2026 INFINITI QX80 Test Drive: A Luxurious Beast with Impressive Power

Dubai: The 2026 INFINITI QX80 makes a strong impression with its combination of luxury, comfort, and power. During our test drive, what stood out most was its exceptionally luxurious interior, comfortable seating with massage functions, and powerful performance. The SUV also felt extremely stable across its different driving modes. All this ensures a very confident ride behind the wheel. Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 QX80 produces 450 hp and 700 Nm of torque. It brings together the comfort expected from a premium SUV and the power of a large luxury vehicle.

Powerful V6 Engine and Impressive Driving Experience

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 is powered by a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 450 hp at 5,600 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual shift mode and an electronic shifter.

During our test drive, the QX80 stood out for its powerful performance and stable road behaviour. Its strong engine output gives it the specifications expected of a large luxury SUV, while the automatic transmission manages power delivery through different driving conditions.

The SUV also features INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, which automatically adapts to road conditions. Drivers can select from six driving modes: Rock, Sand, Eco, Standard, Sport, and Personal. It also has rear differential lock to improve traction in challenging conditions.

Luxurious Interior with Massage Seats

The cabin was one of the biggest highlights of our experience. The QX80 delivers a premium atmosphere through its seating, materials, and comfort-focused equipment, making the interior a major part of its appeal.

Depending on the trim, the SUV offers semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, power adjustment, lumbar support, and climate-controlled seating. The front seats feature 12-way power adjustment with four-way lumbar support, while front-seat massage functions are listed for the SENSORY+ grade. The top-spec AUTOGRAPH adds available second-row massage seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment. Other interior highlights include:

• Heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats
• Open-pore ash wood trim, with metal inlay on AUTOGRAPH
• A leather-wrapped dashboard
• Personalised ambient lighting with 64 colours
• A front console cool box
• Advanced climate control with a Plasmacluster air purifier and grape seed polyphenol filter
• An available biometric cooling system that uses infrared body-temperature sensing to adjust the climate automatically

These features support the QX80's focus on comfort, especially for buyers who regularly travel with family or passengers.

High-Tech Cabin and Infotainment

The 2026 QX80 combines its luxury-focused interior with a modern digital setup. The dashboard features two 14.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and another for the central infotainment system. A 9-inch rear control panel is available on the AUTOGRAPH trim. Key technology features include:

• Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Eight USB-C ports
• A head-up display
• Live Wallpaper that adapts to the weather and time of day
• An available Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system with 24 speakers and immersive 3D surround sound

The available audio system also includes DynamicAudioReveal noise cancellation and Individual Audio, which uses headrest speakers to support private calls. Together, these features make the cabin well equipped for everyday journeys and longer drives.

Stable Handling and Suspension Technology

The QX80's stability was another highlight of our test drive. Its suspension combines electronic air suspension springs with Dynamic Digital Suspension dampers designed to regulate body movement. The system can lower the vehicle at cruising speeds to improve aerodynamics and control, while an access mode lowers it when parked to make entry and exit easier.

Electric power steering and the nine-speed automatic transmission complement the SUV's driving setup. Its six drive modes allow drivers to select settings according to their preferences and road conditions, while the All-Mode 4WD system and rear differential lock support traction on sand and rocky surfaces.

Although the QX80 is a large SUV, these systems are designed to balance road comfort with capability beyond paved roads.

Exterior Design and Road Presence

The QX80 has a bold exterior that matches its size and luxury positioning. Its redesigned Piano Black waterfall grille draws inspiration from Kyoto's bamboo forests, while the INFINITI Radiant grille emblem and Digital Piano Key signature lighting give it a distinctive appearance. Other exterior features include:

• Full-width rear light-curtain taillights featuring more than 300 micro LEDs
• Flush door handles and a floating roofline
• LED automatic on/off headlights and signature daytime running lights
• A panoramic moonroof
• Integrated side steps
• Power-folding heated outside mirrors
• A motion-activated power liftgate
• 22-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season tyres

The combination of its grille, lighting, and large wheels gives the QX80 a substantial road presence.

Space and Practicality for Families

The QX80 measures 5,365 mm in length and has a 3,075 mm wheelbase. Its three-row cabin offers seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on whether buyers choose second-row captain's chairs or an available bench seat.

Specification	Details
Length	5,365 mm
Wheelbase	3,075 mm
Width, mirrors folded	2,030 mm
Height, with roof rails	1,845 mm
Seating capacity	7 or 8 passengers
Maximum cargo volume with second and third rows folded	2,860 litres
Fuel tank capacity	97.6 litres

The generous cabin dimensions and flexible seating arrangement make the QX80 suitable for families who need three rows while still wanting a premium SUV experience.

Which INFINITI QX80 Trim Should You Consider?

The QX80 lineup includes SENSORY, SPORT, and AUTOGRAPH grades, each with a different emphasis.

• SENSORY: Focuses on luxury, comfort, and technology.
• SPORT: Adds black 22-inch wheels, dark chrome detailing, black roof rails and mirror caps, and distinctive Dusk Blue semi-aniline seats.
• AUTOGRAPH: The top trim, featu AUTOGRAPH ring dual-tone dot-quilted semi-aniline leather, special wood trim, a suede headliner, second-row massage seats, and a rear control panel.

Buyers should confirm the exact equipment offered on each grade in Saudi Arabia, as availability can vary by market.

Final Verdict

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 leaves a lasting strong impression whether you are sitting in the driving or in passenger seat. Its luxurious cabin, massage-seat comfort, and powerful twin-turbo V6 engine stand out. The QX80 makes a compelling case for buyers looking for a large luxury SUV that combines premium comfort with impressive power. It brings together the features expected of a high-end family vehicle with the commanding presence of a powerful SUV.

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