Infiniti QX80 vs. Lexus LX600: Luxury SUV Comparison for UAE Roads

While that may not have been the case just a couple of years ago, luxury SUVs have become a "hot commodity" in the automotive market. The high demand has forced carmakers to offer more than just power and performance and focus on fine-quality interiors, luxurious finishes, and state-of-the-art technology. Among those manufacturers are Infiniti and Lexus, which are known for using high-end materials and superiority compared to their parents' standard models. 

This blog will explore the comparison between the Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX600, including performance, features, technology, off-road capabilities, and pricing, to determine which luxury SUV would suit which type of buyers. 

History of Infiniti QX80 in the UAE

Nissan's luxury vehicle division, Inifiti, first introduced the QX56 model in 2004, which was later renamed to QX80 as a part of a new naming strategy. The model is based on the Nissan Armada but with a more luxurious appeal, better performance, and off-road capabilities. 

The QX80 had evolved significantly over the years; from the initial Nissan Titan platform, the third generation transitioned to the Patrol platform in 2011. After the rebranding, the Infiniti QX80 has garnered great popularity in the UAE due to its rugged durability and upscale interior. The new 2024 Infiniti QX80 has introduced a new design and advanced technology, solidifying its status as the leading SUV in the market. 

History of Lexus LX600 in the UAE

Lexus has a rich history in the UAE, as it is known for blending luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities. As the successor of the popular LX570, the LX600 was introduced with a more refined design, advanced technology, and a powerful engine. Built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX600 offers durability required for desert terrains alongside premium features. 

The Lexus LX series began in 1995 with the LX450, a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser offering luxury combined with off-road capabilities. Then, in 1998, the LX470 introduced a more powerful V8 engine and advanced suspension for better performance. The third generation, LX570, launched in 2008, featuring a larger, 5.7 L V8 engine. The latest LX600, introduced in 2021, brought a modern design with a more efficient twin-turbo V6 engine, confirming its position as a top-tier luxury SUV in the UAE. 

Performance Comparison

The Infiniti QX80 offers more power and torque, making it a great option for off-road enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Lexus LX600 can achieve higher top speed and adaptive suspension, providing a great balance between luxury and performance. 

Below is a comparison of performance features for both models: 

Feature	Infiniti QX80	Lexus LX600
Engine	3.5 L V6 Twin-Turbo	3.5 L V6 Twin-Turbo
Horsepower	450 hp	409 hp
Torque	700 Nm	650 Nm
Transmission	9-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Top Speed	195 km/h	210 km/h
Driving Modes	Standard, Eco, Sport, Personal, Rock, Sand	Multi-Terrain Select (Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow)
Differential Lock	Electronic	N/A
Suspension	Electronic Air Suspension	Adaptive Variable Suspension
4WD System	Infiniti All-Mode 4WD	Multi-Terrain Select
Towing Capability	High (exact figure not provided)	High (exact figure not provided)

Interior & Features

As you will notice from the table below, the Lexus LX600 offers more passenger luxury, particularly in its VIP trim Ottoman seats and wireless charging, while the Infiniti QX80 focuses on entertainment with larger screens and ergonomic comfort, making it a great choice for families. 

Feature	Infiniti QX80	Lexus LX600
Seating Capacity	Up to 8 passengers (Captain or Bench seats)	5-seater and 7-seater configuration
Leather Quality	Semi-aniline leather	Semi-aniline leather
Seating Features	Zero-gravity seats, massage seats, custom quilting	VIP massage seats, ottoman rear seats (VIP trim)
Entertainment (Front)	28.6-inch Monolith Display	12.3-inch multimedia Display
Entertainment (Rear)	12.8-inch screens	VIP rear-seat wireless charging station
Audio System	Klipsch 12-speaker audio system	Mark Levinson 25-speaker premium audio system
Infotainment	Apple CarPlay, Android Auto	Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Additional Features	Dual-tone roof, ambient lighting, custom quilting for seats	Dual-tone roof, panoramic view monitor, digital rear-view mirror
Rear Passenger Comfort	Massage seats, rear screens	VIP trim: Massage seats, wireless charging

Safety and Technology Features

Moving on, it is time to compare some of the most important features any car buyer would be interested in. What do these two models offer when it comes to safety and technology? Let's look at some of the most prominent features: 

Infiniti QX80

Safety Features: 

ProPILOT Assist: Includes lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning to help maintain safe driving on highways. 

360-degree Camera: Provides a birds-eye view of the surroundings for easier parking and maneuvering. 

Predictive Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to potential hazards ahead, improving reaction time. 

Invisible Hood View: Helps with off-roading by showing obstacles directly in front of the vehicle that the driver can't see from the cabin. 

Technology Features: 

Infiniti MyNissan App: Allows for remote vehicle management, including starting the engine or checking vehicle status from your smartphone. 

Adaptive Air Suspension: Automatically adjusts the vehicle's height for improved ride comfort and performance on various terrains.

Lexus LX600 

Safety Features: 

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5: Includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision system for enhanced driver safety. 

Panoramic View Monitor: Offers a wide view around the vehicle to assist with parking and navigating tight spaces. 

Technology Features:

Fingerprint Authentication System: Adds a layer of security by requiring fingerprint verification to start the vehicle. 

Wireless Rear-Seat Charging: Provides convenient wireless charging for rear passengers. 

Adaptive Variable Suspension: Adjusts the suspension based on road conditions, improving ride quality and handling. 

While both vehicles offer robust safety systems, the Lexus LX600's advanced tech features, such as fingerprint authentication and rear-seat wireless charging, provide an extra edge in luxury and convenience. 

Pricing & Value

Comparing the prices, it is evident Infiniti offers more affordable models, even with its top trim still below the price of the Lexus LX 600 VIP model. However, for buyers who appreciate top luxury, the LX600 VIP trim offers unmatched luxury features that could be worth the price.

Model	Variant	Price (AED)
Infiniti QX80	SENSORY Captain Chairs	450,000 AED
	AUTOGRAPH Captain Chairs	510,000 AED
	SENSORY Bench Chairs	450,000 AED
	AUTOGRAPH Bench Chairs	510,000 AED
Lexus LX600	Prestige	510,000 AED
	Signature	550,000 AED
	F Sport	580,000 AED
	VIP	670,000 AED

Overall, the Infiniti QX80 is an SUV that provides excellent value with its balance of performance, off-road capabilities, and luxury. 

Which One to Choose? 

This article has provided a comparison between the two most popular high-end luxury SUVs in the UAE: Infiniti QX80 and the Lexus LX600. While Lexus inevitably enjoys its popularity in the UAE, the more affordable price tag for the Infiniti definitely makes for the QX80 model to catch the attention. 

Boosting exceptional off-road capabilities, power, advanced technology, and superior luxury features, both of these vehicles are brilliant examples of how an SUV can blend luxury with performance without compromising on safety or other features. Having said that, whether you prefer a pinnacle of luxury or a balance of opulence and high-tech features, either vehicle would be a great addition to your garage.