To experience the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 full-size luxury SUV, INFINITI USA invited me to join their team alongside other members of the media (including Editors from Purewow, The Hollywood Reporter, U.S. News & World Report, etc.) for the INFINITI QX80 Drive Experience hosted at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley in Calistoga, California this month.
During this multi-day, immersive experience, we got a sneak peek of this exquisite, tech-forward new vehicle, learned about the bold stylish design, outstanding sound system, innovative features, and lifestyle-enhancing technology, and drove this impressive, exquisitely-crafted SUV through Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.
The INFINITI QX80 Drive Experience
For the drive itself, INFINITI planned a 6-hour excursion throughout Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
After waking up early for breakfast and a presentation at the hotel, we departed from the Four Seasons in Calistoga, weaving our way through verdant vineyards and golden hillsides to a hands-on driving demo and mid-morning coffee break at Cornerstone in Sonoma.
After that, we then went on to other iconic destinations in the region, including a hosted private lunch at the renowned hilltop winery at BRAND Napa Valley, and of course, ending with a stop at the famed Napa Valley welcome sign.
Throughout the novel expedition, we partnered up with other guests to take turns driving the SUV. My driving partner (Jasmine Sayles, an editor at U.S. News & World Report) not only made our fun-filled adventure through the valley more enjoyable (as we talked about everything from cars to travel and beyond), but she was also helpful in quickly showing me how to use the infotainment and navigation system, as she regularly reviews automobiles.
In addition to partnering up, we also had designated pit stops along INFINITI’s methodically charted road trip through the valley, which made it even more fun. It felt like we were on an adventurous scavenger hunt, roaming from one interesting destination to the next – my kind of drive, for sure!
One of these pit stops was at an adorable INFINITI-branded popup drive-through coffee & pastry shop (aptly named INFINITI QX80 Café), set in the parking lot of Cornerstone Sonoma Marketplace. While waiting for our beverages, we got a hands-on driving demo with the product development team who guided us through the advanced safety and driving-enhancement tech tools (which we’ll get into later…).
Then after that, we dashed through the rolling hills, winding around the scenic Lake Hennessey, then climbing the steep hillside up Pritchard Mountain to BRAND Napa Valley, an exclusive hilltop winery and vineyard (next to the famed Screaming Eagle winery) for lunch with an unparalleled view of the surrounding vineyards, valley, and lake.
The spectacular vineyard is now owned by two former Apple executives who were enchanted by the relaxing Napa Valley lifestyle, as they used to frequent the area for R&R during their challenging workdays in the Bay Area. Now that they own and run the elite winery, they’ve been highly selective about brands that they partner with to host events, making it all the more special to be able to experience the intimate winery.
If you’re wondering what the wine tasted like, I couldn’t tell you. While we were all in the middle of our driving experience, naturally, they didn’t serve us wine with our lunch, but they did add a delightful decorative touch to the dining tables, by highlighting the notes of each varietal through glass jars filled with different foods (like plums, coffee beans, olives, and more). As a gal who enjoys the art of entertaining, let’s just say this charming little detail was a pleasant surprise.
After driving the car through the varied terrain and learning the intricacies of how it works from a technological perspective, to be honest – I was blown away. From a captivating, contemporary silhouette (that features more angular, dominant lines) to a robust suite of advanced features, the elegant and powerful new car is nothing short of outstanding.
While I’ve both owned and test-driven multiple luxury vehicles, to be honest – I’m highly impressed with the 2025 QX80 for so many reasons. Here’s why this car stands out in my opinion…
The Inspiration Behind The 2025 INFINITI QX80
To begin with, to appreciate the level of detail that goes into these cars is to understand the way the company thinks and operates. Over the many years of covering INFINITI global debuts and special events at Monterey Car Week, I’ve learned that the company believes in integrating the organic elements of nature into its automotive designs.
This intentional decision exemplifies the core ethos behind INFINITI’s design language while exuding the essence of what the brand is all about. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many of the components (and presentation) of the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 full-sized luxury SUV pay homage to the beauty, power, and serenity of nature.
During one of the brand-hosted dinners at AURO restaurant, I was seated next to Taisuke Nakamura (Senior Design Director for INFINITI), who I’ve previously spoken with about the QX Monograph during the 2023 Monterey Car Week. As we discussed the details of this new car, he explained the significance of incorporating these Japanese-inspired design elements into the new iteration of this vehicle, as it’s one of the many symbolic details that their design team focuses on implementing.
For example, the front grille was designed to resemble the towering bamboo forests that flourish in Kyoto, the storage surfaces were inspired by delicately raked grains of sand in Japanese Zen Gardens, the taillights were created to personify the illumination of city lights reflected on the rippling of a pond, and the signature lighting mirrors the rhythmic design of piano keys. Each of these shapes inspired the design of these notable elements, creating a standout style that captures your attention while connecting you more intimately to the brand itself.
From luxe-looking, sumptuous-feeling, and genuinely comfortable seating to easy-to-use, lifestyle-enhancing interior and functional components, the chic new full-sized luxury SUV offers an impressive range of notable features and superior performance. While the exterior silhouette is a more refined version of its predecessors (giving it a sophisticated, striking appearance), I think the real highlight of the car is the interior form and function, designed to resemble a luxurious cabin in a private jet.
The design team gave extensive thought to how to infuse the Japanese word “Omotenashi” into the overall design, as this term refers to the intention of mindful hospitality, by making sure your guests feel taken care of. That said, INFINITI wanted to create an interior space that ensured that both the driver and their guests felt like VIPs while enjoying the journey, from beginning to end. To do this, the team created a variety of pleasure-enhancing additions that heighten the driving experience for everyone on board.
2025 INFINITI QX80 Interior Features
From built-in amenities such as a cool box (which acts as a mini fridge), relaxing built-in seat massagers (in the front two rows), and heated seats (in all three rows), to a spacious, stylish cabin design and 64-color Personalized Ambient Lighting (to set the mood), the interior exudes a tranquil and upscale environment for both the driver and their passengers.
The posh interior will captivate your attention, especially if you geek out on fashion-forward design features like two-toned semi-aniline leather upholstery and other eye-catching details (like open-pore ash wood trim featuring laser-cut metal inlays). There is also a spacious storage area in the front row to store your purse and belongings (which, for women especially, is much appreciated, as many auto designers seem to overlook this basic necessity). Plus, there are built-in USB-C ports (to make it easy to charge your electronics).
Aside from these stylish elements, the car also has Biometric Cooling, which uses sensors to automatically determine if you or your guests are overheating. As a result, it will adjust and adapt the inside temperature of the car (for the first two rows), to ensure that you and your guests are comfortable at all times.
2025 INFINITI QX80 Sound System
Of course, every fun drive (whether you’re zipping around town or hitting the open road) always needs good tunes. To create a more enjoyable and memorable experience anytime you hop into the car, INFINITI has outfitted the car with a 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere audio system (available on Sensory and Autograph grades), and a 14-speaker system for the Pure and Luxe editions.
With the combination of its intricately crafted, finely-tuned sound system (including titanium tweeters, a high-performance 8-inch TriPower™ subwoofer, and a 24-channel amplifier), you’ll surely feel the pulsating music reverberating throughout your whole body, taking you to new heights through the sheer power of music alone.
As explained to me by Tom Dunn (Director of Panasonic Automotive Systems of North America), the relationship between Klipsch and Panasonic originated in 2017. Since launching in 1946, USA-based Klipsch has gained recognition as a renowned, top-rated, premium-quality home sound system. This formidable combination of these two premium quality sound systems producers took nearly a decade to develop, ultimately leading to the launch of the Klipsch sound system (powered by Panasonic Automotive), which made its debut in the new 2025 INFINITI QX80.
The dynamic and moving Klipsch sound system creates a highly stimulating, heightened, fully sensational experience for your mind, body, and spirit. To say you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a live music festival is an understatement. From pop and techno to rock and country, no matter what genre of music you play, every song sounds spectacular.
2025 INFINITI QX80 Technology
Speaking of tech, let’s talk about the intuitively designed, multi-screen computer display, infotainment, and navigational system that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable.
To start with – the car has a multitude of camera systems installed to improve safety measures and make it simpler to avoid obstacles, both in parking lots and on the road.
For example, the innovative Invisible Hood View enables you to see objects under the car – whether it’s your kid’s skateboard (that they inadvertently left on the driveway), or it’s an animal scurrying across the road. This advanced technology is highly beneficial for all drivers, as it helps prevent damage to the car, objects, or other unexpected hazards that may pop up while driving.
In addition to this, the Ultra Wide View mode gives you enhanced visibility, which is helpful when navigating through narrow city streets, tight parking lots, or even drive-through lanes.
Similar to swiping on your iPad, you can easily access a suite of apps, ranging from Sirius Radio to virtually anything else you need to use. While the tech-forward system integrates Haptic technology (to ensure the touchscreens respond correctly to your finger movements), the tech functionality goes way beyond that.
As the car comes fully integrated with Google, all you have to say is “Hey Google”, and your wish is its command. Utilizing this convenient built-in feature enables you to effortlessly create your ideal driving environment while doing more, learning more, and enjoying more, all without lifting a finger. Whether you’re asking Google Maps to take you from point A to point B or you’re seeking an answer to a question, for busy on-the-go people, that added function is especially useful and beneficial.
If you’re wondering what’s under the hood – here’s the scoop. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, rated for 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
It has both Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension, which work harmoniously to automatically raise or lower the car depending on the scenario, road condition, or situation (such as when loading cargo or people). Not to mention – it can quickly accelerate, even while going uphills, which makes it a pleasure to drive, especially when merging onto a highway.
The car will be produced in 4 different grades (including Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph editions), and will range in prices from $82k-$110k. This new SUV goes on sale at INFINITI retailers across the USA at the end of July, so if you’re interested in learning more about this incredible car, contact a nearby dealer to schedule a test drive.
In summary, the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 delivers chic styling, tech-forward features, and a VIP driving experience that exceeds expectations.
For a behind-the-scenes look at this new vehicle (and to get a glimpse of the QX80 Drive Experience in Napa Valley), check out my Instagram story highlights.
[Disclosure: As a guest of INFINITI USA for the QX80 Drive Experience in Napa Valley, complimentary accommodations and meals were provided by INFINITI Communications. All opinions are my own.]
