The QX80 takes on an “anti-wedge” profile evident by its long, nearly flat hood that meets the shoulder lines. Flushed door handles and a blacked-out C-pillar result in a cleaner profile. Since the Patrol shares its major body panels with this Infiniti, expect it to gain the same overall silhouette.

At the front is the latest iteration of Infiniti’s double-arch grille with an insert that’s reminiscent of a bamboo forest. The daytime running lights are narrow and complemented by the lit Infiniti grille. The combination lamps, including the headlights, are located at the lower corners of the bumper. Meanwhile, at the back, the full-width LED taillights’ curved profile is inspired by “tranquil reflections of light upon a body of water” and are lit using over 300 LEDs.

Welcome lighting illuminates the path to the doors and once inside, Infiniti engineers have drawn inspiration from the Japanese principle of “miyabi” which is all about using layered, soft materials. The dashboard itself uses two 14.3-inch screens with a configurable meter cluster ahead of the driver and a center display that can be operated by touch (with haptic feedback) or by a jog wheel. Climate control functions are found on yet another 9-inch screen located below the infotainment. Oh, and about the climate control itself, it has heated and cooled seats for the first two rows and heated seats for the third row. Biometric Cooling uses an infrared sensor that automatically adjusts the level of cooling for those in the second row. In Nissan’s internal testing, it can get passengers to a comfortable temperature in 50 percent less time.

The QX80 debuts an audio system with Klipsch. The “base” system uses 14 speakers and outputs 600 watts, going up to 24 speakers and 1,200 watts in the top trim. “Individual” audio activates the headrest-mounted speakers on the first row for a focused audio experience for certain functions such as taking a phone call or navigation guidance.

Powering the QX80 and, most likely, the all-new Patrol is the VR35DDTT engine. This 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 is rated at 450 horsepower and almost 700 Nm of torque. Complementing this is a 9-speed automatic with a 40 percent wider range compared to the current model.

In conjunction with numerous enhancements to sound deadening, it’s as much as 3 decibels quieter than before on the highway, and as much as 4 decibels quieter in urban driving.

Electronic air suspension automatically lowers the QX80 at speed by up to 1.2 inches (30 mm) for aerodynamic improvements. When parked, it can lower by 2.8 inches (71 mm) from normal to an Easy Access level improving ingress and egress. Finally, for use in more rugged terrain, an Off-road setting raises the air suspension 2.4 inches (61 mm) above QX80’s normal ride height.

Meanwhile, the Dynamic Digital Suspension constantly measures the vehicle’s motion and calculates the required damping force for electronically controlled dampers. By regulating vehicle motions, reducing body roll around curves, and minimizing up-and-down motions over bouncy roads, the system delivers smoother and more in-control lane changes, and enhanced ride quality.

Structurally, the frame itself has been stiffened with 57 percent increase in lateral stiffness. The adoption of an electric power steering rack has also increased its torsional stiffness by 300 percent and unlocks more advanced driver assistance features.

And with that, the QX80 has an extensive list of assistive tech including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Warning (with Trailer Blind Spot Warning), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Intervention, and Lane Departure Prevention. Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance aids the driver in staying centered in their lane. The system also uses data from the navigation system to proactively adjust vehicle speed for curves, interchanges, and other driving situations.