2025 Infiniti QX80 Is A Giant Luxurious SUV With a Gentle Touch

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising in a full-size luxury SUV that makes you feel like royalty, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph AWD might just be your chariot. I spent a week behind the wheel of this amazing SUV, and let me tell you, it’s an experience that blends jaw-dropping style, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled comfort. Here’s a closer look at what makes the QX80 Autograph stand out in the luxury SUV world.

Infiniti is wiping it all out and starting over for 2025. It's the model's first complete redesign in 14 years. The styling is new, the platform is new, the interior is redesigned.

Infiniti has pulled out all the stops in its arsenal for this new SUV. That includes a sleeker exterior, an updated engine, a more modern technology suite, plenty of new features, and a Klipsch audio system, which I will discuss below.

Eye-Catching Design and Presence

From the moment you lay eyes on the 2025 QX80, it commands attention. Its bold, confident stance is highlighted by a striking new front grille that draws inspiration from the serene beauty of a bamboo forest. The grille isn't just for show; it hints at the SUV’s powerful performance. The sharp, well-defined lines give the 2025 QX80 a sense of motion, even when it’s standing still. Flush door handles, which pop out when you approach the vehicle, add a touch of modern sophistication and improve aerodynamics.

At the rear, the QX80 offers a full-width LED light bar that’s not only stylish but also functional. With over 300 LEDs and a smoked finish, the lighting design evokes the tranquil reflections of light on water. This SUV is available in seven striking colors, including a new shade called Dynamic Metal, which changes its hue depending on the angle you view it from, giving the QX80 an almost liquid metal appearance.

Interior: A Symphony of Luxury and Heated Seats in The 3rd Row

Step inside the QX80 Autograph, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like a luxurious space. The cabin is inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, emphasizing comfort and attention to detail. Soft-touch materials are layered over hard surfaces, ensuring that every place your arms or elbows rest is cushioned.

The seats are finished in semi-aniline leather with unique dot-quilting that adds a touch of artistry. The open-pore ash wood trim, combined with delicate aluminum accents, creates a sense of space and elegance.

One of the highlights of the QX80 Autograph is its innovative seating. For the first time, heated seats are available in the third row, ensuring that everyone in the SUV stays cozy.

The front and second-row seats are also available with heating and cooling features. Additionally, the second-row seats offer a massaging function, making long drives a lot more relaxing. And if you’re in the second row, you’ll appreciate the intuitive touchscreen controls for rear climate and seat settings. The segment-first Biometric Cooling feature is a standout, using an infrared sensor to automatically cool down passengers who are feeling warm.

The Engine and Power

The 2025 Infiniti QX80, as the flagship SUV in the Infiniti range, delivers a confident, capable performance that's balanced with refinement.

Under the hood, all models feature a standard VR35DDTT 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, which has been upgraded to produce a substantial increase in power and torque.

Key features of the new engine include:

• Increased power and torque: The engine delivers 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant improvement over the outgoing QX80.
• Improved throttle response: Electronically controlled variable valve timing on the intake contributes to crisp and responsive throttle response.
• Enhanced towing capacity: The QX80 offers a best-in-class standard towing rating of 8,500 pounds.

Paired with the new engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission that provides a number of benefits:

• Improved acceleration: The transmission enhances low-end acceleration by 27%.
• Improved fuel economy: The transmission contributes to a 12% improvement in overdrive fuel economy, leading to more efficient highway cruising.

Overall, the combination of the new engine and transmission results in:

• Increased fuel efficiency: The QX80's fuel economy has been improved by more than 10% compared to the previous model.
• Enhanced performance: The SUV offers a powerful and rewarding driving experience, with ample power for both city driving and highway cruising.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80, equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivers impressive fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size. Offering an estimated 16 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, and 15 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive, the QX80 provides a balance of power and economy.

2025 INFINITI QX80 Trim Levels: A Closer Look

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 is available in four trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph. Each trim offers a unique blend of features and amenities, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Pure

The Pure trim serves as the entry-point for the QX80, but it doesn't skimp on luxury or performance. Standard features include a powerful 3.5L V6 turbocharged engine, dual 14.3-inch infotainment screens, leather-appointed seats, 20-inch wheels, and ProPILOT Assist.

Luxe

The Luxe trim builds upon the Pure, adding more premium features for enhanced comfort and convenience. Highlights include a Bose® 17-speaker Performance Series audio system, upgraded leather upholstery, power-sliding second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Sensory

The Sensory trim takes things up a notch with additional features like  Semi-aniline leather-appointed seating for first and second rows, Biometric Cooling, Klipsch® 24-speaker Reference Premiere Premium Audio, Individual Audio, Massaging front seats, Frameless Smart Rear View Mirror, and even more.

Autograph

The top-of-the-line Autograph trim offers the most exclusive features and amenities, including an exclusive interior trim, two-tone exterior paint options, a rear-seat entertainment system, enhanced driver assistance features, a wireless charging pad, and a rear-view camera mirror.

Technology That Enhances Every Drive

The QX80 Autograph is packed with advanced technology that makes driving and daily tasks easier. The dashboard is a tech lover’s dream with two 14.3-inch displays. The driver’s display offers three different views – Classic, Elegant, and Enhanced – and is controlled via a jog wheel next to the steering wheel. This wheel also operates the center display, or you can use the touchscreen like a tablet. A color head-up display is available to keep key information right in your line of sight.

The center display features Google built-in, which means you get up-to-date navigation with Google Maps and access to your favorite apps through Google Play. Google Assistant is there to handle voice commands, making tasks like finding an INFINITI dealer a breeze. There’s also a separate 9-inch touchscreen for climate controls and drive modes, with haptic feedback that lets you feel when you’ve made a selection.

The QX80 Autograph also introduces several advanced camera technologies. The Front Wide View provides a 170-degree view to the sides, helping you see around corners or past parked cars. The Invisible Hood View gives you a view of what’s directly under the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight spaces. For parking and maneuvering, the 3D Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection offers a detailed, natural viewpoint of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Sound That Envelops You

When it comes to audio, the QX80 Autograph doesn’t disappoint. It’s the first in its class to offer Klipsch® premium audio systems. The base model features a 14-speaker system with 600 watts of power, while the SENSORY and AUTOGRAPH trims come with a 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere Audio System. This high-end system includes titanium tweeters, roof-mounted speakers, and a 24-channel amplifier for an immersive sound experience. The Individual Audio functionality allows you to focus audio elements, like navigation directions or phone calls, to the driver’s seat without disturbing other passengers.

Thus, the 2025 QX80 offers two distinct Klipsch® audio systems, each tailored to enhance your driving experience with superior sound quality.

One of the standout features of the Klipsch® Reference Premiere Audio System in the QX80 is its Individual Audio functionality. This feature allows for a highly personalized listening experience:

• Driver-Focused Audio: Individual Audio lets the driver focus on specific audio elements, such as navigation directions or phone calls, without disrupting the other passengers. For example, you can hear map guidance clearly while the rear passengers enjoy their own music or movies.
• Separate Audio Streams: This means that different audio sources can be directed to different parts of the cabin. If you want to take a phone call while passengers are watching a movie or listening to music, you can do so without any audio conflicts.

Technology Integration

The audio systems in the 2025 QX80 are seamlessly integrated with the vehicle’s advanced technology:

• In-Car Camera Integration: The available In-Car Camera system can be used to check on passengers and their comfort, including whether they’re enjoying the audio experience.
• Infotainment System: The audio systems are controlled via the QX80’s advanced infotainment setup, which includes two 14.3-inch displays. The interface is intuitive, allowing for easy adjustment of audio settings and control of various media sources.

The audio experience in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 is nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of Klipsch®’s renowned sound quality and Infiniti’s thoughtful integration creates an environment where every drive becomes an auditory pleasure. Whether you’re enjoying a symphony, a podcast, or your favorite playlist, the QX80 delivers sound that is both powerful and refined, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

Top 3 Competitors of the 2025 QX80 and Their Advantages

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 competes with other luxury full-size SUVs. Here are its top three competitors and how the QX80 stacks up against them:

1. Cadillac Escalade

• Advantages of the QX80:
  • Design: The QX80 often offers a more distinctive and modern design compared to the Escalade.
  • Interior: Some reviewers find the QX80's interior to be more luxurious and refined, with higher-quality materials and a more spacious feel.

2. Lincoln Navigator

• Advantages of the QX80:
  • Technology: The QX80 often comes with more advanced technology features, such as a more intuitive infotainment system and driver assistance features.
  • Performance: Some models of the QX80 may offer slightly better performance, especially in terms of horsepower and torque.

3. Lexus LX

• Advantages of the QX80:
  • Value: The QX80 may offer a better value proposition compared to the Lexus LX, with similar features and performance at a lower price point.
  • Fuel Efficiency: In some cases, the QX80 may have a slight edge in fuel efficiency.

It's important to note that these comparisons are based on general trends and may vary depending on specific trim levels and options. It's always best to research and compare individual models to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.

The Verdict

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph, while a huge SUV on the road, has made significant strides in handling and comfort. The vehicle's sheer size can be intimidating, especially for those accustomed to smaller vehicles. However, the engineering improvements have made it more maneuverable than its predecessors.

The QX80's V6 engine delivers a noticeable boost in acceleration compared to the previous generation's V8. The cabin is remarkably quiet, with minimal road or wind noise, providing a serene driving experience. The brakes are particularly impressive, offering quick and reliable stopping power in various driving conditions.

For those who value driver assistance features, the QX80 offers a comprehensive suite of options. The updated ProPilot Assist 2.1 system, in particular, allows for hands-free driving on highways in certain scenarios. This advanced feature uses high-definition map data and sensors to enable autonomous lane changes.

For those who need to tow heavy loads, the QX80 can haul up to 8,500 pounds. The available electronic air suspension system further enhances its versatility, allowing for adjustments to the vehicle's height for off-roading or improved aerodynamics.

While it's still a substantial vehicle, it's more maneuverable than previous generations. The vehicle's grip on the road is generally good, but it's important to remember that its size can affect its agility in tight corners.

The QX80's handling is greatly improved. However, its large size and weight can still make it feel less nimble than smaller SUVs.

When taking turns, the QX80 is best suited for gradual curves. Sharp turns may require more caution due to its size and weight. However, the improvements in handling and stability have made it more capable of handling turns compared to previous models.

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph AWD is a remarkable SUV that combines luxury, technology, and comfort in one impressive package. Its bold design and high-quality materials set it apart, while the advanced tech features enhance the driving experience and make everyday tasks simpler. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that turns heads or one that makes long journeys feel effortless, the QX80 Autograph is worth considering. It truly redefines what a full-size luxury SUV can be, offering a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and luxurious.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.