Infiniti QX80 Red Sport: 600-hp performance SUV to rival BMW M
Infiniti QX80 Red Sport debuts with 600 horsepower
Infiniti QX80 Red Sport: 600-hp performance SUV to rival BMW M
Infiniti is launching the QX80 Red Sport, a 600-hp high-performance SUV to compete with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. Learn about its features and future plans.
2026-03-11T15:01:28+03:00
2026-03-11T15:01:28+03:00
2026-03-11T15:01:28+03:00
Infiniti is preparing to enter the territory of BMW M, AMG, and Audi S/RS, starting with a high-performance version of its flagship SUV. According to Automotive News, the brand is developing a QX80 Red Sport with around 600 horsepower. This model is set to be the first step in relaunching Infiniti's performance direction. This move makes sense: the segment of premium high-performance SUVs is growing, and the QX80 remains the brand's most sought-after model in the U.S.The Red Sport will feature subtle visual updates, including large red brake calipers, 24-inch wheels, and a signature red 'S' badge. The major changes, however, are under the hood. Infiniti aims to deliver a noticeable but not radical boost in performance, leaving room for a future extreme version. The price is expected to rise by about 10% compared to the Sport and Autograph trims.By 2028, a much more serious variant is expected: a nearly 700-horsepower QX80 with wider fenders, an active exhaust system, and a revised suspension. This won't be just a cosmetic upgrade. Infiniti plans to position it alongside models like the BMW X7 M60i, Mercedes-AMG GLS, and upcoming Audi performance SUVs.The company acknowledges that to recapture buyer attention, it needs to gradually increase the power and character of its models. Dealer interest confirms demand for such versions, and the success of the initial Red Sport will determine further expansion of the lineup, potentially up to SEMA concepts, including a 1,000-horsepower QX80 R-Spec. Infiniti is also considering off-road variants inspired by Track Spec and Trail Spec, aligning with the growing demand for powerful yet capable premium SUVs.Overall, Infiniti is betting on a phased approach to building its own high-performance sub-brand, aiming to re-enter the conversation about sporty premium brands.
Infiniti QX80 Red Sport, high-performance SUV, 600 horsepower, BMW M competitor, luxury SUV, Infiniti performance, premium SUV, automotive news
2026
Michael Powers
news
Infiniti QX80 Red Sport debuts with 600 horsepower
Infiniti is launching the QX80 Red Sport, a 600-hp high-performance SUV to compete with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. Learn about its features and future plans.
Michael Powers, Editor
Infiniti is preparing to enter the territory of BMW M, AMG, and Audi S/RS, starting with a high-performance version of its flagship SUV. According to Automotive News, the brand is developing a QX80 Red Sport with around 600 horsepower. This model is set to be the first step in relaunching Infiniti's performance direction. This move makes sense: the segment of premium high-performance SUVs is growing, and the QX80 remains the brand's most sought-after model in the U.S.
The Red Sport will feature subtle visual updates, including large red brake calipers, 24-inch wheels, and a signature red 'S' badge. The major changes, however, are under the hood. Infiniti aims to deliver a noticeable but not radical boost in performance, leaving room for a future extreme version. The price is expected to rise by about 10% compared to the Sport and Autograph trims.
By 2028, a much more serious variant is expected: a nearly 700-horsepower QX80 with wider fenders, an active exhaust system, and a revised suspension. This won't be just a cosmetic upgrade. Infiniti plans to position it alongside models like the BMW X7 M60i, Mercedes-AMG GLS, and upcoming Audi performance SUVs.
The company acknowledges that to recapture buyer attention, it needs to gradually increase the power and character of its models. Dealer interest confirms demand for such versions, and the success of the initial Red Sport will determine further expansion of the lineup, potentially up to SEMA concepts, including a 1,000-horsepower QX80 R-Spec. Infiniti is also considering off-road variants inspired by Track Spec and Trail Spec, aligning with the growing demand for powerful yet capable premium SUVs.
Overall, Infiniti is betting on a phased approach to building its own high-performance sub-brand, aiming to re-enter the conversation about sporty premium brands.
