For 2025, Infiniti made it official: We can have a big family and still ride in a posh head turner no parent will hesitate to drive. The rebirth of the QX80 flagship SUV has up to seven passengers riding like royalty. Period.
Coming in four trims, the QX80’s exterior has a framework based on fluidity and technology called Artistry in Motion, overseen by Japan’s heralded digital artist Kaoru Tanaka. Basically, the curves are in all the right places, making the body muscular, yet not imposing. Wrapped in a striking Grand Blue exterior, our review version rolled on 22-inch aluminum wheels, complemented with illuminated kick plates, roof rails, a panoramic moonroof, a motion-activated liftgate, black-out door pillars, and sophisticated LED lighting from the front to rear.
Stepping inside, riders are greeted to semi-aniline leather seating presented in sepia brown. The pampering sitting experience doesn’t stop there; the first and second rows are heated and ventilated, with massaging functions for the front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs slide and recline electronically, so everyone feels like they are in first-class comfort. You want more? How about Infiniti implementing a biometric cooling system, where an infrared sensor detects passengers’ body temperatures and adjusts to make them even more comfortable? Yes, the future is here.
Adding to its upscale ambiance, I appreciated the QX80’s “open pore ash wood” trim, personalized ambient lighting with 64 color options to set the mood, and aforementioned panoramic moonroof to enhance the feel of roominess. The ears get treated to one of the best sound packages I have ever experienced; the 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere Audio System with what I saw in the television commercial: individual headrest speakers that give the driver the ability to answer calls without interrupting the music for everyone else. Staying with the technology, the QX80 Sensory is packed with state-of-the-art technology, including dual 14.3-inch monolith-style displays paired with a 9-inch lower touchscreen with haptic feedback; Google built-in with Navigation and Alexa Built-in for virtually effortless connectivity; a frameless digital rearview mirror; ProPILOT Assist 1.1, Traffic Sign Recognition (which I always value to avoid tickets); and Head-Up Display (HUD) for enhanced driver assistance. Safety gets a thumb’s up as well, boasting Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Rear Automatic Braking, and Trailer Blind Spot Warning for comprehensive safety coverage to name a few applications.
Under the hood, the QX80 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, this SUV provides a smooth, yet powerful driving experience fit for pretty much any terrain. To smooth things out, the dynamic digital suspension and electronic air suspension ensure a balanced and comfortable ride, while the 8,500-lb. towing capacity makes any family excursion more adventurous.
Starting at $99,950 and reaching $108,065 with added features (ProPILOT Assist, Interior Lighting Package), and destination charges, the QX80 Sensory is a recommended investment if the bank account allows. While the fuel economy of 17 MPG combined might not be its strongest point, it’s a large vehicle that outweighs that drawback with all its luxurious amenities, advanced technology, and responsive performance. Ultimately, the Sensory is highly recommended for especially big families who will proudly hold their heads up high when seen entering and exiting this beast of a luxury SUV.
Fuel Economy: 16 city/19 highway/17 combined.
Price: $108,065 fully equipped with optional packages.
For more information, visit Infinitiusa.com.