We saw recently several, all-new, high-stake, large SUVs including the Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes GLS and more are to come in the near future. The premium Cadillac Escalade is also in the works and Nissan’s luxury subsidiary should also bring the redesigned 2020 Infiniti QX80. Actually, the third generation QX80 might also arrive as the 2021 version as some reports suggest and the lack of the prototype models on the road also pointing in that direction.
In any case, the new-generation QX80 should adopt the design philosophy we saw on the QX80 monograph Concept that brand presented at the 2017 New York Auto Show. It should mean bolder and more aggressive styling combined with the new in-car technologies and more efficient powertrains. Actually, Infiniti showed the Concept model with the focus on the design and didn’t say anything about the model’s mechanics. The brand promised electrification of its fleet and the redesigned QX80 might also get the plug-hybrid version. It will also arrive with new interior design and loads of standard equipment.
2020 Infiniti QX80: Design
The current, full-size, body-on-frame Infiniti QX80 shares the DNA with the Nissan Armada and both models stem from the Global patrol model. The redesigned QX80 will arrive on the upgraded platform version and should benefit from the significant weight reduction which should improve the model’s efficiency and the new architecture will also allow the electrified powertrain.
Visually, the all-new 2020 QX80 should feature a more expressive design hinted by the Monograph Concept. Although we haven’t seen the prototype version yet, the production model should inherit more than just a few styling cues from the concept vehicle.
The new QX80 should keep a similar boxy silhouette while there should be some dimension changes. However, the model should get a more sculpted grille version as it was the case with the Q60 coupe and QX30 crossover. The new grille will be flanked by new, more modern and slimmer headlights with new-design lighting elements. The front bumper will also have a more expressive design.
The model will also change from the profile with a more sculpted design to hide its boxy proportions. The rear will also get new tailgate, bumper, and sharper taillights.
Interior, Equipment:
The new 2020 Infiniti QX80 will again maximize interior comfort and the use of premium materials and components. It should again appear in the limited number of well-equipped trims.
The model will get the new dash design for the next redesign including the new-generation infotainment system in the place of the current outdated platform. There will be a larger center display with more responsive features combined with the new instrument cluster. The QX80 will also employ premium quality materials and the entry-lev version will appear with the leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, memory settings, a sunroof, etc.
Standard features will also include navigation, premium sound system with more than 10 speakers, satellite radio and active safety equipment. The model will use automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep control, blind-spot monitoring, etc. The brand might also introduce some level of autonomous drive features.
2020 Infiniti QX80: Powertrains
Infiniti put the design of the Monograph Concept into the focus when presented this model at the 2017 New York Auto Show and didn’t give any detail that could hint the structure of the new-generation QX80 powertrain.
Some reports indicate that redesigned 2020 Infiniti QX80 could gain the plug-in hybrid powertrain but it’s not clear what solution Infiniti could use. Infiniti hasn’t also revealed whether or not the variable compression engine will find the way under the hood of the new QX80.
Infiniti will surely try to improve models’ efficiency as more as possible and the current 5.6-liter V-8 will either get thorough redesign or face with the discontinuation. This engine provides 400 horsepower and torque of 413 pound-feet. Coupled with the seven-speed automatic transmission it keeps fuel economy at low 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highways with four-wheel drive.
2020 Infiniti QX80: Release, Price
More details about the future of the Infiniti’s largest SUV should appear in the coming months when we will know whether the 2020 Infiniti QX80 will be an all-new model or what is the more likely scenario it will be redesigned for the 2021 model year. In any case, the model should keep the base price tag in high-$60, 000s and go above $90, 000 in the best-best equipped version.