Ten years ago, you couldn’t have predicted that full-size luxury SUVs would still have a place in the US market. The financial crisis, looming CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations, and a pivot away from conspicuous consumption spelled doom for the genre. What a difference a decade makes. Big luxury has made a comeback, so much so that the Lincoln Navigator underwent a makeover after standing pat for year, and General Motors has redesigned its full-size SUV platform. Not ready to be left behind, Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti, has refreshed its flagship full-size, body-on-frame SUV, and the result is the 2018 Infiniti QX80.
Infiniti’s first full-size SUV was the QX56, a tarted-up version of the 2004 – 2010 Nissan Armada. From 2011 to 2013, QX56 rode on a new platform, and in 2014 the name changed to “QX80,” while the vehicle remained the same through the 2017 model year.
For 2018, QX80 is all-new from the A-pillar forward, including the hood, front fenders, grille, and front fascia. Shedding the polarizing, organic design, this makeover tames the front end a bit, and brings QX80 closer to the mainstream. It also brings QX80 in line with the Infiniti brand design language with the double-arch grille, signature headlights, grille and front fascia shape and general character. The rear fascia, taillights and tailgate have been redrawn to improve the relationship between front and rear. Running boards have been widened by 20 mm to ease entry and exit. 20-inch wheels are now standard, and wheels up to 22 inches are available.
The changes on the exterior are subtle, but effective. QX80 now looks a little more tailored, a little more mature than before.
When it comes to materials selection, Infiniti is second to none in the class, and QX80 gets flagship-level attention with this iteration. QX80’s interior is “inspired by luxury jets,” and the details support that claim. Quilted leather has a luxury feel and look, and the seats in all positions are ample and generous. There’s a new Saddle Brown semi-aniline leather available for 2018 that looks great. Improved stain resistance promises to keep it looking that way.
The 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that resides beneath the QX80’s hood required no update, so it carries over with 400 hp/413 lb-ft of torque connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive ($3,100). Rear auto leveling is standard, and the tires and shocks have been retuned for 2018. Available Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) delivers minimized body lean and a smoother ride by monitoring cornering force and distributing variable pressure to either the outer or inner suspension.
Rear-wheel drive versions of QX80 get rated by the EPA to achieve 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway. Choosing 4WD dings you for one mpg in each category, for a rating of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Towing capacity is 8,500 lbs. Each 2018 QX80 comes with a 4-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
QX80 is loaded up with technology features. That’s no surprise, as technology is an Infiniti brand hallmark. A Bose 12-speaker premium audio is standard, accessible via the center stack’s 8-inch touchscreen. Navigation and Infiniti InTouch systems are also standard, as is an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Rear Sonar System.
A component of the Deluxe Technology Package, the Smart Rear View Mirror transforms the view in your rearview mirror into a widescreen video image. There are definitely uses for this, but it takes a while to get used to the virtual image when you’ve spent your whole driving career looking at a live reflection.
There’s a surprising lack of the latest and greatest in infotainment on QX80. You can’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, nor is it equipped with wireless Qi charging.
On the advanced safety front, Infiniti is rightfully proud of its Predictive Forward Collision Warning System, which can scan for stopped traffic two cars ahead. Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Blind Spot Warning and intervention, a full suite of airbags, full-speed range Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection all conspire to keep QX80 and its occupants safe.
There are two models of QX80 for 2018: QX80 (starting at $64,750); and QX80 4WD (starting at $67,850). Both come with the same 5.6-liter V8 with 7-speed automatic transmission, a moonroof, Class IV tow hitch, proximity key with push button ignition, leather-appointed seating, Bose 13-speaker audio system with Bluetooth streaming audio, a USB port, navigation, Infiniti InTouch services with free 12-month trial, around-view monitor and more.
A Driver Assistance Package ($2,900) adds Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and more.
A Theater Package ($2,450) includes dual 8-inch monitors in the first-row headrests, a wireless remote control, two sets of wireless headphones and two headphone jacks, auxiliary HDMI/USB A/V inputs and a 120-volt power outlet, heated outboard second-row seats, and remote tip-up second-row seats.
The Deluxe Technology Package ($5,700) includes HBMC, heated/ventilated front seats, Charcoal or Espresso Burl Trim, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling headlights, Smart Rear View Mirror, an upgrade to semi-aniline leather and Bose Cabin Surround Sound System with 15 speakers. Infiniti WiFi is an additional $450 add-on (not including monthly subscription fees for 1 GB or 5 GB plans), and can connect up to 5 devices.
QX80 is a good old-fashioned body-on-frame (truck-based) vehicle. It would have been very easy for Infiniti to discard it for a unibody (car-based) concept, but they chose instead to renovate a vehicle with very good bones. The result is a premium SUV that has commanding presence on the road, and that treats its driver and passengers to a luxurious, comfortable experience with smooth edges and a firmly cushioned ride. You can push QX80 hard, and it responds with elegant capability. The suspension and chassis tuning keeps things from every getting floaty or too plush. Driving the QX80 is a reminder of why people love big luxury SUVs – they are very rewarding and flattering vehicles.
The full-size premium SUV class is not overly crowded: There’s the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz GLS, all of which merit serious consideration. The 2018 Infiniti QX80 delivers something a little different, and does it very well.
