New York show: Infiniti previews next QX80

INFINITI has revealed a concept version of the QX80 upper-large SUV – dubbed the Monograph – which brings the Nissan Patrol-based four-wheel-drive wagon into line with the brand’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language.

To be presented at an event on the eve of the New York motor show this week, the QX80 Monograph eschews the divisive styling of the existing model for a look more in line with newer Infiniti SUVs, including the forthcoming QX50.

While the QX80 Monograph is only a concept, Infiniti has a history of concepts turning into production models with few changes, and the QX80 Monograph is expected follow the same path.

The Monograph retains the current model’s hulking central grille albeit with a slightly different shape, and drops the drooping headlight design in favour of a narrower, lined LED headlight cluster as seen on the QX Sport Inspiration concept that previewed the QX50.

A sweeping LED strip runs from the top of the headlight cluster, along the bonnet line and almost into the A-pillar.

The front bumper has also had a workover, with beefy air intakes replacing the foglights, and the lower grille swapped out for a narrow, chrome-lined bumper with silver underbody lining.

The new model’s streamlined look continues with a silver side sill design and updated side steps, while the windows get a uniform, streamlined design with darkened pillars front front to rear that blend in with the tinted windows.

The SUV’s luxury design is complemented with gold-and-silver multi-spoke alloy wheels that look to measure over 20 inches wide.

Concrete details on the QX80’s future remain thin on the ground, but previous Infiniti concepts have often gone from show floor to production line in 12 months or less, so a debut in 2018 seems likely for the updated series.

The current QX80 comes with single powertrain choice – a 5.6-litre aspirated V8 that makes 298kW/560Nm and teams with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

It is priced from $110,900 plus on-road costs and occupies a small market niche, with Infiniti selling just 118 examples since landing on Australian shores in mid-2015, cracking double-digit monthly sales numbers only twice.

Sixty-one sales were recorded in 2016, which placed it behind upper-large luxury SUV rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS with 847 units, the Range Rover (454) and the Toyota LandCruiser-based Lexus LX570 (285).