INFINITI Is Moving Upmarket – Led By the New QX80

INFINITI is moving in a more upmarket direction, led by its flagship QX80. The brand also plans a new SUV to draw higher-end buyers, and the recently updated QX80 is attracting more attention than its predecessor. 

The new QX80 is the brand’s first to sell in the $110,000-$120,000 range, and company executives say that the updated model is targeting households with incomes of around $500,000. That puts the SUV in direct competition with heavy-hitters from Europe and North America, but the new QX80 stacks up very favorably against some of the industry’s most recognized names. 

INFINITI swapped out the old QX80’s V8 for a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, making 450 horsepower and 516 pounds of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear, or all four wheels, and the SUV can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Power delivery is smooth and refined, and the new engine remains surprisingly quiet, even during heavy acceleration. 

Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard inside, but leather or semi-aniline leather is available in most trims. Other standard features include heated first- and second-row seats, memory settings, and power front-seat adjustments. The QX80 offers a comfortable, relaxing experience, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. The third-row seat is accommodating for adults, though it’s best reserved for children when possible.  

Three large screens dominate the dash, with a 14.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a dual-screen infotainment system with 14.3- and 9-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wireless charging, SiriusXM radio, a Klipsch audio system, Bluetooth, and more come standard. INFINITI uses Google-based mapping and navigation, which brings real-time traffic information and route guidance. Buyers can add a 24-speaker Klipsch stereo, a center-console refrigerator, and an in-cabin camera system. 

INFINITI equips a generous number of advanced safety features, including forward collision warnings, forward and reverse automatic braking, a driver attention monitoring system, automatic wipers, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, a surround-view camera system, rear-seat alerts, automatic high beams, and more.  

INFINITI offers a ProPilot Assist 2.1 system, which enables partially automated driving on some limited-access highways. The driver can remove their hands from the wheel but must be prepared to take control at any time. The vehicle will maintain its speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and it can assist with lane changes with the driver’s hands on the wheel. 

If you want to learn more about the new QX80 or any other INFINITI model, INFINITI of Columbia should be your first call. We’ll be excited to show you around the new SUV, schedule a test drive, or help you order the new INFINITI model of your dreams.