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Cadillac Escalade Rival, Next-Gen Infiniti QX80, Spied Testing: Photos

The Cadillac Escalade dominates in its segment, and has done so for quite some time. Nevertheless, some rivals are making modest progress, including the Infiniti QX80. Now, GM Authority spy photographers have captured the next-generation 2025 Infiniti QX80 out and about testing as a camo-clad prototype.

The next-generation 2025 Infiniti QX80 testing as a camouflaged prototype.

2025 Infiniti QX80 prototype

Cadillac Escalade

First rolling off the line in 2004, the Infiniti QX80 was originally called the QX56, with a second-generation model arriving for the 2011 model year. The SUV was later rebadged as the Infiniti QX80 in 2014 in conjunction with a full model refresh for the 2015 model year. A second facelift was introduced for the 2018 model year, with Infiniti introducing the QX80 Monograph Concept as a styling preview ahead of the launch of the second facelift.

2025 Infiniti QX80 prototype

Now, the Infiniti QX80 is poised to receive an all-new generational overhaul for the 2025 model year. Although this prototype is covered in heavy camo cladding, it still provides us with an early peek at the updates, which appear to include a new exterior design with revised lighting, restyled front and rear fascias, flush door handles, and thinner D-pillars. Sources tell us the new and updated design will be previewed by yet another QX80 Monograph Concept set to make its formal introduction this June.

2025 Infiniti QX80 prototype

Cadillac Escalade

In terms of the mechanical specs, the current Infiniti QX80 cradles a naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 producing 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Output is harnesses by a 7-speed automatic transmission, with both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive available to put it to the pavement. Inside the cabin, the Infiniti QX80 seats up to seven passengers.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury SUVs - 2022 - USA

MODEL YTD 22 / YTD 21 YTD 22 YTD 21 YTD 22 SHARE YTD 21 SHARE
CADILLAC ESCALADE -40.03% 24,290 40,505 32% 54%
CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV * 15,957 0 21% 0%
LINCOLN NAVIGATOR -15.51% 13,206 15,631 17% 21%
JEEP GRAND WAGONEER +338.73% 11,736 2,675 15% 4%
INFINITI QX80 -42.68% 7,206 12,572 9% 17%
LEXUS LX +2.22% 3,642 3,563 5% 5%
TOTAL +1.46% 76,037 74,946

As for sales, the Cadillac Escalade remains the undisputed sales volume leader in the Full-Size Luxury SUV segment, accounting for 40,247 deliveries in 2022, comprised of 24,290 units of the standard model and 15,957 units of the the extended-length Escalade ESV. The Infiniti QX80, meanwhile, saw sales drop 43 percent to 7,206 units during the same timeframe.

Sales Numbers - Cadillac Escalade - 2022 - USA

MODEL YTD 22 / YTD 21 YTD 22 YTD 21 YTD 22 SHARE YTD 21 SHARE
CADILLAC ESCALADE -40.03% 24,290 40,505 60% 100%
CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV * 15,957 0 40% 0%
TOTAL -0.64% 40,247 40,505

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Yeah I always thought these looked ugly and bulky. Would never buy one

    Reply
  2. Geesh they can’t even camo the car properly 😂😂

    Reply
  3. It looks fine. I think the design won’t be that significantly different than the current model. Just more streamlined. Not sure if that will help or hurt drawing new customers to it.

    I’m surprised that it outsells the Lexus LX by that much though. Especially when you consider that the current LX is significantly more modern. I guess neglecting a model so long really gave Lexus a difficult uphill battle towards being relevant in the segment.

    Highly doubt the LX will survive the rumored North American-centric TX model.

    Reply
  4. More like the QX80 MONOLITH Concept.

    Reply
  5. I still like the Escalade and GMC Denali

    Reply
  6. The Cadillac Escalade is a far classier vehicle. This Infinity is still a hulky, dumpy and with no class.

    Reply
  7. Next Gen QX80 looks the same – what a major disappointment! You would think after 14 years INFINITI could have done better than another refresh.

    Reply

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