The QX80 officially debuted in 2014 as a part of INFINITI's naming restructure, but its roots stretch back to the 2004 debut of the INFINITI QX56. INFINITI renamed the QX56 the QX in 2012, then the QX80 in 2014. As we head into the 2015 model year, the QX80 looks similar to the 2014 model year, but there are some key changes that the large SUV underwent to keep it competitive.
What's New for 2015
For 2015, the QX80 received a fairly hefty refresh that includes the addition of the new, signature INFINITI front fascia and grille, new LED headlights and fog lights, bright-finish side-view mirrors, revised 20- and 22-inch wheels, a fully integrated rear bumper protector, flush-mounted front and rear sonar sensors and better separation between interior options. Additionally, there are three new exterior hues to choose from -- Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow and Majestic White -- and three new optional packages, including the luxurious Limited package.
Choosing your INFINITI QX80
The QX80 lineup features a single powerplant, which is a 5.6-liter V-8 that produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This powerful V8 mates to a seven-speed auto transmission. There is only one decision to make in the drivetrain department, and that is whether you want rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive QX80 starts at $63,250 and the all-wheel drive model bases at $66,350.
The QX80 comes standard with a slew of premium features that rival any full-size luxury SUV on the road. These include automatic LED headlights with high-beam assist, a power liftgate, INFINITI Intelligent Key, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating, 10-way power driver seat and eight-way power passenger seat, mocha burl trim, a 13-speaker Bose audio system with two subwoofers, Bluetooth audio streaming, an eight-inch color touchscreen, navigation, and tri-zone climate control.
There are a few key standalone options for the 2015 QX80, including roof rail crossbars, illuminated door-sill plates, a Midnight Black grille, chrome body molding, a cargo mat and a hatch tent.
Unlike many SUVs in the luxury realm, the INFINITI QX80 does not have trim levels to pick from. Instead, it comes only as the base model with or without all-wheel drive and the buyer picks from six optional packages:
Driver Assistance Package:
The Driver Assistance Package adds $2,100 to the base price, and adds in lots of safety features and other tech gadgets that make driving safer and more pleasurable. These features include Backup Collision Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist and a steering wheel-mounted toggle switch for the Safety Shield Technology.
Theater Package:
To keep the rear passengers entertained, you can opt for the Theater Package for $2,400. This includes two seven-inch monitors mounted in the front headrests, a wireless remote, two sets of wireless headphones, A/V input jacks and a 120-volt outlet, and tip-up and heated second-row seats.
Tire and Wheel Package:
Want bigger wheels and stickier rubber? Lay out an extra $2,450 and INFINITI will toss in a set of 22-by-8-inch, 14-spoke wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires.
Split Bench Seat Package:
Something in life is free: the QX80's Split Rear Seat Package. At no extra cost, INFINITI will replace the second-row captain's chairs with a 60-40 split bench seat, which increases the seating capacity from seven to eight.
Deluxe Technology Package:
For $5,500, you can get the Deluxe Technology Package, which is the top-of-the-line package for the two-wheel-drive version of the QX80. This package adds in Hydraulic Body Motion Control, climate-controlled front seats, a Bose Centerpoint system with 15 speakers, semi-aniline leather seating, Stratford burl trim, footwell lighting in the second row, Advance Climate Control, the Blind Spot Intervention system, headlight washers, lane-departure warning, chrome mirror caps, pre-crash seatbelts up front, and adaptive headlights.
Limited Package:
The Limited Package will be added to the options list in late 2014, and will only be available on the all-wheel-drive QX80. This package loads the QX80 with gobs of premium items, including dark-finished LED headlights and taillights, dark-chrome exterior trim, 22-inch dark-finish wheels, semi-aniline quilted leather seating, open-pore wood trim, Ultrasuede leather headliner and pillars, stainless-steel door sills with illuminated logos, and the Around View Monitor. If that's not enough luxury for you, the Limited Package also includes everything that comes with the Driver's Assistance Package, Tire and Wheel Package, Theater Package and the Deluxe Technology Package as well.
Though it has yet to receive a price, the Limited Package will likely be the best overall deal.