The 2025 Infiniti QX80 enters its third generation and it’s a big deal — make that a gigantic deal.

The long-awaited redesign (more than a decade) expands the length of the large luxury SUV to 17.5 feet. It is slightly wider and taller, too, and weighs around three tons. It’s also more powerful than ever and can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

But don’t fret the QX80’s dimensions: It has a spectacular array of cameras for views around, behind, and even through the front end. Freakish.

This QX80, especially in top-line Autograph trim, marks a vast improvement from the previous edition. This one is ready to play with the likes of Escalade, Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, and Range Rover.

It now competes in price, too. The QX80 Autograph, which used to be the bargain in the bunch, becomes the first Infiniti to leap into six-figures (at least $110K). That happens when a carmaker goes after higher-end buyers with spiffier features and technology.

On the outside, the QX has softer lines and a sleeker look, with flush door handles that pop out as you approach. A larger grille design was inspired by a bamboo forest, Infiniti says. Hmmm? Anyway, it has a big illuminated logo at center and the grille is surrounded by segmented daytime running lights on top, LED headlights on the lower sides.

The same segmented LED’s (300 of them) span the rear, narrowing in the middle. The rear wiper is neatly tucked under a large spoiler. Expect the new design to serve as a template for more models to come.

Last year’s 5.6-liter V-8 engine is gone, replaced with a more efficient and more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. At 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it somehow packs 50 more horses this time and 103 more units of pulling power.

It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, two gears better than last gen, and it shifts quickly to help boost the graceful beast to 60 mph 6.2 seconds, the quarter in under 15 seconds. That’s not the quickest in the group and it’s a couple of ticks under last year’s V-8, but it’s respectable enough. All-wheel-drive is standard.

With a body-on-frame setup, it still has a truck-like feel but it’s quiet and smooth. Infiniti’s Dynamic Digital Suspension monitors the suspension electronically and makes adjustments for comfort and stability on corners.

Meanwhile, electronic air suspension can lower the SUV up to 2.8 inches for easier access (it has fixed running boards) or raise it 2.1 inches for greater clearance when heading off-road.

Five drive modes include Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Personal. Eco saves a buck or two, Sport adjusts steering response and holds gears longer. Drive modes are accessed easily with haptic buttons under the climate screen.

Parking this bad boy, believe it or not, isn’t such a chore with a few clever camera systems. One is an ultra-wide front view spanning 170 degrees, enabling uncanny views when coming out of parking space.

An even crazier one, for use at slow speeds, combines views of the front, sides and underneath the vehicle — it’s like the hood and engine are invisible.

Fuel economy is on par with rivals at 17 mpg combined despite the increase in fuel efficiency over last year. It’s slightly better around town at 16 mpg, according to EPA figures, but highway stands at 19 mpg.

The spacious cabin looks spectacular with graphite suede headliner and pillars, open-pore ash wood trim with inlaid ribbons of metal, a panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting that is available in 64 colors.

Diamond-quilted seats are beautiful and comfortable, offer plenty of leg and shoulder room and 10-way power adjustment. Both the first and second rows are heated, ventilated, and include touchscreen massage function (massage intensity can be controlled in the front).

The second-row captain’s chairs power-slide and recline. The third row can accommodate adults of shorter stature but there’s not a lot of foot room so still best for kids. Third-row seats power-recline a bit, are heated and have their own air vents.

Between the driver and passenger is a large center console with three lidded compartments: one for phone charging and two USB-C ports (among eight in the vehicle), another has two cupholders, and a third is a cool box to keep drinks chilled. Or turn it off and use for storage.

The technology package is sensational. Situated high on the dashboard are dual 14.3-inch screens, the left one housing a colorful and reconfigurable digital gauge display. The other accommodates Infiniti’s Google-based infotainment system, which has sharp, colorful graphics and is quick to respond. It includes Google navigation with voice assistance, but also offers compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Below that is a third 9-inch screen for HVAC controls and vehicle settings. There are physical buttons for radio volume/tuning, parking cameras and one to raise and lower the vehicle. Gear-select buttons are to the left of those.

There’s a head-up display with useful vehicle and traffic data, but that’s nothing compared to some eye-opening high-tech:

—Biometric Cooling. The QX80 is first among rivals to offer the futuristic-sounding system which checks if passengers are too hot or cold and make adjustments for their comfort. Its reliability was questionable.

—Klipsch audio system. Known more for home audio systems, it offers 24 speakers and 1,200 watts of power, and can send sound directly to a headrest speaker in the front row. So the driver, for example, can take a phone call or listen to Frank Sinatra while backseat passengers stay tuned to Shania Twain.

—In-car camera. Perhaps more trivial, an in-car camera can take selfies or video of passengers in the rear seat. It includes a dash-cam feature, too.

Cargo space improves to 22 cubic feet — a 28 percent increase — with all three rows standing. Push a button to stow the third row for 59 cubic feet of space. With all three rows down, there are 101 cubes of space. The figures are comparable or better than the others.

The safety package includes adaptive cruise control, with collision warning and emergency braking, plus lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitors. Also standard with the Autograph is Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist 2.1, a highway hands-free driving mode. These systems keep getting better but it’s still best to keep one hand on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The new QX80 has surged ahead with a new look, greater power and efficiency, and a cabin filled with new and upscale features. You’ll pay more this year but, considering the feature list, it’s a reasonably priced contender.

2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph

MSRP: 109,900

AS TESTED: $115,020 (Includes interior lighting package with illuminated headliner, premium cargo package, premium paint)

What's all the excitement about? Sleeker design, more power and efficiency, biometric cooling, Klipsch 24-speaker audio, enough cameras to see everywhere you can’t.

Powertrain: V-8 engine replaced by more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, producing 450 hp, 516 pound-feet of torque; Mated to 9-speed automatic transmission

How's the performance? 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds; Not nimble but electronic suspension delivers good ride comfort, stability on corners; quiet, ultra-comfortable on highway; Includes all-wheel-drive and five drive modes

Fuel economy: Slightly improved with EPA-estimated 16 mpg city, 19 highway, for 17 mpg combined

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