Infiniti rolls out QX80 Sensory top-of-the-line model for 2021
The Infiniti QX80 large SUV gets a new top-of-the line variant for model year 2021, called the Sensory.
Replacing last year’s Limited model, the new Sensory trim level starts at $80,200 (plus $1,395 freight) for rear-wheel drive and $83,300 for the four-wheel-drive version, our tester.
Other QX80 models for 2021 begin with the base Luxe ($69,050, 2WD; $72,150, 4WD), followed by the Premium Select ($73,350, 2WD; $76,450), also a new model for 2021. Last year, there was no mid-grade model.
The new Sensory models include exclusive exterior paint and trim – such as the Coulis Red premium color ($695 extra) on our tester, along with custom seating materials and appearance enhancements. Our vehicle’s interior was saddle brown semianiline leather.
Infiniti’s Smart Rearview Mirror system – standard on all QX80 models -- brings improved high-definition clarity and a wider screen size – 9.6 inches -- for enhanced rearward visibility. The driver can switch between a regular mirror and the LCD monitor to display a highdefinition image from a camera mounted outside the rear of the vehicle.
Sensory models also include Charcoal Burl interior trim and a new graphite tricot headliner for a handcrafted, tailored feel.
Outside, there are new 22-inch forged-alloy wheels and chrome mirror caps.
The Infiniti Hydraulic Body Motion Control System is standard. It’s designed to improve cornering stability and provide a smoother ride at all speeds.
Infiniti, which is Nissan’s luxury brand, created the QX80 from the Nissan Armada SUV.
The new midlevel Premium Select model has its own set of unique features, such as dark chrome and black highlights on the grille, fender vents, door mirror caps and rear tailgate strip; and dark chrome 22-inch forgedalloy wheels.
All models, starting with the base Luxe, include standard driver-assist technologies such
as Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Rear Seat Belt Reminder and updated Intelligent Cruise Control.
This is the ultimate Infiniti family hauler, with comfortable seating for up to eight (seven with the standard second-row dual captain’s chairs on the Sensory).
Heated front seats are standard on Luxe and Premium Select models, but the Sensory comes with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. All rows of seats are leather in the QX80, but the Sensory has the upgraded semi-aniline leather with Alcantara accents and embossed graphics on the first and second rows.
All models have 10-way poweradjustable driver and eight-way power front passenger seats with two-way lumbar adjust.
Infiniti says the exteriors are hand-polished and inspected by Infiniti’s Takumi master craftsmen for maximum depth, shine and luster.
All models come with the advanced 5.6-liter V-8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque, connected to a smooth-shifting sevenspeed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching.
Rear-wheel-drive models have EPA fuel-economy ratings of 14 mpg city/20 highway/16 combined; with four-wheel drive, the ratings are 13/19/15,