As a born and raised Detroit resident, the automobile industry holds a special place in my heart. Like many in Motor City, I have a slew of relatives, spanning generations, who’ve worked in “the plant” as loyal employees of companies like Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. But for me and my family, it treads further. When my grandfather and his brother migrated from rural Alabama to the bustling metropolis of Detroit, they were in search of a better life and that journey led them to gaining employment in these auto factories. This foundation on which my family was built is why I was ecstatic to test drive the 2025 INFINITI QX80 earlier this year.
A host of other journalists and I had the opportunity to take INFINITI’s latest creation for a spin after the auto brand whisked us away to the tranquil paradise of Napa Valley. Now, I wouldn’t consider myself as much of a car enthusiast as other folks, but I have a profound appreciation for the tireless work that goes into creating these vehicles that serve as more than products for commercial use. These vehicles are crucial aspects of familial structure and lore. The way that I can fondly reflect on the adventures my cousins and I had in my grandfather’s vehicle is similar to how I felt test driving the QX80 with its many features, starting with the exterior.
Exterior of the INFINITI QX80
As a journalist, it’s safe to say that my idea of luxury differs from my peers in higher tax brackets, but the INFINITI QX80 allows me to have a taste of fabulousness. The sleek, confident look and feel of the vehicle rivals that of any luxury vehicle, but the affordable QX80 makes for a better option. I felt like a celebrity – on a budget – which was cool to me. While the beautiful exterior is certainly a marvel, the auto’s expansive interior is a feat of its own. The accessibility across its interior features is truly game-changing, as drivers are able to multitask while adhering to safety protocols.
As someone whose familial roots were planted in roaring automobile factories across Detroit, it’s safe to say that I grew up around folks whose voices carried. As a fellow loudmouth who picked up on that, um, talent, it’s hard for me to speak quietly, but the INFINITI QX80’s features met me halfway. The 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system allows drivers to focus on phone calls via the privacy of their headrest. Yes, even when riding with others. Imagine being able to have an entire conversation without your nosey friends and family being able to listen! I wasn’t just sold on the individual audio aspect but the camera technology as well.
As someone whose family is tight-knit and who loves to cherish important moments through photographs, the built in car-camera makes it easy to continue to do just that. Not only is the camera great for capturing those precious memories but it also enhances the navigation experience. The Front Wide View and QX80 3D Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection features make it easier to monitor the safety of what’s happening outside the vehicle.
While there’s so much to say about the many features and capabilities, I can attest to accessibility and the authentic experience of the driver being the clear focal points in INFINITI unveiling the game-changing QX80.
