Key Takeaways
- The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 features biometric cooling for the ultimate in passenger comfort.
- Biometric cooling technology works to automatically adjust the AC when it detects passengers are too warm.
- Both the front- and second-row passengers have access to this unique amenity.
The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 made its debut back in March with a new engine, a new look, and a more refined interior. This luxury SUV is the flagship vehicle in the Infiniti lineup, which means it needed to stand out not just from other Infiniti models, but from other luxury vehicles like the newly redesigned Genesis GV80.
2025 Infiniti QX80
- Base MSRP
-
$82,450
- Engine
-
3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 Gas
- Horsepower
-
450 hp
- Torque
-
516 lb-ft
- Transmission
-
9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
-
RWD or AWD
One way it does this is through its high-end styling with rich, quilted leather trims and plush seating. There are also great amenities with standard 10-way power front seats, a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, and ambient lighting.
It also gets loads of tech with a 14-inch digital instrument cluster and matching 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. It looks fantastic, but one of the best features isn’t something you see, it’s something you feel – the new biometric cooling system.
Luxury For All
Technically, you can see it if you look closely at the headliner where there’s an unobtrusive infrared sensor above the front overhead console. That little sensor is key to the whole system and key to your passengers riding in comfort. We reached out to Infiniti for details on how this fancy technology works and why the brand believes it’s part of providing the luxury Infiniti aims to achieve.
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“This is about a luxurious experience for all passengers. The vehicle recognizes the temperature needs of a passenger and responds accordingly.”
– Brent Hagan, Infiniti Sr Manager, Product Planning
What Is Biometric Cooling?
The idea is to make sure that passengers don’t get too hot and to make adjustments to the air conditioning without those passengers even needing to take action. Instead of having to increase fan speed or lower the air temperature, biometric cooling does the job on its own. It’s all about creating the right luxury experience.
“The Biometric Cooling system in the all-new Infiniti QX80 speaks to the overall design philosophy of Omotenashi, which means 1st class hospitality for all.”
While the system adjusts the temperature and fan speed, it does not change the angle of the vents. Wherever you already have the airflow aimed is where a little extra cool air will blow.
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Zoned Climate Control
It’s not an all or nothing proposition where everyone gets cooled off even if they were already comfortable. Hagan explained, “There are three HVAC zones in the vehicle (driver, passenger, and rear) and the system will adjust zones two or three. However, the system does not further divide up the rear zone to treat left/right passengers different within those zones.”
“The system can sense and respond up to four unique seating positions (front passenger and three additional in the second row) per key cycle.”
The system only works to cool you, however, so if it’s winter and you’re looking for a nice warm-up after scraping the ice off your car, then it can’t help. That might seem like an oversight, but there’s good reason for keeping it to cooling only.
A Matter Of Science
While it might seem like the infrared camera should be able to manage heating and cooling, it turns out the human body makes that a challenge. Our bodies react differently to hot and cold, which makes it too difficult to tell when we’re cold and might need a little warmth. “Research tells us that it is almost impossible to detect someone’s cold temperature since the human face temperature does not drop enough to accurately detect and calculate a heating need,” explains Hagan.
There’s also the practical problem of vent placement. “Our HVAC vents are located in the headliner to maximize the cooling effect as cold air drops,” said Hagan. When you’re too hot, cold air on your face feels wonderful. The same is not true when you’re too cold and want to get warm.
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“Typically, someone who is cold would prefer not to have air blowing on their face,” says Hagan. “Hot air rises and is most comfortable when dispersed, not pinpoint blowing. For situations when a passenger is cold, our Auto HVAC works well and directs airflow to the feet through lower vents to provide maximum comfort.”
While you still have to handle things the old-fashioned way and bump up the temp yourself when you’re chilly, the biometric cooling in the Infiniti QX80 will help keep your passengers comfortable on hot summer days.
