As I eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Infiniti QX80 for a test drive at my doorstep, the product specialist greeted me with an interesting fact: the grille was inspired by bamboo. However, upon closer inspection, the bamboo-like slats seemed more like a distant design element rather than a defining feature. This initial disconnect between intention and execution set the tone for my experience with the QX80.
The Infiniti QX80, a 2025 model, is a full-size three-row SUV that competes with the likes of Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Priced at over $100,000 for the top-of-the-line Autograph 4WD version, it promises luxury and performance to match its hefty price tag. Equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine delivering 450 horsepower, the QX80 boasts impressive power on paper.
Driving the QX80 through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, I was immediately struck by its immense size. Towering over other vehicles on the road, it exuded a commanding presence that felt both exhilarating and daunting. The Autograph edition's luxurious interior features, such as massaging seats and open-pore ash wood trim, added a touch of elegance to the cavernous cabin.
However, as I delved deeper into the driving experience, the facade of luxury started to crack. The QX80's performative elements, like the noisy massaging seats and unreliable retractable door handles, undermined its premium image. The audio system, developed in collaboration with Klipsch, felt more awkward than innovative, creating a sense of disconnection rather than exclusivity.
Behind the wheel, the QX80's flaws became more pronounced. Its hefty weight translated into loose steering and a harsh ride quality that failed to provide the expected comfort and refinement. The underwhelming V-6 engine struggled to deliver the performance one would expect from a vehicle of this size and price range, leaving me yearning for the dynamic capabilities of other heavy-duty SUVs like the Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer.
In a market flooded with options for large SUVs, the Infiniti QX80 falls short of delivering the luxury and performance expected at its price point. With competitors offering better execution at a lower cost, exploring alternatives like the Volvo XC90, Toyota Sequoia, or Kia EV9 might be a wiser choice for discerning buyers. Size, it seems, doesn't always equate to luxury when it comes to the Infiniti QX80.