handles pop out à la Tesla, providing a clean look. Massive windows and hidden pillars play to the futuristic aspect while making the third row feel airy. Unlike the front, where the grille houses Infiniti’s new logo, the rear displays the Infiniti name spelled out.
You’ll be able to distinguish the 2025 Infiniti QX80 on the road. Its design, while provocative, has a lot of presence and is vastly different from anything we’ve seen in the segment.
Elegant and Tech-Savvy Interior
Step inside the 2025 Infiniti QX80, and you’re almost immediately amazed by its features and technology. Two side-by-side 14.3-inch screens cover more than half the dashboard, with the first one serving as the driver’s display and the second one handling infotainment duty. A third screen, measuring 9.0 inches, sits below the infotainment screen and serves as the hub for all climate controls.
With Google Built-In as the new QX80’s infotainment system—a first for Infiniti—drivers will be able to get directions straight from Google Maps, use the Google Play store to download apps straight into the infotainment module, and use Google Assistant for voice commands by simply saying “Hey, Google.” A color head-up display shows the driver vital information like the speed limit and turn-by-turn directions when navigation is enabled.
Infiniti designers freed up interior space by turning the bulky shifter into yet more piano keys, allowing bigger cupholders and additional storage space. Despite having soft buttons for a clean look, a volume knob remains. With seating for up to eight passengers, everyone has a dedicated USB-C port, with every row getting at least two.
We saw the top-trim QX80 Autograph model during our in-person First Look and are big fans of the open-pore wood inlay with laser-cut aluminum that gives the interior an upscale look. Materials throughout the cabin, including the third row, feel premium, and getting into the third row is easy thanks to the massive opening between the second-row seat back and the C-pillar. Once back there, we were pleased by the big windows and overall comfort.
We tried the Front Wide View, a feature provided by the camera located on the grille that works in conjunction with cameras on the SUV’s sides to provide a 170-degree view across both 14.3-inch screens. This is useful for going around tight corners or spotting parked cars, as you can see what’s in front of the Infiniti and to the sides of the A-pillars.
Have a Phone Conversation Without Disturbing Others
A top-level sound system is one of the coolest features found in the 2025 Infiniti QX80. The Klipsch premium audio setup features 24 speakers throughout the cabin, and music sounds as good as you'd expect.
Besides the immaculate sound, Klipsch also has extraordinary technology for phone calls, where the driver can have a phone conversation without disturbing other occupants in the cabin. The tech works by filtering the phone audio via the driver’s headrest speakers while playing music throughout the cabin at the same time. The driver is the only one able to hear the person on the phone, and that person is not able to hear the music playing in the cabin. This feature can be turned off at any time, and although it's cool, it will likely take time to get used to.
Say Goodbye to the V-8
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine making 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, increases of 50 hp and more than 100 lb-ft compared to the outgoing model despite losing two cylinders. A nine-speed automatic transmission mates to the engine and sends power to the rear or all four wheels depending on the drivetrain configuration. Infiniti promises nearly 20 percent improvements in fuel economy, a welcome characteristic.
Pure and Luxe trims have standard rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive available, while Sensory and Autograph come standard with four-wheel drive. All models are equipped with a drive mode selector offering Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Personal settings. All models can tow up to 8,500 pounds.
Riding on the Nissan Patrol’s platform, the new Infiniti QX80 should deliver significant ride improvements. Infiniti says the frame is 57 percent stiffer compared to the outgoing model, which should help reduce body roll and minimize vibrations on poorly paved roads. Luxe and above models will be equipped with an electronic air suspension that will lower or raise the ride height depending on road conditions. To improve the SUV’s aerodynamics, the air suspension can be lowered by 1.2 inches at speed and by 2.8 inches when parked to allow easy entry and exit.
All This Can be Yours For …
Available this summer, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 starts at $84,445 for the Pure RWD model. Prices max out at $112,590 for the top trim Autograph 4WD model, with a wide range of options in between.
Pricing aside, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 marks the beginning of the brand’s near future. Big efforts went into making the QX80 stand out among its competitors, and based on what we’ve seen so far, we eagerly anticipate getting behind the wheel this summer to see how it performs.
Miguel Cortina is Mexico Editor at MotorTrend, covering the auto industry in the U.S. and south of the border. He joined MotorTrend in January 2015 and is an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys playing golf, surfing, and running in his free time.
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