To say the Cadillac Escalade performs well in its segment is an understatement. Instead, the Escalade dominates its space when it comes to sales volume, setting a high bar for all of its rivals as they try to cut into the full-size luxury SUV’s share. Infiniti certainly has its sights on the Escalade, and the automaker has begun testing its next-gen 2025 Infiniti QX80 under heavy camouflage.
The Infiniti QX80 began life under the QX56 nameplate back in 2004. The full-size luxury SUV underwent a second-generation overhaul for the 2011 model year, and received a midcycle refresh for the 2015 model year in conjunction with receiving its new QX80 nameplate. It was treated to another refresh for the 2018 model year and has carried on largely unchanged since then.
Next-gen Infiniti QX80 prototype
2023 Cadillac Escalade-V
The 2025 model year will represent the third generation for the QX80. While difficult to discern under the heavy camouflage, new exterior styling is expected, bringing revised lighting elements, a restyling of both the front and rear fascias, flush-mounted door handles and revised D-pillar treatment. Sources familiar with the matter told Cadillac Society that a concept for this new model, known as the QX80 Monograph, will be revealed in June, to show off the design without wraps for the first time.
As previously mentioned, the Cadillac Escalade is easily the most popular vehicle in its segment. While the Infiniti QX80 has gained some ground, the chasm between sales of the two is still quite large.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury SUVs - 2022 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | YTD 22 SHARE | YTD 21 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADILLAC ESCALADE | -40.03% | 24,290 | 40,505 | 32% | 54% |
| CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV | * | 15,957 | 0 | 21% | 0% |
| LINCOLN NAVIGATOR | -15.51% | 13,206 | 15,631 | 17% | 21% |
| JEEP GRAND WAGONEER | +338.73% | 11,736 | 2,675 | 15% | 4% |
| INFINITI QX80 | -42.68% | 7,206 | 12,572 | 9% | 17% |
| LEXUS LX | +2.22% | 3,642 | 3,563 | 5% | 5% |
| TOTAL | +1.46% | 76,037 | 74,946 |
The QX80 placed near the bottom of its segment during the 2022 calendar year, selling 7,206 units to the Escalade’s 24,290 units and the Escalade ESV’s 15,957 sales.
Sales Numbers - Cadillac Escalade - 2022 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | YTD 22 SHARE | YTD 21 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADILLAC ESCALADE | -40.03% | 24,290 | 40,505 | 60% | 100% |
| CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV | * | 15,957 | 0 | 40% | 0% |
| TOTAL | -0.64% | 40,247 | 40,505 |
Combined, the Escalade family accounted for 40,247 sales, vastly outperforming all of its rivals, including the Infiniti QX80. However, the QX80’s generational shift could certainly bolster its sales by attracting new customers to the model.
Next-gen Infiniti QX80 prototype
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac isn’t standing still, and will bring the 2024 Cadillac Escalade a refresh with revised exterior styling along with potential updates to the interior, potentially increasing its appeal. Odds are, however, that Escalade sales will continue to easily outpace its rivals.
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Mark Teller
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