Cargazing
By Derek Price
Infiniti’s gigantic, smooth-riding SUV, the QX80, gets a new look that makes it slightly less polarizing this year.
Long defined by its love-it-or-hate-it snub nose, Infiniti is hoping refreshed styling will move the QX80 into the “love” column for more buyers.
The hood is longer and higher now, giving it a more upright, truck-like look, and its previously rotund curves have been replaced by gentle, sleek creases. Its overall look is more contemporary now.
Still, you don’t have to look hard to see within those pretty new lines echoes of its close corporate relative, the Nissan Armada. And that raises the chief question about the biggest Infiniti: is it worth the premium over its Nissan cousin?
If the Armada Platinum, priced at $59,190, weren’t such a competent product, the decision would be easier. With the similarly polished base QX80 priced at $64,750, and considerably more once you start adding content packages, it’s a tougher choice.
The QX80’s distinctive nose looks more truck-like after a styling update for 2018. Its rounded body panels now look more creased and athletic.
Infiniti makes its case to keep buyers off the Nissan lot — not to mention Lincoln, Cadillac and GMC — with two key selling points: a premium feel and sumptuous cabin.
Every time I drive a QX80 I’m struck by just bow brilliantly it nails how a luxury SUV should ride. It unapologetically isolates you from the road in the tradition of Rolls-Royce or the great American luxury barges of the past. It’s not trying to be sporty or thrilling. There’s no pretension of athleticism.
Instead, there’s just silence.
It really is one of the quietest, smoothest riding vehicles I’ve ever been in. Combine that with its chromed and creased body of heroic proportions, and it carries the aura that any good luxury car needs to stand out.
Its cabin plays the upscale role to perfection, too.
Soft, perforated and quilted leather on the seats, door panels and armrests give it the air of a hand-crafted English sedan, despite being a body-on-frame SUV built in Japan with that country’s characteristic mechanical perfection.
The refreshed cabin includes more storage space, including much-appreciated smartphone and tablet stowage in the center console.
Quilted leather on the seats, door panels and arm rests adds to the QX80’s hand-crafted look and feel.
Just as before, power comes from a gigantic V8 engine, something that gives me mixed feelings.
On one hand, I can’t complain about the performance. Acceleration is brisk and effortless with 400 horsepower at your disposal, and towing capacity of 8,500 pounds means it can do a lot more than run errands around town.
On the other hand, big V8s are going extinct for a reason. The QX80’s two-wheel-drive fuel economy ratings of 14 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway explain why many competitors are putting smaller, often turbocharged, engines in their full-size SUVs.
For an over-the-top driving experience, though, it’s hard to beat the feeling of a rumbling eight cylinders under the hood of a supple, incredibly roomy, luxury machine like this.
At A Glance
What was tested?
2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD ($67,850). Options: Deluxe technology package ($5,700), theater package ($2,450), 22-inch tire and wheel package ($2,800), driver assistance package ($2,900), cargo package ($225), roof rail cross bars ($400), illuminated kick plates ($465), WiFi ($450), welcome lighting ($425). Price as tested (including $995 destination charge): $84,660
Wheelbase: 121.1 in.
Length: 208.9 in.
Width: 79.9 in.
Height: 75.8 in.
Engine: 5.6-liter V8 (400 hp, 413 ft-lbs)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 13 city, 19 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 5
Handling: 6
Ride: 10
Comfort: 10
Quality: 9
Overall: 9
Why buy it?
A new look inside and out is an important, contemporary update for one of the smoothest riding vehicles on the market today.