Drive Time – 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph
It’s been a spell since Infiniti offered a truly new vehicle. The good news is your patience will soon be rewarded.
The anticipated debut of the third-generation 2025 QX80 SUV checks nearly all the boxes when looking for a good looking, comfortable, cool tech ride in the popular three-row land yacht people-hauler segment. Yes, QX80 is large, so you may want to confirm if it’ll fit in your garage.
The new design follows closely to the concept Monograph unveiled in 2023. Everything is better than the previous model. It truly earns the distinction as a totally new offering.
We tested the top-level QX80 Autograph trim version with all its wonderful bells, whistles, admiring glances and sumptuous ride. It’s reassuring to see Infiniti finally delivered a true new SUV complete with a luxurious cabin, mechanical bits and massive aesthetic makeover. That said, the price rises quickly to six-figures. Yet this could be a bargain comparable to most imports in this class and capability.
The QX80 Autograph starts at $110,000 while the second-level Sensory ($100,000), mid-level Luxe ($92,000) and Pure trims ($85,000) give your wallet a smidge of breathing room. Only the Autograph is all-wheel drive. The others have a two-wheel option.
SKIN
The 2025 QX80 Autograph trim is truly eye candy. Several neighbors stopped to take closer looks. Talk about new; they didn’t recognize the brand until peeking at the rear’s Infiniti badge. Gone is the bulbous Beluga Whale front from the previous generations. Now the exterior is laden with sharper lines, flush door handles, unique waterfall-style grille and attractive turbine-designed 22” rims.
Shimmering Mineral Black paint gives the QX80 a clean impressive silhouette. The Autograph trim includes a two-toned roof, chrome exterior trim, cool roof rails, distinctive LED running lights and full-width taillights that play an animated light show projected on the ground.
It just may be the best-looking SUV in its class.
PERFORMANCE
The QX80 houses a capable 3.5-liter V-6 with 450-hp/516 lb-ft. torque that’s more powerful than the previous V-8. The smooth nine-speed transmission replaces the outgoing seven-speed version. All-wheel drive is standard. Towing capacity is 8,500 pounds. The setup delivers a responsive 0-60 acceleration for a three-rower at 6.0 seconds.
The suspension soaks up the bumps ably, thereby delivering excellent cruising on long excursions. The new tech includes Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist 2.1, allowing for hands-free driving under certain conditions. This is due to a new electrically assisted power steering, replacing the old hydraulic system.
The ride height can be lowered by 2.8 inches for easier access or raised 2.4 inches for better clearance. The frame’s lateral stiffness has improved by 57 percent. The smaller, yet more powerful, engine increases gas mileage by 13 percent to 16/19 mpg.
The transmission shifts ably at the right kick points. There’s no jumpiness when easing onto the gas pedal. There’s a confidence driving it with just the right oomph when schlepping around a bunch of folks. Five distinct drive modes (Sport, Standard, Eco, Snow and Personal) are at your beck and call, yet I preferred tooling around in Comfort mode as it seems to better mesh with the overall ride.
CABIN
The 2025 QX80 Autograph’s sumptuous interior receives opulent new materials and worthy ambience. Fit and finish are outstanding. You’re surrounded in plush Graphite or Burgundy Quilted Semi Aniline Leather with metal inlay Open Pore Wood and Dark Matte chrome trim. Feels so luxurious.
The seats are to die for. Cooled, heated and massaging seats in the front and second rows and even heated in the third row. They might be the most comfortable seats I’ve felt. The second row gets two captain’s chairs, but you can swap ‘em for a bench seat. Normal sized adults have welcome extra legroom in the back. All seats are powered for raising or folding.
Infiniti touts its “biometric cooling” via infrared sensors in the headlining to measure and cool heated passengers, although I think people know when they’re uncomfortable and can change the temp themselves.
There’s a handy refrigerated center console that cools drinks in 15 minutes. You can choose from 64 ambient color schemes. What’s not to love?
A pair of lovely new 14.3” touchscreens for instrumentation and infotainment settings. Google’s built-in app store, maps, voice assistant along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. USB ports increased from four to eight. Head Up Display (which I love) is terrific. And don’t forget the Dash Cam recorder to save footage for insurance, police or family members. A G-Sensor interior camera senses a break-in.
Cargo capacity increases to 18 and 30 percent when the second or third rows are folded. 22 cu. ft with all the seats up, 59 cu. ft when third row is folded and a robust 101 cu. ft. with all seats folded. They lie flat, too, allowing for easier loading.
TECH CHECK
A robust Klipsch audio system sounds crystal clear. The standard is 14 speakers and 600 watts, or upgrade to the 24-speaker/1,200 watts professional soundstage package. That Klipsch Reference Premiere system has unique metal-trimmed speakers in the front headrests so each passenger can focus on individual audio elements, such as a phone call or navigation, without disturbing others. Yes, it works great!
In addition, you get a 24-hour access Infiniti Personal Assistant servicing QX80 customers. It’s like conversing with your very own concierge – all at the push of a button.
So luxurious.
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph AWD is a handsome, luxurious, well-appointed and tech-laden for those desiring three-row capability. It exceeds expectations – even at this six-fig price. You’ll do yourself a favor test driving one when contemplating your next opulent three-row land yacht.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: As many as you’d like
Curbside Appeal: Unique beautiful presence
0-60: 6.0 seconds
MPG: 16/19
Must Haves: Not much. Most are included.
Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles
Base Price: $109,900
Price as Tested: $115,490
Who Buys It? Those desiring three rows in a comfy size platform
Finish Line: A worthy option when wanting comfort, size and luxury and tech
Test-drive the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph AWD at Crest Infiniti in Frisco.