Infiniti looks to cut new niche with sharp Q70
Infiniti is looking to sculpt its top-end sedan’s persona and cut a niche in the premium segment with its updated 2015 Q70. While it’s not a complete redesign, the Q70 arrives with revised exterior styling, a few technical tweaks and a new long-wheelbase model.
The luxury segment is very competitive, and matching key points such as quality materials, fit and finish and safety/technology offerings is imperative to making the grade. The newQ70 starts off right by delivering an“L” version of the sedan that is longer and more luxurious. It also take great strides with exterior enhancements that make it more aggressive and even Maserati-like (in looks only).
Emulating the styling of the smaller Infiniti Q50, the Q70 offers the latest version of Infiniti’s corporate face. I really liked the more aggressive-looking headlights with LED accents, the extra-sculpted front grille and new chrome accents. The Q70 retains its exaggerated front fender arches, giving the car a Maserati-like look from some angles.
The rear of the 2015 Q70 has been updated with new taillights, higher-impact chrome accents and a revised lower bumper section. Rim/wheel options allow for tailoring of the aggressive look.
The Q70 powertrains are a 3.7-literV-6 or a 5.6-literV-8. Both come mated to an impressive seven-speed automatic transmission which enhances throttle response.
Steering in the Q70 is mostly direct and accurate, but it’s a little vague on-center. This Q70 system is now Infiniti’s newest and most impressive.
The 5.6-literV-8, which delivers 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, provides impressive acceleration that matches the exterior athleticism. The 3.7-literV-6, which is the most popular engine choice, offers 330 horsepower. Fuel economy is 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, more than comparable to others in this segment.
The Q70 interior is mostly unchanged for 2015. That means you get outstanding fit and finish, wood accents, supple leather seating and soft-touch surfaces. It also means you still get the Achilles’ heel for Infiniti, which is its center stack that is overly cluttered with buttons and the LCD screen that feels outdated.
In addition to the quiet cabin, I found the Q70’s front seats comfortable and supportive and rear-seat space more than adequate for this segment. Front power adjustments provide excellent custom comfort.
Like most modern luxury cars, the Q70 offers a long list of technologies and safety features, although I still think some of the systems are a bit dated. One complaint was the forward radar system, which slammed the brakes several times with very little reason to react in that manner.
The Q70 starts at $49,850, and my tester exceeded $65,000 with options and delivery; the long version can reach more than $67,000. This makes the Q70 competitive on pricing and looks with other luxury sedans. If you opt for the bigger engine, you get amazing performance that mirrors the new, aggressive exterior styling and a lot of fun to go with the refinement inside the cabin.