The 2026 INFINITI QX60 has made its first Middle East appearance, accompanied by the debut of the region’s first QX60 Sport variant. The launch reflects how the brand is trying to refine its position in a segment dominated by feature-rich, family-focused SUVs, particularly in markets like the UAE where practicality and comfort shape most purchase decisions. The update follows last year’s regional introduction of the redesigned QX80, signalling a steady refresh of the lineup rather than a dramatic shift in direction.
The new QX60 arrives with a design language that aligns more closely with the QX80, marked by a larger double-arch grille with vertical elements, reshaped bumpers and slimmer lighting signatures. A new Deep Emerald paint option adds to the palette—a shade that appears tailored to current global trends but makes a noticeable impression on Gulf roads. From the side, the lowered visual stance and reworked proportions give the SUV a more planted look without altering its seven-seat format.
Inside, the cabin focuses on connectivity and cleaner presentation. Google built-in is now part of INFINITI’s InTouch system in this region, offering direct access to Google Maps, Assistant and selected apps without relying solely on phone mirroring. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain available for those who prefer their own device ecosystem. A 16-speaker Klipsch audio system with headrest speakers transfers over from the QX80, allowing the driver to handle calls or listen privately while rear passengers rest—an accommodation likely to matter on long inter-emirate drives. Driver assistance features continue through ProPILOT Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping functions, aimed more at easing routine highway travel than offering anything close to autonomous capability.
The QX60’s interior layout remains built around school-run realities, with one-touch access to the third row and options for either a traditional bench or captain’s chairs in higher trims. Cargo space stays usable even with all three rows upright, reinforcing the model’s role as a multi-purpose family SUV. In the UAE, the trim structure runs from Pure and Luxe to Sensory, Sport and Autograph, with prices expected to start around AED 255,000 and rise to about AED 300,000 depending on configuration. The Sport grade sits near the upper end at roughly AED 290,000.
The introduction of the first QX60 Sport grade adds a more assertive visual package but no mechanical changes. It keeps the same powertrain—globally a 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine with a nine-speed automatic—while adding gloss black 20-inch wheels, darker exterior accents and a reshaped front bumper. Inside, the Sport grade leans on graphite-inspired materials and, in certain specifications, a suede-style headliner. It’s positioned for buyers who prefer a sharper aesthetic without moving into performance-SUV territory or taking on the price of the larger QX80.
Separate from the vehicle itself, the brand continues to push its INFINITI Beyond membership program in the region, currently targeted at QX80 owners. The effort frames ownership as an ongoing relationship rather than a transactional purchase, offering curated events, wellness-driven perks and additional support services via an app. It’s a strategy that aligns with what other premium manufacturers are experimenting with in GCC markets, where high-end SUV customers often respond to extended ownership experiences. Whether this model expands to other vehicles, such as the QX60, remains to be seen.
Overall, the 2026 QX60 introduces incremental updates rather than sweeping changes, but the mix of revised styling, expanded tech and a new Sport grade keeps it competitive within the Middle East family SUV segment—one that values comfort, technology and familiarity over disruptive reinvention.
