Infiniti QX80 sharpened with styling tweaks and safety upgrade

The Infiniti QX80 flagship SUV has been given a refresh for 2018 with updated styling and added safety features.

Unveiled at the Dubai motor show this week, the Nissan Patrol-based large SUV gains a sleeker design that draws on the QX80 Monograph concept revealed at the New York motor show in April. The most notable change occurs at the front where the new, more angular and less bulbous fascia incorporates restyled headlights and front grille.

Updates to the rear are more subtle and include a chrome strip above the number plate that stretches the width of the rear and joining the revised taillights.

Like before, wheel choices remain either 20- or optional 22-inch alloys.

Inside, the 2018 Infiniti QX80 carries over a leather and wood veneer intensive interior with an 8.0-inch centre touch screen. New is the upgraded rear entertainment system with full smartphone capability and larger 8.0-inch rear screens with improved resolution.

The hulking SUV also retains the QX80’s 5.6-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol engine which continues to pump out 298kW and 560Nm, channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive variants come with high- and low-range gearing, as well as brake-based limited slip system.

In terms of safety, the QX80 adds lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, predictive forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning and intervention and backup collision intervention.

Improving ride comfort further is the hydraulic body motion control suspension which helps minimise bodyroll through corners. The suspension’s damping force has been reduced by 30 per cent for a smoother ride. Extra soundproofing has also been introduced for a five per cent reduction in cabin noise.

The updated 2018 Infiniti QX80 will arrive on Australian shores mid next year with local pricing and specification to be released closer to launch.