Infiniti facelifts QX80

Infiniti has revealed a facelifted version of its flagship QX80 SUV.

Inspired by the brash QX80 Monograph SUV concept unveiled at the New York motor show in April, the refreshed large SUV ditches the outgoing model's snub-nosed look.

Introducing new front headlights, an enormous grille and redesigned front bumpers, the QX80 remains bold and imposing.

Other new tweaks to the body include revised air intakes on the front wings, a pair of new tail-lights and a restyled bumper.

Large 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, but Infiniti says larger 22-inch rims will be available.

Inside, new higher grade materials have been introduced to the spacious cabin. There's also a new instrument panel and updated rear passenger entertainment system but, overall, it's business as usual.

Same goes for what's under the bonnet, where there's still no diesel power. The QX80's 300kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine carries over and remains combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

For the 2018 revisions, Infiniti claims to have concentrated on boosting refinement and the latest Japanese Range Rover rival gets more sound insulation.

Back at the New York motor show, it was thought the QX80 Monograph could preview an all-new QX80, but this announcement confirms only a quick nip and tuck for Infiniti's biggest SUV.

That means it continues to be based on the same ladder-frame chassis as Nissan's Y62 Patrol and the original QX80 launched back in 2010.

In North America, the QX80 has been confirmed to go on sale before the end of the year.

Australian timing has not yet been confirmed but a local launch is tipped for early 2018.

In 2016, the QX80 accounted for nearly nine per cent of Infiniti's global sales, with more than 20,708 examples sold in North America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.