2019 Infiniti Q70

Even when you take the top-of-the-line Advance Package V6 with all-wheel drive, the near $66,000 price is still a bargain compared to similarly equipped Mercedes or Audi cars. Powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine, the Infiniti Q70 has all the power needed for your regular drive. Passing and merging isn’t an issue with this engine. The Q70 is offered in RWD if you live in cold regions than you can opt for the AWD model for a minimal expense.

2019 Infiniti Q70 is available in two trim levels: 3.7 Luxe and 5.6 Luxe. Both these trims are offered with RWD as standard. The base trim is equipped with a 3.7-liter engine. For an additional expense of $2150, you can add AWD. You can also choose from a similarly equipped large wheelbase model name Q70L. It is available with both the engines and your choice of drivetrain.

The base 3.7 trim is available with dual-zone climate control, sunroof, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, and a top-down parking camera. Leather upholstery takes interior ambiance to a higher level. The 10-speaker Bose audio system is a treat for the audiophile inside you.

The 5.6 Luxe brings in a good old V8 engine to the mix. You get a substantial power boost but that’s all. This trim shares all the features with the base 3.7 Luxe trim. There are two optional packages available- Sport package and ProActive package. The former package evokes the sporty character with bigger wheels, tightened springs and interior changes that suit a sport sedan. The ProActive package brings essential safety features like Blind Spot Warning, Distance Control Assist and more. These packages will cost you $4,900 and $3,300 respectively.

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Equip your Infiniti Q70 sedan with the big burly V8 engine. In its current form, the Q70 cannot hold its ground against the newly updated competition. So, choose that 5.6 Luxe trim to make your drive a more pleasurable affair. Driver assistance features are not offered as standard so, it is necessary to pick the optional ProActive package for better safety.

“This is a genuine sport sedan. The V8 is big and burly, and the steering and brakes are effective. Much is outdated about the Q70, but performance remains a strength.”-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Infiniti Q70 is offered with a 330-hp V6 motor which comes mated to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. Over the years, not much has changed under the skin. Under the very long hood, it is Nissan’s venerable VQ engine doing all the heavy-duty work. Although you will surely miss the low-end grunt of modern turbocharged engines offered by the rivals it isn’t a deal-breaker.

Step on the throttle and the V6 engine responds it won’t howl or push you to pack into the seats but it comfortably cruises at highway speeds – all day long. Want to be buried into the seat, get that 5.6 V8 engine which puts out 416 horsepower. Get that engine and the Q70 will do speeds that are, well unsuitable for an Infiniti.

Considering the competition, the Infiniti has a head start when it comes to raw power. The 330 hp is easily the best in this comparison. Compare the torque output, the Genesis G80 makes a whopping 293 ft-lbs, of torque but to extract that you need to sit at the mountain of 5000 rpm which is not possible in real-world conditions. When we consider this scenario than the turbo-fours from Jaguar and Lexus have an edge over the rest. They provide a substantial amount of their torque output at very low rpm.

Acceleration

2019 Infiniti Q70 sedan runs the zero to sixty mph marker in 5.6 seconds and quarter-mile is achieved in 14.2 seconds. Don’t let the size fool you, this sedan can be fun. It won’t feel sluggish but you will constantly be aware of its size due to the long hood. To make things more pleasant, you can choose from an array of drive modes.

The V6 engine delivers a linear and predictable surge of acceleration across the engine’s power band. This is something that naturally aspirated engines do so well it is so easy to add that extra 10 percent without any fuss. The response is more like your foot is hardwired to the pedal.

The turbocharged Jaguar XF is the quickest of this lot – it does a naught to sixty in 5 seconds. Jag is followed by Infiniti’s 5.6 second time. Lexus GS 300 takes the longest to rush to the coveted 60mph marker. The smaller inline-four engines from Jaguar and Lexus have lower carbon footprint.

Ride and Handling

You have got drive modes, in the Sport mode, the Infiniti V6 is not A to B commuter. The throttle response is sharp and transmission switches to the right gear ratios and even when you are on the brakes it will hold the gears for a longer time. The Q70 begs you to bury the pedal down and keep the revs up. The steering also stiffens up to support the powertrain in its mission for speed. You can confidently glide this barge of a sedan as you want. You can take this experience to another level by opting for the Sport package which brings in stiffer suspension, 20-inch wheels, and more powerful brakes.

If you are one of those who prefer a more comfortable ride then you have the Eco mode to be grateful for. As the name suggests, it is the exact opposite of the Sport mode. The engine runs quiet and transmission isn’t eager to switch gears in favor of efficiency. And if you try to mash the pedal to metal then the accelerator pedal actually ‘pushes your foot back’ reminding you of the oath to save the environment.

Braking

The brake pedals have reassuring feedback. 2019 Infiniti Q70 screeches to a halt from 70 mph within 167 feet. These are better than average numbers for this segment. Infiniti has calibrated the brakes well to inspire confidence. If you want to add more stopping power, then the Sport package comes with aluminum 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers.

The Genesis G80 offers a similar braking performance, taking an identical 167 feet to stop from 70 mph. The Jaguar XF and Lexus GS need more tarmac to achieve similar results.

The Infiniti Q70 is a little behind if you want to run efficiently. 2019 Q70 sedan scores a meager 21 mpg of combined mileage. There isn’t much to blame due to the aging V6 mill. Go up to the V8 trim and the fuel efficiency take an even severe drop. And when we compare it to the other cars, it easy to find that the modern four-bangers are more inclined towards saving fuel and deliver more usable torque down the rev range.

Genesis G80 sedan scores a combined mpg of 22 while bettering Infiniti’s score by a margin by 1. The smaller and efficient turbo-fours set new standards for this segment. 2019 Jaguar XF leads the pack with a combined mpg of 28.

“The Q70 lacks the composed suppleness on rough roads that shoppers in this segment rightly expect. The structure too readily quivers and shakes. This is partly down to the big 20-inch wheels and tires. Rivals with similar equipment exhibit more refinement.”-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Apart from the outdated tech, there is not much to complain about here. The Q70’s cabin offers generous room. Even in the standard-wheelbase model, the rear has a very good space. The cabin has been nicely trimmed with leather-appointments and tastefully applied metal inserts. The overall quality of the materials is high. The cabin can accommodate 5 people but the space for the middle rear seat is restricted.

The whole switches and toggles may feel out of time now but these dials fall naturally to the hand. And it shows the effort Infiniti has put into it. The wood inserts elevate the cabin ambiance.

If you are going to be in the rear seat most of the time. If you are going to be chauffeured around town then you would be quietly happy with the rear seats offered in the Q70L version. With almost 6 inches more legroom. You would get a proper luxury sedan experience. Yet, the absence of a rear-seat entertainment and controls for the climate control can restrict you from an ultimate luxury experience.

Infotainment System

This is the department that lets you down. Infiniti hasn’t made any major changes to its decade-old infotainment system. Dated is the word that aptly defines this system. The graphics are low resolution and it would take a while before you are acquainted with them. The only saving grace is the 10-speaker audio system from Bose. As expected the Infiniti Q70 misses out on Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Interior Features

The Q70 sedan offers a very welcoming interior trim. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• Leather-appointed seating
• Japanese Ash wood trim
• 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s and Passenger’s seats
• Climate-controlled front seats
• 10-Speaker Bose Premium Audio System
• Active Noise Control
• Rear-seat center armrest with storage

Cargo volume

The Infiniti Q70 doesn’t score very well when we talk about utility. The trunk capacity is just average – 14.9 cu-ft. Small-item storage is also poor. No cleverly designed space to tuck in your smartphone. The center console under the armrest offers decent storage. Competitors offer more storage and also come with a hands-free trunk.

“The Q70 is at once elegant, muscular, yet understated. We're thankful that Infiniti has resisted the temptation to add a gaping grille to the Q70, as has become the trend among so many other luxury automakers…”-KelleyBlueBook

Design and Dimensions

Infiniti Q70 stands the tallest in the pack at 59.1-inches and it is blessed with 6.0-inch ground clearance. Q70 is elegant to look at and it really complemented by the muscular touches on the exterior. Even at 196.1 inches, the Q70 has a good street presence. Thankfully, Infiniti has resisted from putting on a gaping grille on the front. It has preserved the Q70’s understated look.

The Genesis G80 tips the scales at 4195 lbs. and 196.5-inches sedan easily steals the crown for the longest sedan in this comparison. It also offers a good interior room due to a 118.5-inch wheelbase. The Jaguar and Lexus score a little low at the proportions game.

The Infiniti Q70 screams expensive when you glance at one passing by the street. You can easily mistake it for a $75,000 car. The design isn’t a departure from the discontinued M56. The front looks big and it announces its arrival. For their segment, the Infiniti Q70 and Q70L look like a lot of money but a bare-bones Infiniti sedan costs a tad more than $50,000. The package is well done with bits of chrome, big shiny wheels, and back haunches.

You want more attention, then try the Q70L. This one comes with a longer wheelbase and offers more legroom. You can notice that long back window and when you arrive people will surely know that you are doing well at your work.

The Q70 misses out on the active driver assistance features. If you want those features then you need to pick the optional ProActive package which will bring those safety aids. The standard features on the Q70 sedan are mentioned below:

• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental airbags
• Front-seat active head restraints
• The 4-wheel anti-lock braking system
• Traction control system
• Vehicle dynamic control
• Emergency inside trunk release
• Vehicle security system

Infiniti Q70 vs Jaguar XF

The supercharged 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is a good offering in the mid-level luxury sedan segment. Even in the base trim, the XF packs a decent punch with this engine. But in matters of raw power, the Q70 is ponies ahead of the Jag. The XF blends practicality and when pushed hard doesn’t fail to show its fun to drive nature. The XF has been designed and built well and it provides a tough time for the Japanese and German competitors.

Infiniti Q70 vs Lexus GS 300

Lexus GS 300 sedan starts at a price of $46,610. It is offered with a 241 hp inline-four engine. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed transmission. This mid-size sedan has a well-appointed interior trim and it is reasonably priced for the luxury it offers.

The GS sedan doesn’t score high on utility. The rear cargo space is below average. The infotainment system can be tricky to use in the beginning. The available 2.0-liter engine is best suited for A to B driving. It doesn’t take well to enthusiastic input from the driver. Lexus being one of the most reputed luxury brands around will mean lesser breakdowns and repair bills.

Infiniti Q70 vs Genesis G80

Genesis G80 has a luxurious interior with a generous list of safety features and the latest smartphone integration technology. It has a very powerful engine lineup, like the Infiniti Q70 its average fuel economy isn’t what we call efficient. But it also has a below-class-average starting price, which makes the G80 a good value and deserving of a high spot on your list.

Infiniti Q70 takes an old school approach here – there are 2 mills on offer. A 330 hp V6 and 416 hp V8. The bare-bones 3.7 Luxe trim will cost you $50,300. If you need the extra legroom in the back, the price will jump to $51,800.

Lack of features restricts you from having a premier luxury sedan experience. First on this list is a snappy infotainment system. Those graphics seriously look like they have been copied from a 90’s interface. Lack of rear-seat entertainment for the passengers. Even the larger-wheelbase model misses out on that. Utility on offer isn’t the best in the segment. Mere 14.9 cu-ft. of cargo space, absence of power liftgate, smartphone integration hurt the Q70 badly.

But if we talk about value for the dollar, then Infiniti Q70 sedan shines in a different light. It can easily pass off for a $75,000 car. If you are going to be behind the wheel a lot, the V8 engine will make you grin ear to ear. The Q70 in this guise comes off as a good sport sedan. If you want a fancy car with all the bells and whistles then you better skip this one for now.