Eight years after the introduction of the second-generation model, the Nissan Patrol’s more polished cousin (the Infiniti QX80) undergoes its second midlife refresh and emerges looking better than ever. Unveiled at the recent Dubai International Motor Show, the Japanese SUV flaunts a redesigned exterior along with subtle changes on the interior and plenty of new tech to maintain its position as king of the segment.
Held at the swanky Ritz Carlton Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah, the media drive was a combination of a breathtaking helicopter ride from the Dubai Police Academy in Al Barsha to the hotel’s helipad, a lavish dinner at the Farmhouse, and a lively drive through the rocky mountains and challenging deserts of Ras Al Khaimah. Living the life of an Infiniti QX80 owner (albeit for a day) is a memorable experience in itself.
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Bidding farewell to the bulky, unflattering design of its predecessor, the Infiniti QX80 2018 showcases the brand’s new Powerful Elegance design language, which sees the introduction of redesigned headlamps, a larger grille, slimmer taillamps and reshaped fender vents, for a more attractive frame. The longer and flatter hood is complimented by 22-inch alloys painted in a unique shade of Liquid Metal and three new exterior colors. The placement of the indicators on the rear bumper remains a highly questionable move nonetheless.
Living up to its promise of delivering first-class luxury, the spacious cabin welcomes an all-new saddle-brown hue that joins the usual beige and black for a more interesting color palette. Improving on perfection, the refreshed QX80 welcomes quilted leather upholstery, extra padding along the door panels and armrests, and an interesting array of wood veneers to choose from. Matching the fit, finish, and space of the first-class cabin on your favorite airline, the QX80 exudes affluence without being garish.
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Letting go of the dated and rather pixelated infotainment screen of the previous model, the 2018 QX80 welcomes a larger, high-definition 8-inch central screen and equally impressive individual rear screens with wireless headphones. Content sources include multiple USB ports located around the cabin, Bluetooth connectivity, and a handy HDMI port. To increase safety while driving with a fully-loaded vehicle, the Smart Rear View Mirror doubles up as a camera and allows for a significantly broader 48-degree viewing angle as opposed to the conventional 19-degree angle.
Untouched under the hood, the 2018 QX80 houses the tried and tested 5.6-liter V8 powerplant that delivers 400 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque through a 7-speed automatic transmission to all four corners. Although it lacks the rear differential of the honed Nissan Patrol, the QX80 packs enough grunt to make its way through steep climbs and soft desert sands without the need to shift the transfer case into low or manually shuffle through cogs.
As it stands, the Infiniti QX80 2018 is an exceptional all-rounder. It can cruise down the highway from one emirate to the other, hop from one mall to the other, or work its way off the beaten path without breaking a sweat. Keeping safety and comfort a priority at all times, the QX80 is great. So great, in fact, that it’s the best it’s ever been…
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