The improvements to the all-new Infiniti QX80 launch it to the top of the segment on value, price, and luxury, even if rivals do some things a little better.

Infiniti is a model in dire want of some recent merchandise. The Q50 and Q60 are on their approach out and the QX50 and QX55 are slowing in gross sales, however the firm’s freshest product, the Pathfinder-related QX60, noticed a 77.3% improve in gross sales final 12 months. The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80, a flagship full-size SUV, comes at an important time throughout what the Japanese luxurious model is looking a renaissance.

Regardless of being the oldest car in its section (the first-generation QX80 was first launched twenty years in the past below the QX56 identify), gross sales of the second-gen QX80 truly elevated by a whopping 76.2% in 2023 to 12,696 models. These numbers path far behind section leaders just like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, however Infiniti is hopeful that this long-awaited third-generation mannequin will help shut that hole.

The 2025 QX80 arrives with an up to date platform, recent styling, upgraded expertise, and a brand new twin-turbocharged V6 below the hood that’s associated to the one within the Nissan Z. This is not only a focused shot on the American luxurious institution, it is a precursor to what we are able to count on from the Infiniti model shifting ahead. CarBuzz was invited to learn how shiny Infiniti’s future appears from behind the wheel of the QX80 alongside the roads round Nappa Valley, California.

First Drive occasions present our preliminary impressions of a car in a restricted surroundings below sure time constraints. Keep watch over CarBuzz for our complete Take a look at Drive assessment which is able to comply with quickly.

Exterior: New, However Nonetheless Acquainted

Infiniti describes the 2025 QX80’s styling as an developed model of its “Artistry in Movement” design language. Advanced looks like the right phrase to explain the outside, which clearly appears like a QX80, however builds on the earlier mannequin with rather more trendy components. An enormous double-arch grille conveys the car’s huge dimension and, along with the DRLs, is meant to imitate the natural form of a bamboo forest. These modern LED working lights seem as in the event that they have been branches sprouting from the grille, animating when the car is unlocked.

On the again, a protracted taillight bar options over 300 smoked LEDs resembling keys on a piano. The Infiniti brand up entrance now has some 3D depth and lights up at evening, whereas the rear badge has been changed in favor of the phrase “Infiniti” spelled out, just like Lexus. The brand new QX80 is sllightly longer and wider than the outgoing mannequin, though the wheelbase stays the identical.

This new QX80 is a bit taller than its predecessor, however width is the obvious change. The QX80 now not appears as slab-sided, as if a robust wind would possibly flip it over. 20-inch wheels nonetheless come customary, whereas the higher trim ranges have 22-inch wheels that really look small by trendy requirements, however ship a cushty journey with loads of sidewall. Seven colours can be found, however Infiniti solely had its new Dynamic Steel on-hand for us to drive.

Inside: Welcome To The Current

Even with an infotainment replace again within the 2022 mannequin 12 months, the outgoing QX80 struggled to cover its age. This 2025 mannequin begins over from scratch with new supplies, a revised structure, and extra importantly, cutting-edge expertise. Twin 14.3-inch shows feel and look trendy, powered by Google for voice command and navigation. Don’t be concerned, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay stay out there and performance wirelessly. These screens are tied to a 14-speaker or 24-speaker Klipsch audio system, the latter of which packs an awesome punch. There are even audio system within the headrests that allow you to hear a telephone name whereas music performs within the background.

A separate nine-inch touchscreen shows local weather controls, which means you do not have to depart screens to vary the temperature or fan pace. Infiniti added a brand new Biometric Cooling function that may detect when passengers are too sizzling and funky them extra rapidly. Heated and cooled therapeutic massage seats can be found within the first and second rows, plus heated seats within the third row. We drove the highest Autograph trim, which options semi-aniline leather-based that really feel on-par with something present in a Cadillac, Lincoln, or Jeep product.

As anticipated, a 360-degree digicam is offered, however Infiniti added a brand new Invisible Hood View that makes it simpler to navigate crowded parking tons and see previous the QX80’s tall entrance finish. There’s even a built-in flash digicam that data inside and out of doors the car.

Practicality: Higher At The Household Stuff

Although it hasn’t grown a lot on the skin, the 2025 QX80 makes higher use of its inside house in comparison with the outgoing mannequin. The QX80 delivers seating for as much as eight passengers on all however the high trim, though captain’s chairs and seating for seven is customary. Headroom drops barely within the new mannequin, however shoulder and hip room is elevated marginally. Legroom has elevated considerably in all however the second row, however real-world house feels extra usable than the earlier mannequin.

For cargo hauling, the brand new QX80 improves in each metric. Area behind the third row grows by 5.4 cubic toes for a complete of twenty-two cubes, whereas storage behind the second row will increase by 9.4 cubes. Total space for storing is now rated at 101 cubic toes, in comparison with 95.1 cubes within the outgoing QX80. The Cadillac Escalade is barely bigger at 109.1 ft³ as is the Lincoln Navigator with 103.4 ft³ on provide. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer stays the most important in its class with 116.7 cubic toes of house.

Efficiency: E-Z Acceleration

Infiniti has lastly retired its venerable 5.6-liter V8 engine, which had been in service since 2010. It is changed by a “new” 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that is closely associated to the three.0-liter model within the Q50 and Nissan Z. Right here it develops 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque – will increase of fifty hp and 103 lb-ft, respectively over the outdated V8. This engine is mated to Infiniti’s newer nine-speed computerized transmission, changing the ageing seven-speed, going out to rear-wheel-drive or optionally available four-wheel-drive. The QX80 is rated to tow as much as 8,500 kilos, however doesn’t embody an built-in brake controller.

Regardless of having extra energy and torque, the QX80 did not carry out faster in keeping with our testing tools. We clocked 6.52 seconds to 60 mph, which is a couple of half-second slower than the outdated V8. We’ll have to attend to retest the QX80 on acquainted roads to see if we are able to enhance on that determine – Infiniti hasn’t made any claims in regards to the benchmark dash.

On the plus facet, gas economic system has improved, however just for town and mixed cycles. Metropolis gas economic system will increase from 14 to 16 mpg on RWD fashions and from 13 to fifteen mpg on 4WD fashions. Freeway mpg stays the identical because the V8 in each RWD or 4WD. Total, mixed gas economic system will increase from 16 mpg to 18 mpg on RWD fashions, and from 15 mpg to 17 mpg with all 4 wheels pushed.

Driving Impressions: Much less Boat, Extra Float

The outgoing QX80 felt extra like yachting than driving, however this new mannequin makes enormous strides to really feel much less boat-like. Most trim ranges get four-corner air springs (previously out there within the rear solely) with what Infiniti calls Dynamic Digital Suspension. The suspension lifts and lowers to assist ingress and egress in addition to enhance the aerodynamics. It additionally measures car movement to regulate the damping pressure, thus lowering physique roll and controlling vertical motion over bumps. Uneven mountain roads round Napa did not upset the journey, even with sizable 22-inch wheels outfitted.

Whereas the outgoing QX80 felt tippy and wayward if it even approached a nook, this new mannequin shrinks across the driver and feels extra athletic and managed. Infiniti has additionally changed the outgoing hydraulic steering with a extra trendy electrical unit, which delivers extra precision with out as a lot heaviness. There’s nonetheless a pleasant weight to the steering, but it surely now not feels overly heavy and cumbersome to make use of.

Total, the powertrain delivers clean acceleration, with some turbo lag at low RPM. Having extra gears within the transmission improves energy supply, which means the automobile by no means feels caught off guard should you instantly mash the throttle. The engine emits a pleasant wail, just like the Nissan Z Sports activities automobile. Some house owners would possibly miss the V8 rumble, however we expect the V6 is an enchancment. That is additionally the primary Infiniti mannequin to get ProPilot Help 2.1, which allows hands-free driving on choose highways. It labored nicely in our brief time with it, however requires the driving force’s arms on the wheel for lane modifications, which means it is much less superior than Cadillac’s Tremendous Cruise.

Pricing: Larger Value, Larger Objectives

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 lastly appears like its dwelling in the identical decade as its rivals. Because of this, it is now priced accordingly. The QX80 Pure RWD begins at $82,450 ($85,550 with 4WD), which is $8,300 greater than the 2024 QX80 base Luxe mannequin. Infiniti is fast to level out the brand new Pure trim comes with way more customary tools than final 12 months’s entry-level trim. Stepping as much as the 2025 Luxe brings the value to $89,550 ($92,650 with 4WD), and the Sensory will get 4WD customary at $100,645. A flagship Autograph trim degree joins the QX80 lineup, additionally with 4WD customary, beginning at $110,595. That is greater than any earlier QX80, but it surely’s nonetheless cheaper than the priciest Escalade, Navigator, and Grand Wagoneer fashions, with Lexus LX Extremely Luxurious fashions costing round $135k.

For the primary time because the QX80 grew to become the QX80, we lastly contemplate it as greater than only a cut price within the section. We used to make excuses for the QX80, saying, “no less than it prices lower than an Escalade.” The 2025 QX80 boasts options you could’t get in any Escalade, and it now drives simply as nicely. There’s an up to date Escalade on the best way for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, so it stays to be seen if Infiniti can maintain onto its benefit. It is a enormous step ahead for Infiniti, the primary of a number of wanted to succeed in the model’s former glory.