Story | William Ha Photography | Infiniti, Cadillac, Land Rover
The full-size luxury SUV space is one of the more exclusive segments with no boring options. Beyond providing basics like comfort and versatility for the family, these statement-making land yachts also provide owners with cutting-edge technology. Here are some all-new choices to consider for 2025.
Infiniti QX80 Autograph
MSRP: $125,000
All new for 2025, the QX80 is Infiniti’s most advanced and dazzling new vehicle yet. A new 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, produces 450 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, helping it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just under six seconds. It also provides a best-in-class standard towing capacity of 8,500 lbs.
The posh exterior design and bold presence truly makes it stand out. The front end features an illuminated emblem, futuristic lighting and a grille design inspired by the swaying shoots of a bamboo forest. We recommend considering only the top-line Autograph trim to get all the high-tech features, including an air suspension and hands-free cruise control.
Inside is where the QX80 shines even more. Both the customizable gauge cluster and centre screen are 14.3 inches, with a lower nine-inch centre screen for the climate controls. Google built-in comes standard, offering a more advanced voice assistant system, Google Maps and Google Play, which allows drivers to download apps right into the centre screen. Both the first- and second-row seats are equipped with heating, cooling and massage functions, while third-row passengers get heated outboard seats.
A factory dash camera records the road ahead, and clips can be accessed on the centre screen, or on the driver’s smartphone. A second interior camera lets drivers view the second-row seats on the centre screen, or from their smartphones to check on passengers. One surprising omission is the lack of a rear entertainment system, but below are more notable new and segment-first features that make this QX80 worthy as a true luxury SUV:
• With the press of a button, drivers can get a wide 170-degree front camera view broadcasted on both 14.3-inch screens for greater front visibility when navigating tight corners or approaching an intersection (called Front Wide View)
• A second-row biometric cooling feature uses a headlinermounted infrared sensor to detect when a passenger is hot, and adjusts temperature and air flow accordingly
• A 24-speaker Klipsch premium audio system includes speakers built into the front headrests, which allow the driver to take phone calls while passengers continue listening to music. Only the driver can hear the other person on the line, and the other person on the line is not able to hear music playing in the cabin
Cadillac Escalade IQ
If you’re open to an all-electric, full-size SUV and can accommodate a home charger (or have charging in your building), the Escalade IQ is your environmentally friendlier pick that provides a high degree of luxury, technology and a commanding American-sized presence.
The imposing front end features trick lighting sequences with its beautifully designed grille. It also has a fully independent air suspension that provides a smooth ride, even with available 24-inch wheels. The driver door can open and close hands-free, and without a traditional engine, a very large front cargo compartment offers additional cargo capacity.
Under the floor, a 200-kWh electric drivetrain can produce up to 750hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, and offers up to 724 km of range on a full charge. Despite its large footprint, it is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over five seconds.
The Escalade IQ’s unique four-wheel steering system (called Arrival Mode) makes it more nimble to pilot in tight parking lots, and even enables it to move diagonally. Being able to move diagonally helps you pull into or out of tight spaces easier.
Inside is a rolling luxury hotel suite and technological showcase. You get 55 total inches of high-definition screens almost end-to-end, including a front passenger screen with a privacy layer, an additional tablet-like screen for the climate controls, and an available 40-speaker AKG-Studio premium audio system.
Second-row passengers get lots of space and luxurious appointments, like available massaging and reclining seats, 12.6-inch screens and foldaway tray tables. A five-zone climate control system ensures passengers in all three rows are comfortable.
Defender OCTA
Starting MSRP: $175,000
If you don’t need three-row seating and want a more extreme SUV, the top-line Defender OCTA could be a compelling and exclusive choice, since it is limited to just 1,000 units in North America.
Defender is an off-road Land Rover sub-brand, and the OCTA will be the most powerful and capable Defender vehicle yet with a twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine that produces 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. A cutting-edge suspension system called 6D Dynamics enables the OCTA to handle like a sports car by maintaining body control despite the vehicle’s size, and maximizes independent wheel travel when off-road.
