Infiniti's Biggest SUV Tones It Down, Classes It Up for 2018

I recall once having a discussion in TTAC’s Slack chatroom. The topic, one that doesn’t come up all that often these days, was styling excess. Way too much gingerbread, far too much latter-day Baroque flourishes, and too confusing a design can turn a high-priced vehicle into a dog’s breakfast.

In my opinion, that described the Infiniti QX80 to a “T.”

When Infiniti’s full-size, body-on-frame SUV launched in mid-2013, “understated,” “muted,” and “tasteful” were not words that jumped to the forefront of one’s mind. Thankfully, Infiniti has taken an eraser to the model’s most controversial elements for 2018, resulting in a vehicle that’s much more cohesive, yet similar in profile.

This is a refresh, not a ground-up redesign, but Infiniti seems to have made the best of it. Gone is the awkward, humped grille that seemed to extend too far towards the windshield. The triple-hole fender vents, which reminded this viewer of either dinosaur bones or a knife handle, are gone, replaced with a much more conventional — and classier — fender flourish. (Seriously, hasn’t this trend run its course yet?)

The addition of Infiniti’s new corporate grille to the QX80’s visage, coupled with a cleaner, remolded lower fascia and ample use of LED lighting, works wonders for first impressions. Too bad about those unalterable, upright D-pillars. Still, Infiniti’s new “Powerful Elegance” styling smooths out the front and rear so much, only the side profile assures the viewer (quite strongly) that this is merely a facelift. As well, both 20- and 22-inch wheels receive new designs.

Infiniti claims its design team aimed for an impression of greater length, even though the vehicle’s proportions remain wholly unchanged. Viewed from the front, yes, it might look longer. As before, the 5.6-liter V8 carries over, making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission. Also, like before, buyers can choose from rear- or all-wheel drive, with the grippier model sporting a brake-actuated anti-slip system.

If Infiniti’s aim for the exterior was to dial down the tawdriness and boost the glamor, the same ethos carried forth inside. Luxury buyers want to positively drown in luxury after entering a premium SUV, and the QX80 doesn’t disappoint. There’s been some rearrangement of buttons and knobs, but the big story is the finishes and materials.

New leathers combine with new available wood trims to ensure the cockpit of your new QX80 is as brown and shimmery as Ron Burgundy’s most Malaise-tastic dreams. Contrast stitching and piping? Yes, there’s that. There’s also more soundproofing for a quieter cabin, denser floor carpets, larger entertainment screens for rear-seat passengers (up an inch to 8.0 inches), an updated InTouch infotainment system (accessed via an 8.0-inch touchscreen), a larger front console storage bin, a full suite of driver assist technologies (including automatic emergency braking), and a digital rear-view “mirror.”

In the backseat, tech-obsessed passengers who find themselves unable to appreciate the opulence can immerse themselves in digital mediocrity via a new HDMI auxiliary port and two extra USB ports. As well, those rear screens are no longer required to play the same show or movie. Entertainment autonomy has arrived in the back of the QX80, it seems.

As for ride quality, the automaker didn’t seem convinced that its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system could quell every bump and shudder, so it changed the angle of the steel belt in the tire sidewall, reducing vertical deflection by 5 percent. In other words, the tire acts as more of a shock absorber than before. Meanwhile, newly softer shock absorber pistons join forces with the vehicle’s adaptive suspension to tame body lean in corners, as well as keep the peace over larger bumps.

The 2018 Infiniti QX80, which debuted Tuesday at the Dubai Motor Show, adds $900 to the entry price of 2WD and 4WD variants, meaning you’ll need to part with at least $65,745 to get inside one. The model should be on sale by the end of the year.

[Images: Infiniti]