The 2025 Infiniti QX80 will indeed pack a twin-turbo V6, as earlier reports expected.
We’re still a couple weeks away from the full reveal, but Infiniti is keen to keep the hype running right up to the March 20 event. To that end, the automaker finally put to rest one of the biggest rumors swirling around its next-generation flagship SUV: What’s under the hood? In fact, we now know the 2025 Infiniti QX80 will bring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to the equation.
Replacing the old 5.6-liter ‘Endurance’ V8 that’s been part of the lineup since the QX56’s initial debut in 2004, this new VR35DDT powerplant produces 450 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. The old 7-speed transmission is also out, and Infiniti is going with the newer 9-speed automatic layout for this new SUV. Despite the powertrain changes, though, the new QX80 will still ride atop Nissan’s F-Alpha platform, which underpins the brand’s trucks both new and old, including the last generation of Infiniti’s full-size family hauler.
Infiniti claims not only that the new powerplant puts out 50 more horsepower and 102 lb-ft more torque than before, but that the 9-speed transmission enables a 40% wider gear ratio range. The effect that has is two-fold: It improves low-end acceleration and should improve fuel economy thanks to the two extra gears in the QX80’s ‘box. Additionally, the new QX80 has active grille shutters to help cooling when needed and aerodynamics as well (and therefore fuel consumption).
Remember, though, this new model doesn’t exactly have a high bar to clear in the MPG department. The past Infiniti QX80 managed an objectively abysmal 15 mpg in the combined cycle. With the new setup, hopefully this updated flagship can reach somewhere in the 18-20 mpg range, although EPA ratings are still forthcoming. The automaker says it will have greater fuel economy than the old V8, but again…not a major hurdle to overcome.
Apart from the engine, Infiniti seized today’s teaser opportunity to discuss the new QX80’s suspension. This new model will have optional electronically-controlled air suspension and “Dynamic Digital Suspension” technology onboard. That should reduce body roll and make the ride on long cruises more comfortable, akin to other luxury models that can scan the road ahead and adjust the damping to suit. It can also lower the vehicle for better ingress, egress and loading, though we’ll have to try the QX80 out ourselves to see just how much of a difference we can feel.
We’ll likely have more information over the coming weeks prior to the reveal. If not, we’ll definitely have more information on March 20, so stay tuned for that.
A friend of TFL recently caught Nissan/Infiniti’s full size SUVs testing in the wild. Check that out below:
