2025 Infiniti QX80 previews next-gen Patrol

Infiniti has lifted the covers off its QX80, a luxurious SUV that will share componentry with the highly anticipated next-gen Nissan “Y63” Patrol when it eventually arrives.

The QX80 – not slated for release in Australia – will utilise a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine capable of delivering up to 336kW and 698Nm, verifying earlier reports that indicated the Patrol would ditch its naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 and replace it with a twin-turbo petrol V6. The V6 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, two more ratios than the Patrol’s current seven-speed auto.

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These outputs of 336kW and 698Nm represent an increase of 38kW and 138Nm on the current Y62’s V8 (298kW and 560Nm). For comparison’s sake, the 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel that powers the 300 Series LandCruiser generates 227kW and 700Nm.

The four-model QX80 line-up consists of Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph variants, with the lower-spec models equipped with either rear-wheel drive or Infiniti All-mode 4WD. Top-tier Sensory and Autograph variants will feature standard 4WD, and all models will have Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow and Personal driving modes. Refining the ride of the burly SUV is the option of Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension, with the air suspension lowering the vehicle by 1.2 inches at speed.

What you get

The premium styling of the vehicle is headlined by the newest iteration of Infiniti’s double-arch grille – “inspired by the organic shapes of a bamboo forest, the grille shape hints at a powerful, commanding driving experience,” Infinity says. A full-width display of LED lights illuminates the rear.

Important interior changes include the addition of a 14.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which are positioned side-by-side. Positioned below this is a 9.0-inch screen for climate controls, heated and ventilated seat functions and drive mode selection. Google is built into the centre console, and the top-of-the-line Autograph includes a cool box in the centre console. These changes, while unconfirmed, could be mirrored with the next-gen Patrol.

Luggage space has also increased from the outgoing QX80, with cargo room up 18 per cent behind the second-row seats up and 30 per cent behind the third-row seats.

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The QX80 will officially debut at the 2024 New York International Auto Show, and it will arrive in US dealerships toward the end of the US summer (August-September). Pricing for the QX80 starts at AU$125,000 (US$82,450) for the rear-wheel drive Pure, and tops out at AU$167,650 (US$110,595) for the Autograph.

Information on the next-gen Patrol is scarce at this stage, with official word expected in the coming weeks. A prototype was spied testing in the USA (where it’s known as the Armada) in October last year.