Cargazing
By Derek Price
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph represents the pinnacle of the brand’s luxury aspirations.
After a week behind the wheel of this $114,181 palace on wheels, it’s clear that Infiniti is serious about competing with some of the world’s most prestigious SUVs.
The Autograph trim transforms the already impressive QX80 into something truly special. Its most striking feature is the meticulously crafted interior, where semi-aniline leather appointments feature unique hand-finished dot quilting that adds both texture and visual interest. The cabin’s premium materials extend to open-pore ash wood trim pieces with precisely positioned aluminum inlays, creating an environment that feels bespoke.
This flagship model pampers passengers in all three rows. The second row, in particular, receives royal treatment with massaging captain’s chairs controlled through a dedicated touchscreen in the rear console.
Even third-row occupants aren’t forgotten, with heated seats standard in the Autograph trim – a rare feature in any SUV.
With its two-tone roof treatment and unique 22-inch wheels, the QX80 Autograph subtly announces its flagship status.
Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the cabin. Dual 14.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1, standard on the Autograph, allows for hands-free driving in certain highway conditions.
The 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system provides concert-hall sound quality, with innovative Individual Audio functionality that can direct different audio sources to different seating positions.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides effortless acceleration while improving fuel efficiency over its predecessor, though at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway with four-wheel drive, it’s very thirsty.
The Autograph’s exterior distinguishes itself with a two-tone roof treatment and dark chrome trim, riding on unique Layered Turbine 22-inch wheels. While these touches add visual drama, they’re subtle enough to maintain the QX80’s elegant presence.
Practically speaking, this ultra-luxurious trim level creates an interesting paradox. While the QX80 maintains impressive capability with 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and genuine off-road ability, the sumptuous interior almost makes you hesitate to use it for traditional SUV tasks.
Hand-finished leather quilting and aluminum-inlaid wood trim create a bespoke atmosphere in the QX80 Autograph’s three-row cabin.
Moving cargo requires careful attention to protect the premium materials, though thoughtful features such as a power-folding third row and hands-free liftgate make such tasks easier.
Comfort features abound, including the segment-first Biometric Cooling system that automatically detects and responds to passengers’ temperature needs. The front console cool box and comprehensive camera system, including Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View, add convenience to everyday use.
At over $110,000 to start, the QX80 Autograph competes with some of the most prestigious luxury SUVs on the market.
While that’s rarefied air for Infiniti, the level of craftsmanship, technology and attention to detail justifies its position in this segment. It may make you think twice before using it as a traditional SUV, but that seems beside the point.
This is luxury transportation first, utility vehicle second.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph ($110,595). Options: Interior lighting package ($1,020), cargo blocks ($42), soft-sided cargo cooler ($169), cargo shelf ($360). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $114,181
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 121 in.
Length: 211.2 in.
Width: 83.3 in.
Height: 77.9 in.
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 hp, 516 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 15 city, 19 highway
RATINGS
Style: 8
Performance: 9
Price: 4
Handling: 5
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 8
Overall: 9
WHY BUY IT?
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph offers an exceptionally luxurious take on the full-size SUV formula, with premium materials, advanced technology and thoughtful comfort features that rival the best in the class.