Infiniti’s next-generation three-row SUV is just around the corner.
Update 3/4/23: Infiniti just confirmed the new QX80’s powertrain (and the rumors): a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.
We’ve seen concepts and spy shots, and now we have the first official teasers for the production-spec 2025 Infiniti QX80. The third-generation of the brand’s flagship SUV will debut on March 20, exhibiting a fundamental shift in the model’s design language and even its 5.6-liter V8 powertrain, which has been a hallmark feature since the QX80 (then the QX56) debuted back in 2004.
After its initial debut, the new QX80 will make its first public appearance at this year’s New York International Auto Show between March 29 and April 7.
Infiniti previewed the new QX80 SUV by way of the Monograph Concept. Looking at this camouflaged production-intent version, it’s clear the final design is pretty much identical. That includes far more elegant touches than previous models which some on the TFL team (lovingly) call the “Happy Hippo”. Modern touches like thin LED lighting, flush door handles, sharp lines and edges and generally far less cumbersome elements than we saw in previous designs. Just look up the original QX56’s enormous hood bulge, overwrought grille and massive headlights and you’ll see what I mean there.
Infiniti senior Vice President for Global Design Alfonso Albaisa said of Tuesday’s teaser: “Before new models are revealed, they are typically hidden behind camouflage that aims to obscure. But, we feel the all-enw QX80 is too extraordinary to keep completely hidden.” In truth, based on the designers’ decision to run with the Monograph’s near-production-ready look, we already know what it will look like.
For reference, he’s a look at the QX Monograph Concept:
New QX, new engine
As mentioned earlier, another core piece of the QX80’s identity is set to change with this new model. The existing VK56VD “Endurance” V8 engine is expected to roll into the history books with the old car’s demise. In its place, we should instead see a twin-turbocharged V6 engine making around 450 horsepower. Not only is it punchier (at least on paper) than the old V8, but it should be more fuel efficient as well. That said, with the current model’s combined 15 mpg rating, that’s not exactly a high bar to clear. Update: This is now confirmed, as of March 4.
Interestingly, even with all the changes, the new QX80 may well still ride on Nissan’s F-Alpha platform, as the old trucks did (and yes, the new Frontier still does).
Infiniti has been pretty light on specifics for the production QX80, but we do also know it will pack a 24-speaker Klipsch audio system. The high-end system brings titanium tweeters, a beefy 8-inch subwoofer and a 24-channel amplifier, so audiophiles should have a pleasant experience in the brand’s latest flagship. Apart from Infiniti, we’re also seeing a Klipsch system make its way into the updated 2025 Ram 1500 truck.
After the March 20 reveal, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 should actually go on sale sometime later in the year, around late summer or early fall. Pricing naturally is not available yet, though even the current SUV is a pricey proposition, starting at $76,145 for the base Luxe trim. I wholeheartedly expect this new version to be at least slightly more expensive, so don’t be surprised if the new QX80 kicks off around $80,000. That sort of starting point puts it on the same ground as the Cadillac Escalade, though this all-new Infiniti should bring a far more competitive package to the table than the aging second-generation ever could.
