X7 vs QX80
BMW versus Infiniti: the X7 and the QX80 go after the same full-size luxury suv buyer. If you only read one line, make it this: the QX80 takes 3 of 4 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX80 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X7 wins
- Space & Practicality QX80 wins
- Off-road & Towing QX80 wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.4
- Off-road & Towing8.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The X7 has better fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 22 mpg to the QX80’s 18 mpg, the X7 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The X7 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The QX80 has 75 hp more power
Put simply, the QX80 is far ahead here: 450 hp compared with 375 hp. The QX80’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The QX80 has 118 lb-ft more torque
The QX80’s 516 lb-ft leaves the X7’s 398 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The QX80 has room for 8 seats
Close, but not identical: the QX80 lists 8 seats and the X7 lists 7 seats. The QX80 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The X7 has better city fuel economy
Not a close call. The X7 lists 20 mpg and the QX80 lists 16 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the X7 has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.1 in |
Engine & Performance
QX80 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the QX80. The QX80 has the edge with 75 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the QX80 gets the nod.
Total system output
X7: 375 hp QX80: 450 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
X7: 398 lb-ft QX80: 516 lb-ft The QX80’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
X7 leads
The X7 wins the fuel economy & range section decisively. Point to the X7 for better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the X7.
Fuel economy (combined)
X7: 22 mpg QX80: 18 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
X7: 20 mpg QX80: 16 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the X7 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
QX80 leads
The QX80 edges the space & practicality section, though the X7 stays close. Choose the QX80 and you get room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. That makes the QX80 the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
X7: 7 seats QX80: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
QX80 leads
The QX80 does a little better in the off-road & towing section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the X7. The QX80 makes its case with 1,000 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the QX80 is the safer choice.
Max towing
X7: 7,500 lb QX80: 8,500 lb If you tow regularly, the QX80’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 375 hp | 450 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 22 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 101 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 8,500 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X7 | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.1 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X7 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (22 mpg vs 18 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (20 mpg vs 16 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (24 mpg vs 20 mpg on the highway)
Choose the QX80 if…
- you want more power (450 hp vs 375 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (516 lb-ft vs 398 lb-ft of torque)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (8,500 lb vs 7,500 lb)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X7 or the QX80?
We’d point most buyers to the QX80. The main exception is if having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
Whenever BMW and Infiniti go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the X7 and the QX80 are no exception. The biggest reason I lean toward the QX80 is simple: it has 75 hp more power. Then there’s room for 8 seats, another point for the QX80. That said, the X7 answers with better fuel economy, which some people will value more.
Fit matters more than scores here. The X7 suits buyers focused on fuel economy & range; the QX80 suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the QX80 is the one I’d buy, unless you’d rather have better fuel economy on the X7.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.