2019 Infiniti QX80

It's a sign of the times that the flagship of Infiniti's luxury vehicle range is the QX80 full-size SUV. It's been that way for a long time, too: it's been many years since Infiniti last offered the full-size sedan it called the Q45.

Infiniti's SUV and crossover models now outnumber its cars four to three, with the QX80 being the ultimate expression of poshness.

Following up last year's styling touch up, the 2019 QX80 gains a new Limited trim at the top of the range, and all versions get predictive forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian detection as standard equipment.

The new Limited package brings exclusive 22-inch wheels in a dark machine finish, lighted kickplates, two-tone quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery with Alcantara and contrast stitching and piping, as well as roof rails and crossbars.

Elsewise, the QX80 carries over unchanged. Power is from a 5.6L V8 that makes 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, which goes to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Lest you think the Infiniti QX80 SUV is a class of one, know that this truck competes with some heavy hitters, including the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator. And if you want to stretch that list, include the less-fancy models those vehicles are based on: the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition. Even Nissan, which operates the Infiniti brand, has its own version of the QX80, called the Armada.

The QX80 starts out in Luxe trim with seating for seven spread over three rows. Standard kit includes 20-inch wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beams, fog lights, power tailgate, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, quilted semi-aniline leather seating, 10-way driver and eight-way front passenger seat adjustments, climate controlled front seats, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, power-folding third row seats, passive keyless entry, three-zone automatic climate control, power steering column adjustment, navigation, 8.0-inch touchscreen with InTouch infotainment, 360-degree exterior camera views, 15-speaker stereo, predictive forward collision warning and forward automatic braking with pedestrian detection.

A QX80 Luxe eight-passenger variant switches out second-row bucket seats for a three-place bench that eliminates the base model's seat warmers; it's a strange omission considering there is no shortage of cars with rear bench seats that heat the outboard positions.

The new Limited trim adds nearly $20,000 to the QX80's price, and includes the touches we listed above, along with a high-tech hydraulic body motion control suspension, a camera-based rearview "mirror." There's also more safety gear in the form of lane departure warning/prevention, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning/intervention, adaptive headlights and backup collision intervention.

Infiniti's fuel consumption estimates for the QX80 are 17.4/12.2 L/100 km (city/highway).