Summary
- The Infiniti QX80 is getting a long-overdue refresh and the newly unveiled QX monograph concept previews the upcoming design, which is expected to put Infiniti back at the top of the luxury class.
- The concept's clean and familiar design features a new grille inspired by nature, sleek LED headlights, and a sophisticated side profile. While the overall design resembles the current QX80, there will be some changes in the lighting department.
- The interior of the new QX80 is expected to have a complete overhaul with modern technology and features like a fully digital instrument cluster, infotainment screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, heated and cooled seats, panoramic glass roof, keyless entry, and luxurious materials throughout.
The Infiniti QX has been around for two generations and the current second-gen has been in production since 2010. It was first introduced as the QX56 and later received two facelifts first in 2015 when it was renamed to the QX80. It got another facelift in 2018 but has largely remained the same for well over a decade. But a new third-generation Infiniti QX80 is on the way.
Infiniti has recently unveiled a new QX monograph concept which they claim is a preview of future Infiniti designs. But this concept looks very familiar and previews the upcoming SUV. The Infiniti QX80 has needed a complete refresh and this model may just be the vehicle Infiniti needs to put them back near the top of the Luxury class.
The QX80 Has A Clean But Familiar Design
The QX monograph may be a concept but it already looks like a production-ready vehicle. If Infiniti had just released the pictures without any context, many people would still think this was the new QX80. The front features a new design for the grille which Infiniti says comes from nature, it specifically tries to mimic patterns from a tranquil bamboo forest. A new logo adorns the center of the grill, Infiniti has redesigned the logo giving it a 3D effect that illuminates.
Lighting is a very stand-out feature of this concept, the front headlights look very sleek with an LED light bar across which serves as the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Infiniti calls this the digital piano key design, it also does a cool light display when approaching or departing similar to Audi vehicles. This is also complemented by the illuminated emblem and side fog lights. Its entire front end blends the grille and lights very well unlike the current car which seems like they were designed separately.
The side profile has a very clean look, it looks very similar to the current QX80 but with more sophistication. It has a big mirror, a flush but pronounced arch design, and new turbine-styled wheels which may be 22 inches or more. Even the door handles are flush with the body which means they should pop out when unlocked. The roof is completely black with the roof rails that seem to blend into the bodywork.
At the rear, the new lightbar is prominent just like the front with a similar digital piano key design. There are no visible exhaust tips but this is still a concept vehicle. The overall design is new but very recognizable as a QX80 with a clean design approach similar to what we’ve seen on the new Range Rover. Infiniti may say this is a concept, but the striking resemblance to the current vehicle means this car may new car will look a lot like this. But there will be a few changes to the production version most notably in the lighting department.
It Should Get An All New Interior
No interior shots were previewed with this concept but the current vehicle’s interior is ancient at this point. It should have an all-new interior with modern technology and screens. The 2022 Infiniti QX60 should give us an idea of how the new QX80 would look on the inside. A fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen should be standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Other expected features could be:
- A wireless charging pad
- Heated and cooled seats
- Panoramic glass roof
- Ambient lighting
- Keyless entry etc.
These and many more features are expected on a luxury vehicle of this class. Being a big three-row SUV, it should be able to comfortably seat seven people. Buyers should get the option of captain’s chairs or normal bench configuration in the second row. Finally, every surface could be covered in soft leather and complementing materials like wood or chrome finishes to complete the luxurious look.
The V-8 Maybe Be Replaced With A V-6
The QX80 features a naturally aspirated V-8 engine which is an updated unit of the original engine used in the first gen. So the same engine has been used for almost two decades with updates over time but it needs a new engine at this point. It was a good and robust engine for its application and offered good towing capability. But the new QX80 may get a new V-6 engine similar to rivals like Toyota.
OX80 V-8 Engine Specifications
Engine | Naturally aspirated V-8 |
|---|---|
Displacement | 5.6 liters |
Power | 400 Horsepower |
Torque | 413 pound-feet |
Transmission | Seven-speed Automatic |
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
Towing Capacity | 8,500 pounds |
It will likely get a new twin-turbo V-6 with a little more power and torque than the outgoing engine. Infiniti already has a new nine-speed automatic transmission so that might be the new transmission that will replace the old seven-speed unit. Pairing a new engine and gearbox should see some improvements in fuel economy as the current car gets an abysmal 15MPG combined. This would most likely be a base engine, a hybrid powertrain should be available as most competitors offer one.
Better On-road Manners And Off-road Capabilities
The QX80 has always had better ride quality than its competitors like Toyota which features a solid rear axle at the rear. Infiniti has been using independent suspension at the rear which offers better ride quality and can still pull up to 8,500 pounds. This doesn’t hamper its off-road capability as it is just as capable as any other body-on-frame vehicle.
The new QX80 will continue with its double wishbone suspension setup all around. This should give it even better ride quality since it will be re-tuned for the new QX. Having this setup shouldn’t affect its current towing capacity.
The QX80 Will Be Here Soon
We have seen the Monograph name used before on an Infiniti. In 2017, Infiniti previewed the QX80 Monograph concept which ended up becoming the 2018 facelifted QX80. The facelift car had a lot of the design from the concept including the new grille, and headlights. It even had a similar hidden exhaust design to the new QX concept. This tells us the QX80 will be identical to the QX monograph concept.
The QX80 might be here much sooner than you think. Spy shots have surfaced of the new QX80 being tested and this means it may be very close to production. We may see this new SUV break cover in late 2025 and it might be pricey. The current SUV starts around $73,000, the new car may start slightly higher, and rightfully so since it’s an all-new vehicle. But being a luxury vehicle, we might see fully optioned vehicles approach $100,000 with Car and Driver estimating the range kicking off at $70,000 for the base model.