There’s a certain kind of logic that kicks in when you’re sitting in front of a fireplace at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, sipping an old fashioned, and staring out at Blackcomb Mountain: why not show up in something equally grand? Enter the all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80—Infiniti’s luxury flagship SUV that’s clearly been bench-pressing Range Rovers in the off-season. It’s bigger, bolder, and more tech-laden than a Silicon Valley startup, and somehow it fits right in among the fur-trimmed parka crowd of Whistler Village.
We picked up the QX80 in Vancouver and pointed it north on Highway 99—the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a serpentine ribbon of coastal magic that runs from ocean to alpine in a way that feels custom-designed for both a postcard… and a proper road test.
Powertrain: Forget the old-school V8—it’s 2025, and Infiniti has entered its turbocharged era. Under the sculpted hood of the QX80 lies a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 producing a robust 450 horsepower and a meaty 516 pound-feet of torque, all sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission. There’s no hybrid yet, but there’s certainly no shortage of grunt.
It accelerates like a freight train that just got a wellness retreat and now drinks green juice. You don’t expect something this large to pull like it does, especially uphill toward Whistler’s mountain passes, but here we are: over 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) of metal and leather moving with purpose, passing slowpoke campers with the grace of a silverback gorilla in a tuxedo.
Fuel economy? Official numbers indicate a combined fuel consumption of 13.8 L/100. Not the best, but comparable to its competitors and if you’re in the market for a luxury three-row SUV, this probably isn’t your first rodeo at the pump.
Exterior: Imagine if a samurai and an architect from Dubai collaborated on a mountain chalet, and you’re halfway to understanding the QX80’s new aesthetic. The “Artistry in Motion” design language delivers strong horizontal lines, a double-arch grille that looks like it could inhale a Mazda, and a full-width LED light bar out back that could double as a lightsaber.
The LED signature lighting up front, inspired by Japanese bamboo, gives it just enough flourish without being Vegas. The illuminated Infiniti logo glows at night, which is either a classy touch or the Bat-Signal for valet parking—either way, it works.
Interior: Climb into the QX80 and it feels more penthouse suite than SUV cabin. Dual 14.3-inch displays handle the digital duties up front, complemented by a 9-inch touchscreen just for climate control, because obviously you need three screens to survive a Canadian winter.
Materials? Think open-pore ash wood, quilted leather, and enough ambient lighting (64 colours!) to rival a boutique hotel. The second-row seats are heated, ventilated, and thronelike, while the third-row gets its own heat controls—proof that Infiniti doesn’t treat the back-row kids like afterthoughts.
One standout feature: Biometric Cooling. Sensors monitor second-row passengers and blast cool air accordingly. Because nothing says “premium” like your SUV noticing you’re a little sweaty and acting on it faster than your therapist.
Infotainment: Infiniti ditches proprietary systems for Google built-in—finally. Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store access all come standard, meaning no more janky Bluetooth battles or screaming “Hey car, turn on the heat!” into the abyss.
There’s also Klipsch audio, the first time the high-end audio brand has shown up in a vehicle, and it shreds. Whether it’s lo-fi beats to relax on the Sea-to-Sky, or EDM to dominate the parkade entrance at the Chateau, this thing delivers acoustic perfection.
Bonus: A new “Journey Diary” feature automatically saves scenic highlights from your route—ideal for reliving that hairpin turn where you totally didn’t spill your oat milk latte.
Driving Impressions: The stretch of Highway 99 from Vancouver to Whistler is nothing short of iconic—lush rainforest, rugged cliffs, and the kind of Pacific Northwest vistas that would make a Volvo owner weep. The QX80 floats over tarmac like a Bentley that took a yoga class. The steering is light but connected, and the revised suspension—with available Dynamic Digital Suspension—keeps body roll in check even through the tight, cambered curves above Horseshoe Bay.
Before reaching the alpine majesty of Whistler Village, we made an essential pit stop at Outbound Station, tucked away in Function Junction. If you don’t know it, this indie café is where the locals fuel up before heading to the trails—or in our case, heading up in a luxury command center. Their espresso is properly dialed, the pastries are fresh, and the vibe is all flannel shirts and mountain bikes. The QX80 may be high-end, but it still appreciates a good nitro cold brew in a reclaimed wood cabin.
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80
With caffeine in the tank and mountains ahead, the QX80 cruised through Whistler’s winding roads with a surprising lightness. As you crest into the village and the terrain becomes more alpine, the all-wheel-drive system keeps you planted with confidence. It may not be a rock-crawler, but for the weekend warrior seeking luxury plus peace of mind in snow season, the QX80 checks all the boxes.
Conclusion: The 2025 Infiniti QX80 isn’t subtle. It’s not trying to be. It’s Infiniti’s declaration that it can dance with the Escalades, X7s, and Range Rover LWB crowd—and it does so with a unique blend of tech, refinement, and Japanese design flair.
In a town like Whistler, where your vehicle is as much a part of your statement as your ski gear or your chalet, the QX80 fits right in. It’s bold, brash, and brilliant—an unapologetic luxury SUV that loves a good mountain view and isn’t afraid to show up in style.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Alpine Luxury at Its Peak
After pulling up to the Fairmont’s stone-paved entrance—QX80 glowing like a VIP guest—it becomes clear that both vehicle and venue speak the same language: elevated elegance. The hotel features 519 alpine-inspired rooms and suites, a top-tier spa, fine dining at The Wildflower, and a pool area that looks out over the mountain.
The best part? Ski-in/ski-out access in winter, and immediate access to golf and hiking come summer. The valet seemed genuinely excited to park the QX80—though he may have needed GPS to find a spot big enough.
Canadian Pricing:
2025 Infiniti QX80 Luxe: $110,256.00
2025 Infiniti QX80 Sensory: $121,056.00
2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph: $134,256.00
Competitors: BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 600, Lincoln Navigator, Range Rover
Website: Infiniti Canada