Supersized SUV: Infiniti QX80 gets a makeover for 2018

Updated: 14 November 2017

 Updated Infiniti QX80 revealed
 Giant SUV aimed at USA, Middle East
 On display at 2017 Dubai motor show

If you’re wondering what that giant shadow is, it’s being cast by the enormous new Infiniti QX80.

Nissan’s luxury offshoot brand’s three-row SUV has been given a thorough restyle for 2018, revealed at the 2017 Dubai motor show.

What is the Infiniti QX80?

It’s the largest model Infiniti makes, previously called the Infiniti QX56, and renamed the QX80 from 2014 onwards.

Infiniti QX80

It’s no coincidence the new car was unveiled in Dubai; the Middle East is a popular market for the QX80, along with North America.

Key rivals include the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser along with luxury leviathans such as the Range Rover and Mercedes G-class and US-market cars such as the Ford Expedition and Cadillac Escalade.

This car looks quite familiar…

It was directly previewed by the monolithic Infiniti QX80 Monograph concept, shown earlier in 2017 at the New York motor show.

nfiniti QX80

Like the concept, it features a blacked-out A-pillar for a ‘floating’ roof design, although the illusion is lessened by the production-spec glass, much lighter than the darker tints on the concept. Unsurprisingly, the concept’s slim-line cameras have been replaced by conventional mirrors. Nor have its pop-out door handles made it to production.

Power comes from a 5.6-litre V8 with close to 400bhp, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Infiniti QX80 goes on sale at the end of 2017, with pricing yet to be announced.

By James Taylor

Former features editor for CAR, occasional racer

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