More details: 2018 Infiniti QX80

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 has been unveiled at the Dubai motor show, sporting a slightly toned-down design, new interior scheme and added safety.

Slated for arrival in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2018, the facelifted 2.6-tonne QX80 will persist solely with a 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine.

The updated model will blaze to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 210km/h, according to Infiniti, while consuming a claimed figure of 14.8L/100km – making it one of the thirstiest cars money can buy.

Headlining the revisions for 2018 is a suite of driver assistance systems comprising lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot assist and back-up collision intervention.

The 2018 model also introduces a ‘smart’ rear-view mirror already debuted on Nissan’s facelifted Y62 Patrol, with which the QX80 shares the same engine and underpinnings. It employs a rear-facing camera to project real-time video images onto the rear-view mirror when the view is blocked by passengers/luggage.

There are new wheel designs available in both 20-inch and 22-inch configurations, and obvious exterior changes aimed at broadening the appeal of the Japan-built SUV, including a redesigned front bumper, grille and headlights.

“The smooth, rounded curves of the outgoing model have given way to more modern, angular and sculptural forms and a more upright, athletic stance,” says the official press release.

“The impression given is one of greater height and length, despite the car’s footprint and 3075mm wheelbase remaining unchanged from the previous model.”

Inside, the big behemoth scores subtle revisions to the steering wheel and gearshifter, along with new trims.

Infiniti has also announced a new seven-seat option that deletes the second-row middle seat to make way for a limousine-style centre control console in a 2-2-3 seating layout). The QX80 is also available in eight-seat format (2-3-3).

The 2018 QX80 is due for arrival in Australia showrooms in the first half of next year. Pricing is yet to be announced, though we don’t expect a huge departure from the $110,900 plus ORCs pricetag of the current model.