2018 Infiniti QX80 Freshened Up, Marked Up
CARS.COM — Infiniti unveiled a refreshed 2018 version of its flagship QX80 three-row SUV at the Dubai International Motor Show today. The QX80’s update includes modest styling and interior upgrades, and a small price bump for the U.S.
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Shop the 2017 INFINITI QX80 near you
The 2018 QX80 will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year, starting at $65,745 (including a $995 destination charge) for the rear-wheel-drive model, and $68,845 for all-wheel drive. Each is up $900 from the 2017 price, but the new QX80 remains a relative bargain among big luxury SUVs.
A 2018 Lexus LX 570 with standard all-wheel drive, for example, starts at $91,175 with destination, and a 2018 Cadillac Escalade with rear-wheel drive starts at $75,290, $78,290 with all-wheel drive.
The new QX80 evokes Infiniti’s Monograph concept shown at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. The imposing new front end is more upright and squared-off — and less eccentric — than the 2017 model, and the 2018 picks up design cues from the concept: headlights that stretch around the corners and thinner LED taillights. What looks familiar is the roofline and crescent-shaped rear pillar from the 2017 QX80, shared with the Nissan Armada.
The 2018 has about the same extra-large dimensions as the outgoing model. It’s 210.2 inches long, 79.9 inches wide and has the same 121.1-inch wheelbase. The QX80 continues to offer seating for up to eight, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs. The interior gets upgraded materials for the seats and panels, new colors and available quilted leather, a bigger console bin and phone cubby, and more sound insulation.
A revised dashboard is still busy with buttons and knobs and includes an 8-inch touchscreen for Infiniti’s InTouch multimedia system. The second-row entertainment system screens are now 8 inches, up from 7 inches, and can display different content on each screen. The system also adds a new HDMI input while the backseats get a pair of new USB ports. Newly available is a camera-based video rearview mirror for better visibility.
The 2018 carries over the 5.6-liter V-8 that puts out 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic, that Infiniti says can move the heavy (about three tons) QX80 from zero-to-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. The available all-wheel-drive system operates automatically, but it offers high and low settings for specific conditions.
The QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds and has auto-leveling suspension. The QX80 has been one of the better-handling big SUVs, and a hydraulic suspension system that provides more control of body roll is available. Maximum cargo space is a cavernous 95.1 cubic feet. It’s a thirsty hauler, though: Infiniti expects the 2018 to keep the same EPA ratings of 14/20/16 mpg city/highway/combined with rear-wheel drive and 13/19/15 mpg with all-wheel drive on premium fuel.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov. 14, 2017, to include newly available pricing information.
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