by Pros ›› Stunning design, lots of technology, decent handling
Cons ›› Performance, driver assistance systems, price on par with Porsche
The Responsibility of a Flagship
It was clear over a year ago, during the first test drive, that the new QX80 carries a great responsibility. It is the unequivocal flagship of the Infiniti brand. After what was cautiously called a step in the right direction, the company is moving further, introducing a new trim called Sport.
Review: The 2025 QX80 is a step in the right direction for Infiniti
The question arises: how can an SUV weighing over 2.7 tons bear the “Sport” badge without looking ironic? The short answer: it can’t. However, the story is not limited to just that, and the next part, though it may sound gloomy, is worth attention – it gets better from here.
Sportiness Only in Appearance
The new Sport version of the QX80 is nothing more than an exterior styling package aimed at discerning buyers. It includes a redesigned bumper, unique 22-inch wheels, darkened decorative elements, a dark blue interior trim, matte wood, and a graphite headliner.
How is this related to sportiness? It’s not entirely clear, and it seems Infiniti itself isn’t sure either, as this version has exactly the same powertrain and chassis as any other QX80, except for the base model without air suspension.
Technical Specifications
Model: 2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport
Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Power: 450 hp (336 kW) and 699 Nm of torque
Fuel Consumption*: 14.7 l/100 km city, 11.8 l/100 km highway
Dimensions: 5364 mm long, 2032 mm wide, 1979 mm high
Cargo Volume: 577 liters behind the third row, 1671 liters behind the second row, 2860 liters behind the first row
Max. Trailer Weight: 3856 kg
Price: from $102,645
*Manufacturer’s estimate
That’s right. Despite the price starting in the six-figure range, the QX80 Sport received no performance updates. No extra power, no special chassis tuning, no weight reduction. At this point, it probably only lacks racing stripes and a decorative diffuser.
Surprises Behind the Wheel
All this leads to easily glancing at this SUV on paper and leaning towards a skeptical attitude. However, once behind the wheel, you discover more than one surprise. Get ready. We’re going for a ride in what is probably the most important Infiniti since the brand is preparing something for a real fight with BMW and Mercedes.
Exterior That Speaks for Itself
Externally, it’s hard not to notice the presence this SUV has. Wherever you go, the QX80 announces itself, and that’s great for the brand. Even this Sport model with an updated grille manages to be impressive and desirable in many situations. The darkened mirrors, roof rails, emblems, and bumper accents meet market expectations.
The test car had a two-tone paint job: black on the top and bright white on the bottom. Such shades further emphasized the dark accents and certainly didn’t detract from the overall impression the QX80 aims for. Buyers can also choose several other colors, including Mineral Black, Grand Blue, or Dynamic Metal.
Car Interior
Inside, the SPORT trim replaces traditional luxury details with something darker and more modern. Dusk Blue upholstery, black-blue inserts on diamond-perforated seats, a graphite headliner and pillar trim, dark matte chrome finish, and matte wood combine into an interior that feels bold but not tasteless. It is confident, purposeful, and undoubtedly one of the best Infiniti interiors today.
The dashboard is attractive, but we wish the glossy black plastics and the very strange climate control screen would disappear. Strangely, below this additional screen, there is plenty of space for physical buttons, but instead, we get drive mode buttons and almost nothing else. At the same time, the layout proves intuitive once you get used to it.
The interior is also filled with luxury elements not offered by all competitors. Both the second and third rows of seats have outlets, seat heating, and air vents. Second-row passengers get their own climate settings for optimal comfort. Getting into or out of the third row is easy thanks to the second row, which folds easily.
There is also plenty of cargo space: 577 liters behind the third row. Of course, for those who need more, the volume increases with the seats folded. This task is easily accomplished, as both rows are adjustable via electric drive from both the rear and the driver’s seat. This technology is one area where Infiniti really puts in considerable effort.
Technology: Bright and Not So Bright
Some technological features are definitely an advantage. For example, the front seats have a massage option that works very well. The entire vehicle sits on air suspension, which both raises and lowers the car depending on the situation. Driving in the city, it rises to soften potholes and bumps that can hit sharply at low speeds. On the highway, it lowers to provide better handling dynamics and fuel efficiency.
The infotainment system is also good: bright graphics, logical menus, and quick response. The driver’s instrument panel is partially customizable, easy to understand, and also available with a head-up display, which we enjoyed using.
Then comes the audio system, which is simply stunning. The Sport and Autobiography trims get a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premier system, and it is as clear, high-quality, and functional as any other we’ve tried. Infiniti even places speakers in the front seat headrests, and they’re not just for entertainment.
When a call comes in on a phone connected to the car, it can be directed only to the speaker in the driver’s headrest. The other speakers continue to play any audio that was already playing, and the driver can hear and respond to the caller without creating strange sounds from either side. This is a win for both audiophiles and those who simply love good, practical technological achievements.
At the same time, tech-obsessed individuals may not appreciate this SUV. For example, rear-seat entertainment is still absent in this car, which looks comical considering the market. As I mentioned in the initial review of this SUV, my 2010 Ford Flex has rear-seat screens. How this 2026 SUV with a six-figure price doesn’t have them – is a mystery to me. But this is only a minor drawback.
The only real problem with technology in the QX80 is the unimpressive driver assistance systems. The Autograph version, starting at $112,195, has a standard system that Infiniti calls ProPilot Assist 2.1. It’s a really good system. It’s intuitive and feels like a natural partner while driving.
Unfortunately, every other version of the QX80, including our six-figure test car, comes with version 1.1 of this system. Using it is much less pleasant. It often bounces from one lane marking to another, warning the driver that it’s too close to the lane line, even though it put itself in that position. After several attempts at use, it became so annoying that I just stopped trying.
Driving Impressions
The driver’s seating position in the QX80 is almost comically high. This was a key takeaway a year ago, and nothing has changed today. It’s not necessarily bad, but in past tests, it made the entire SUV feel like it was sharply leaning and rolling over in corners. This time something feels different, even if it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what. The 2026 QX80 Sport handles much better than the Autobiography we tested in 2024.
Body roll manifests only when the car is pushed beyond reasonable limits. The tires hold the road well, the steering feels sharper, and the brakes are easy to control under heavy load.
The powertrain also continues to be a (mostly) bright spot. The 450 horsepower and 699 Nm of torque provide good response when the turbos build boost. The 9-speed automatic transmission is also unobtrusive. On the highway, it’s a true heavyweight. Overtaking other cars is a pleasure, and it’s easy to understand why Infiniti positions the QX80 as a private jet for the road.
