Riding in Infiniti’s redesigned QX80 feels like stepping into a new chapter of premium SUV craftsmanship. This three-row flagship blends substance with visual grace across four trims, guided by the “Artistry in Motion” ethos conceived by Japanese digital artist Kaoru Tanaka. Confident curves sweep along a muscular frame, walking the line between sophistication and strength without tipping into visual excess.
Finished in a striking Grand Blue, this QX80 test vehicle made a bold impression atop 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Subtle details such as blacked-out pillars, sculpted roof rails, and crisp LED lighting refine the exterior, while practical elements like motion-activated tailgate access and illuminated sill plates add convenience. Inside, sepia brown semi-aniline leather covers each seat, instantly communicating high-grade craftsmanship and inviting occupants into a carefully curated space.
Luxury takes center stage with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that offer personalized comfort. Second-row captain’s chairs adjust electronically, giving rear passengers generous room to unwind. Infiniti introduces infrared-based climate control that reads body temperature to fine-tune cabin settings, offering a level of responsiveness that anticipates needs rather than simply reacting to them.
Refinement carries through with open-pore ash wood accents and a full-spectrum ambient lighting system offering 64 selectable hues. A panoramic roof brings natural light into the mix, enhancing the sense of space. The audio setup, courtesy of Klipsch Reference Premiere, delivers an engaging 24-speaker soundstage, with headrest-mounted speakers that isolate calls from the cabin’s soundtrack for added discretion.
The QX80 Sensory doesn’t hold back on tech. Dual 14.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, working seamlessly alongside a tactile 9-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. Google’s suite and Alexa integration handle connectivity with ease. Driver aids like ProPILOT Assist 1.1, a high-resolution digital rearview mirror, and a sharp Head-Up Display help sharpen awareness, while predictive safety tech and trailer-specific blind spot monitoring round out the suite with serious capability.
PERFORMANCE
After years of service, Infiniti’s 5.6-liter V-8 has been retired in favor of a more advanced 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. This new engine delivers 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, offering stronger performance and improved efficiency. Paired with a newly developed nine-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain feels far more responsive and refined, especially during heavy acceleration or when pulling uphill.
The QX80 in Sensory trim with four-wheel drive felt significantly more refined than previous iterations. Despite its imposing size, the vehicle now moves with unexpected grace. Enhancements to both engine and transmission contribute to a more relaxed driving character, whether crawling through traffic or cruising long distances. The powertrain operates with a smoothness that improves the entire driving experience.
Torque delivery at lower revs feels substantially more immediate. Infiniti’s stated improvement in low-end pull is apparent in daily use, whether pulling away from a light or overtaking slower vehicles. Peak torque comes on at 3,600 rpm and horsepower continues building to 5,600 rpm, giving the QX80 a broad and usable powerband that feels well suited for real-world driving.
On winding routes through the countryside, the QX80 handled itself with more confidence than expected. Selecting Sport mode sharpens both throttle and shift behavior, helping this full-size SUV maintain rhythm through curves. The ride remains calm over uneven pavement, aided by the adaptive air suspension and a suspension control system that responds constantly to road inputs.
At highway speeds, the suspension automatically lowers by 1.2 inches to improve aerodynamic efficiency. When parked, it drops an additional 2.8 inches to simplify entry and exit. In Off-Road mode, the system raises the body 2.1 inches to enhance ground clearance. Drivers can choose from several settings including eco, tow, personal, and snow to tailor the response to changing conditions.
A stiffer frame brings greater composure, with torsional rigidity improved by 25 percent and lateral stiffness up by 57 percent. Paired with active damping that adjusts in real time, these changes help reduce body movement and enhance handling. Together, they make the QX80 feel more stable and aligned with its premium positioning, especially during quick transitions or broken road surfaces.
The cabin remains impressively quiet, benefitting from upgraded sound insulation and a revised electric steering system. Infiniti’s three-decibel reduction in interior noise is noticeable at speed, contributing to a more serene atmosphere. Although the QX80’s dimensions still require attention in close quarters, it cruises with calm assurance. With 8,500 pounds of towing capability, it delivers substance alongside style.
VERDICT
Pricing for our week-long 2025 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD tester reached $108,065. That figure includes $3,200 for the ProPilot Assist 2.1++ suite, $1,020 for enhanced interior lighting, $850 for a cargo upgrade, $355 for a built-in umbrella holder, and $695 for special paint. Starting MSRP lands at $99,950 before any of these add-ons join the equation.
Competition
Luxury cues and high-end appointments now place the redesigned QX80 squarely among premium full-size SUVs. However, a steeper sticker cost narrows the pricing gap between this Infiniti and heavyweight contenders like the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS. What once stood out for delivering value now leans more into flagship pricing territory.
