2018 Infiniti QX80: New Platform, Same Larger-than-Life Styling [Review]

2018 Infiniti QX80
[Photo: Arv Voss]
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, first revealed its full-size SUV at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. It emerged on the market as a 2011 model under the “QX” nomenclature. Infiniti designed their bigger-than-life QX56 to provide a “genuine five-star travel experience”. The original name stuck because “56” referred to the model’s 5.6-liter V8. In their efforts to realign their lineup, the QX56 moniker was dropped in favor of the Infiniti QX80 nameplate.

WHAT’S NEW

The new Infiniti QX80 continues to display a dramatic and dynamic presence to surrounding motorists. It carries plenty of styling cues also present in the rest of Infiniti’s lineup. To be sure, it is not simply a dressed up Nissan Armada. Rather, it is a sophisticated and superbly luxurious full size SUV in its own right. The QX80 delivers state-of-the-art technologies and features, ensuring its passengers travel in ultimate luxury. It’s a first class SUV that’s fully capable of transporting up to eight passengers and their gear in sublime comfort.

The bold presence of the reworked Infiniti QX80 starts at the front end with its new front fascia. It features a prominent grille, flanked by low positioned, swept-back headlamps and a domed, wave-like hood. The blacked out “B” and “C” pillars combine with the reverse “kink” bright window surround to emphasize the generous greenhouse area. The rear view finishes with Infiniti’s dynamic rear glass, and LED tail lights. Decorative side vents appear between the hood line and fender arch, just ahead of the front door’s leading edge. The driver’s side vent is actually functional, providing air to the engine. Other functional design elements include the front and rear spoilers that aid in stability, and specially shaped exterior mirrors that reduce wind noise. The car’s built-in running boards and low roof rails, and up to 22-inch wheels substantially contribute to a more athletic character for the QX80.

2018 Infiniti QX80
[Photo: Arv Voss]

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The interior of the Infiniti QX80 is not unlike that of an executive jet. Acceleration isn’t as rapid, but it certainly more than answers the call, with sedan-like handling and stability. The car stays flat under spirited maneuvering conditions on challenging roadways. The Bose Premium Sound System fills the cabin with impressive audio quality. The QX80 sports an 8.0-inch color touch-screen infotainment system with hard drive navigation. It also incluldes XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, as well as the Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide. Everything you need for a luxurious night on the town.

Available options include a Theater Package, with dual 7-inch color monitors mounted on the front seats, as well as wireless headphones and a 120V power outlet. There’s also a Split Bench Seat Package for the second row with 60/40 split folding – a no charge option. The Deluxe Touring Package includes 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels, Hydraulic Body Motion Control, Semi-analine leather seats, climate-controlled front seats and heated second row seats. Even further, that package features an Advanced Climate Control System and headlight washers, roof rails with cross bars and illuminated sill kick plates. Finally, the Technology Package features Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and an Adpative Front Lighting system

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety and convenience equipment includes Hydraulic Body Motion Control, a Smart Rear View Mirror, and an “Around View” 360-degree camera system. There are also Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring systems. In an emergency situation, Infiniti’s also included Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. For long, monotonous trips, there’s Intelligent Cruise Control with added Full-Speed Range and Distance Control Assist.

Hill Start Assist prevents roll back on an incline for up to 2.5 seconds, while Snow Mode modulates the throttle for smooth starts under slippery conditions, Tow Mode automatically tailors gear changes to maximize engine torque when towing. A Tire Pressure inflation indicator activates the horn and flashes hazard signals when correct tire inflation has been reached. The available Hydraulic Body Motion Control System further reduces body lean during turning or cornering, as well as helping to minimize vehicle bouncing on rough road surfaces.

My test 2018 Infiniti QX80 was a 4WD model loaded with virtually all the available options. The base sticker was set at $67,850. However, the adding optional equipment bumped the final total to $85,070. My test vehicle sported a Liquid Platinum Metallic exterior finish. The interior was swathed in Graphite-toned leather with polished wood trim accents on the steering wheel, center console and doors.

2018 Infiniti QX80
[Photo: Arv Voss]

PERFORMANCE

Propulsion for the Infiniti QX80 is still provided courtesy of a 5.6-liter V8 engine. Infiniti also uses this engine in its M series, but tuned this one specifically for the QX80. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, along with 413 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Despite high horsepower and torque output, the fuel economy is decent for such a massive, heavy vehicle. City driving yields 13 MPG, while highway travel registers an estimated 19 MPG.

The engine couples to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and downshift rev-matching. Infiniti’s All-Mode 4WD is rear-biased in its automatic mode. It does continually adjust power between the front and rear wheels. As a result, it is capable of delivering up to 100 percent of the power to the rear and a maximum of 50 percent to the front. 4-High locks the center differential at a 50-50 front/rear split and is operational up to 60 MPH.

The list of standard features and equipment seems never ending. Then, when you tick all the options, the content of this Infiniti QX80 borders on unbelievable. At the rate that Infiniti is progressing, it may not be long before the art of driving could all but disappear. On the plus side, much of the QX80’s technology may be switched off to enhance and restore the sheer pleasure of driving.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

Infiniti makes a sound case for full-size SUVs with the QX80. For those who wish to live larger than life and travel in luxury and style, this level of grandness is hard to beat. Check out the video below of the QX80 concept, revealed on TFLtruck back in April. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news, views and reviews! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Infiniti QX80 AWD 

On Sale: Now
Base MSRP: $67,850
Price as Tested: $85,070
Engine: 5.6-liter DOHC, 32-valve V8 w/ VVEL and DIG
Drivetrain (Layout): Longitudinally-mounted front engine, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control
Suspension: Front: Double-wishbone w/ Dual Flow Path twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bars (unless equipped w/ Hydraulic Body Motion Control system

Rear: Double-wishbone w/ Dual Flow Path twin-tube shock absorbers, automatic self-leveling system and rear stabilizer bar (unless equipped with Hydraulic Body Motion Control system)

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs w/ 4-wheel ABS, BA, EBD, VDC and TCS
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P275/50 R22
Fuel capacity: 26.0 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 13 City/19 Highway/15 Combined MPG
Drag Coefficient: 0.36

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
Length:  208.9 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
Height:  75.8 inches (with roof rack)
Turning Circle: 41.3 feet
Curb Weight: 5,855 pounds
Ground Clearance: 9.2 inches
Approach Angle: 20.9 degrees
Ramp Breakover Angle:  20.7 degrees
Departure Angle: 22.3 degrees