Supply begins this summer season
Japanese carmaker Infiniti has launched the 2026 QX80, introducing a brand new Sport grade in a transfer to broaden its attraction throughout the aggressive full-size luxurious SUV section.
The up to date mannequin will start reaching dealerships globally, together with in Arabian Gulf markets, by late summer season 2025.
Costs will begin from $83,750, with the top-tier Autograph grade priced at $111,500, excluding vacation spot prices.
The 2026 QX80 retains the platform launched in final 12 months’s redesign, however the newly added Sport grade brings a extra aggressive exterior and up to date cabin supplies. The SUV encompasses a restyled entrance finish, darkish chrome detailing, and unique 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Sport trim features a darkish blue inside, open-pore wooden accents and perforated leather-based seating. Although the visible modifications are vital, the automobile’s efficiency specs stay constant throughout most grades.
The identical 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers all QX80 fashions, paired with a nine-speed computerized transmission. The engine, generally known as the VR35DDTT, replaces the older V8 and goals to strike a stability between energy and gasoline effectivity. Whereas official regional gasoline consumption knowledge shouldn’t be but obtainable, Infiniti claims improved efficiency over the earlier era.
The QX80 arrives in Center Jap markets, significantly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, markets that proceed to indicate robust demand for big, luxurious SUVs. In accordance with figures from Statista, SUV gross sales within the GCC are projected to achieve over 560,000 models yearly by 2026, up from roughly 430,000 in 2022. Excessive-income households, street infrastructure and off-road driving tradition have all contributed to this development.
Gulf consumers specifically have proven a desire for premium SUVs providing each off-road functionality and concrete consolation. Manufacturers resembling Lexus, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz proceed to compete for market share, and Infiniti’s newest replace seems aimed toward sustaining relevance on this section.
In a market the place visible distinction and experience consolation are key differentiators, the QX80 Sport’s darker aesthetic might attraction to prospects in search of an understated but high-end look.
The automobile is obtainable in 4 grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. All variants come geared up with twin 14.3-inch digital shows, Google built-in apps, a Klipsch premium audio system, and ProPILOT Help – Infiniti’s semi-autonomous driving know-how.
Superior options like a head-up show, climate-controlled seating, and biometric cooling can be found in larger trims. Massaging seats are actually prolonged to the second row within the Autograph grade, reflecting rising shopper expectations for rear-seat luxurious.
Regardless of the excessive base value, commonplace options throughout all trims counsel the QX80 is positioned to compete with different giant SUVs such because the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS, and the Lexus LX600. The addition of Google providers and over-the-air software program updates signifies a push to modernise Infiniti’s tech providing in a quickly evolving section.
Within the UAE, luxurious SUVs make up a sizeable portion of complete new automotive gross sales, with shoppers prioritising house, security and know-how. Analysts counsel that options like remote-control rear seats, 3D surround-view monitoring and second-row HVAC controls may affect purchaser selections in high-end markets.
Robust dealership networks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have supported Infiniti’s presence within the area. Nonetheless, the model continues to face challenges from German and Korean rivals providing more and more tech-focused alternate options. The QX80, significantly in its Sport grade, seems aimed toward reasserting the model’s luxurious credentials.
The 2026 QX80 will likely be obtainable in colors together with Mineral Black, Radiant White, Grand Blue and Dynamic Steel, with chosen fashions providing two-tone paint choices. Vacation spot and dealing with charges for all trims are set at $2,190.
Infiniti has not disclosed manufacturing numbers or market allocation by area. Nonetheless, given the Center East’s constant urge for food for high-end SUVs, native dealerships are anticipated to obtain early deliveries forward of broader world distribution.
Search engine site visitors associated to full-size SUVs, luxurious SUVs within the UAE, and 2026 automotive releases has risen in latest months, reflecting sustained shopper curiosity in premium autos throughout the area.
Picture: The 2026 QX80 retains the platform launched in final 12 months’s redesign, however the newly added Sport grade brings a extra aggressive exterior and up to date cabin supplies. Credit score: Infiniti
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