Having already expanded into the entry-level premium segment with the QX30 crossover, Infiniti is now considering to add a new large SUV to its lineup. According to Infiniti's->ke36 executive design director Alfonso Albaisa, the SUV->ke145 in question would be a flagship vehicle placed above the QX80, currently the brand's largest and most expensive offering.

" something new... probably more in the portfolio of expansion than renovation," he told AutoGuide at the 2015 New York Auto Show.->ke226 "There is the potential for people to pay more than they are for a car like the QX80," he added, hinting toward a six-figure sticker.

Although it already has the QX80 Limited as a high-grade rival for the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator, it seems Infiniti is actually pondering a larger and more expensive model to compete against the Premium and Platinum trims of the longer Cadillac ESV model. Albaisa didn't say how expensive this SUV would be, but he did indicate that Infiniti is considering at least one model priced from over $100,000.

For the 2015 model year, Infiniti's most expensive models are the Q60 IPL Convertible from $62,100, and the QX80 from $63,250. A fully loaded QX80 comes in at a little over $90,00.

Continue reading to learn more about Infiniti's future SUV.

Why it matters

A $100K+ Infiniti may sound out of this world, but this isn't the first time the Japanese have considered it. Back when the GT-R-powered Q50 Eau Rouge was still considered for production, former Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen claimed the sedan could cost as much as $100,000 before options. Now that the Eau Rouge is dead and buried after de Nysschen's departure to Cadillac, Infiniti is looking for other ways to introduced it's first ever $100K vehicle. Whether such an expensive Infiniti makes sense or not will depend on the numberof luxury customers willing to fork over that kind of dough.

Infiniti QX80 Limited

The 2015 model year brought very few updates to the QX80, but it received a higher-grade Limited trim, which offers an unprecedented number of standard technology, convenience and luxury features. On the outside, dark chrome was added front to rear, along with massive 22-inch wheels and three exclusive body paints. The interior received a unique Truffle Brown design with acres of leather and numerous wood inserts, as well as a 15-speaker Bose Surround stereo. The engine remained unchaged, meaning the 5.6-liter V-8 pumps out the same 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed automatic. Find out more in our full review here.