FACT conquers the peaks of Oman’s Jebel Akhdar in the more than capable car.
When Infiniti set out to create the all-new QX80, they took the term “all-new” straight from the dictionary and brought it to life. Breaking free from a nearly decade-old design, the QX80 steps boldly into the future of motoring, following in the footsteps of its sibling, the QX60, which recently embraced a fresh identity of its own.
The highly anticipated debut of the QX80 in the Middle East was nothing short of spectacular. It was revealed in the rugged terrain of Oman’s Jabal Akhdar, also known as “Green Mountain.” With its steep inclines, winding roads, and demanding terrain, this breathtaking location would be the ultimate testing ground for the SUV’s low-range 4WD capabilities.
To complement this extraordinary journey, Infiniti selected Alila Jabal Akhdar as the base for the experience. Perched high in the mountains, this luxury sanctuary mirrors the QX80’s philosophy by blending art, culture, and opulence with functionality and purpose.
A Blend of Art and Engineering
Its refreshed logo is one of the first noticeable changes in the all-new Infiniti QX80. Hiroyuski Sakurai, the designer behind this evolution, described it as “an upgrade from the traditional logo,” now featuring a new horizon to symbolise the infinite road ahead. This subtle but powerful change signifies Infiniti’s commitment to blending tradition with forward-thinking innovation.
The lighting on the QX80 tells its own story of meticulous design. According to Naomichi Ide, Infiniti’s lighting designer, the goal was to create “welcoming lights that anticipate your needs,” embodying the Japanese philosophy of hospitality. Drawing inspiration from the lighting at a traditional Japanese Ryokan (inn), Ide envisioned a seamless transition between exterior and interior—known as Utsuroi in Japanese. This philosophy mirrors the harmonious balance seen in Japanese gardens and architecture, where boundaries dissolve between nature and structure. The result is a seamless connection between the piano-style LED headlights and the bamboo-inspired grille, forming a unified and elegant front fascia. The fog lights are discreetly placed above the air intakes, enhancing both form and function without drawing undue attention.
The QX80’s design was shaped by the invisible yet powerful force of the wind. Every contour reflects a commitment to aerodynamics, blending performance and efficiency with visual elegance. The front bumper has undergone a complete redesign, not only optimising airflow but also adding an element of sophistication.
The long, flat hood and crisp shoulder lines embody the Japanese concept of Sho, a sleek sense of motion captured in stillness. This is further emphasised by the flush-fit handles—familiar to Tesla fans—that automatically extend as you approach the vehicle, marrying convenience with futuristic aesthetics.
The rear of the QX80 is equally striking, with taillights made up of over 300 LEDs. As the car is unlocked, a mesmerising lighting sequence is activated, evoking the shimmering reflections of light on water. This dynamic display perfectly encapsulates the blend of artistry and technology that defines the QX80.
QX80 Interior: A Luxurious Retreat
Sliding into the All-New Infiniti QX80 was an experience in itself. The adjustable air suspension, which lowers the SUV when parked, made the step-in seamless and elegant—a thoughtful touch that embodies the Japanese principle of Miyabi, meaning elegance and refinement. This principle guided the design team in creating a new benchmark for full-size luxury SUVs.
Once inside, the interior reveals itself as a masterclass in craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Megumi Mitsui, the visionary behind the QX80’s interior colour palette, brought a distinct Japanese touch to every element. The striking red of the cabin is inspired by Benibana, the Japanese art of flower dyeing, and is beautifully blended with a deep burgundy to complement the black leather. Mitsui explains, “We’re not just designing cars; we’re creating an experience.” This philosophy is evident in the rhythmic patterns that flow through the materials, achieving a harmonious aesthetic throughout the space.
For those seeking the epitome of comfort, the QX80 offers quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seating in the iconic burgundy hue. The seats come with heating and ventilation in both the first and second rows, while the third-row passengers are treated to heating as well. The massage functionality for the first two rows adds a layer of indulgence that makes long journeys a pleasure.
The storage is generous and practical, though we found the wireless charger—a standard feature in many vehicles these days—to be less effective. Positioned at a diagonal angle, it tends to allow the phone to slide, an ergonomic oversight in an otherwise meticulously designed cabin.
However, these minor quibbles are eclipsed by standout features like the expansive 14-inch infotainment screen, which provides a crystal-clear interface for navigation and entertainment. A central console conveniently positioned between the driver and front passenger includes controls for seamlessly switching between driving modes, while the gear system—reimagined as buttons and steering wheel flaps—delivers intuitive functionality, especially in manual mode.
Ambient lighting takes centre stage, offering 64 customisable colours that can be tailored to suit any mood. While we weren’t able to fully appreciate this feature during our daytime drive, the prospect of creating a personalised atmosphere for nighttime journeys is undeniably appealing.
The Klipsch Audio System takes luxury a step further, bringing concert-level sound quality to the road. With 24 high-performance speakers evenly distributed throughout the cabin, the system delivers an immersive 3D surround sound experience. The noise-canceling technology ensures every note resonates with emotion and clarity, while in Sport mode, it adds exhilarating audio feedback to the throttle—a feature reminiscent of the acoustic innovations in electric performance cars like the Audi RS e-tron GT.
Pushing Jabal Akhdar Boundaries
Now that we’ve covered the initial impressions let’s discuss the reason we were there—the drive itself. The route began on a relatively flat surface and wound through a series of zigzag turns.
For the first portion of the drive, I took the passenger seat, allowing me to observe the QX80’s handling from a different perspective. Even as the car tackled fast corners, it absorbed the G-forces with ease, maintaining an impressively steady cabin. The throttle, set to Sport mode, delivered smooth and controlled acceleration without any sudden jolts. It was clear that this SUV was engineered for both comfort and performance, a balance rarely achieved in vehicles of this size.
Two exclusive driving modes, Sand and Rock, are of special note for the Middle East market. These additions ensure the QX80 is more than prepared for the region’s unique terrains, whether conquering desert dunes or navigating rugged mountain paths. Combined with the SUV’s advanced 4WD capabilities, these modes highlight Infiniti’s dedication to delivering vehicles tailored to the needs of its diverse global audience.
After approximately 30 minutes of warm-up, we reached the more challenging, steep section of the journey. It was my turn to get behind the wheel, and I couldn’t have been more excited. The next leg of the route tested not only the QX80’s capabilities but also my driving skills. Carefully managing the brakes while descending steep inclines in third and fourth gear of the nine-speed automatic transmission proved crucial. The 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine roared to life, effortlessly delivering the power needed to navigate the terrain.
As the descent continued, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree—a result of my slightly overzealous braking, which nearly caused some fade. Lesson learned! Despite this, the QX80 held its own, demonstrating its resilience and capability on what was essentially a real-world stress test.
Even after hours of driving, the QX80’s refined cabin ensured we remained comfortable and relaxed. Its advanced suspension system smoothed out imperfections in the road, while the ventilated seats kept fatigue at bay.
QX80: The Verdict
Infiniti has truly elevated the QX80, positioning it as a serious competitor in the luxury SUV segment alongside heavyweights like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Lexus LX. Each of these rivals has its own strengths—be it the Escalade’s cutting-edge infotainment, the Navigator’s spacious interiors, or the Lexus LX’s off-road prowess. Yet, the QX80 carves out a distinct identity, blending bold design, advanced technology, and unmatched comfort to create a unique proposition for this elite class.
What sets the Infiniti QX80 apart is its remarkable ability to straddle diverse terrains and settings. It seamlessly transitions from tackling rugged mountain roads to navigating sophisticated urban landscapes, delivering the same confidence and grace in both scenarios.
If you’re in the market for a full-size luxury SUV that excels in both performance and aesthetics while offering a uniquely crafted driving and passenger experience, the Infiniti QX80 deserves a top spot on your list. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a daily commute, or a high-profile arrival, this SUV ensures you’ll do it all in style.
GO: Visit https://www.infiniti-me.com for more information.
