2018 Infiniti Q70

The 2018 Q70 with its new "Luxe" badge offers Infiniti in touch single display as standard on all variants, rest remains unchanged in terms of styling as well as performance.

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 is available in 3 trims with various engine and tech combinations catering to wide choices and requirements. The 2018 Infinity Q70 is a luxury sedan with three available engine options each married to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The trims not just only vary in luxury features but also each of them gets an entirely different powerhouse under the hood. This niche categorization is planted to make the 2018 Q70 fit in almost every luxury sedan price bracket and it does outshine as a cost-effective option.

Trims	3.7 Luxe	5.6 Luxe	Hybrid Luxe
MSRP(RWD)	50,300	$63,350	$56,400
MSRP(AWD)	52,450	$65,900	N/A
Features	LUXE standard key features: Double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension 10-way power heated front seats Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control INFINITI Intelligent Key RearView Monitor INFINITI 8-inch color info display Sirius Satellite Radio Sirius Travel Link with 4-year complimentary trial access to weather, fuel prices, movie times, sports scores, and stocks	Includes all Q70 3.7 LUXE standard key features plus: 420-hp 5.6-liter V8 Climate-controlled front seats Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection Front and Rear Sonar System Bose 10-speaker Premium Audio Leather-appointed seating surfaces INFINITI InTouch Navigation INFINITI InTouch Services including 12 months of safety, security, and convenience features Sirius Traffic with 4-year complimentary trial access to real-time traffic information	Includes all Q70 3.7 LUXE standard key features plus: 360 combined-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 50kW electric motor Regenerative Braking Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)

The versions are further subdivided into AWD and RWD categories adding a small premium to their respective costs. However, the Hybrid avatar is available only in RWD configuration.

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The 5.7L V8 variant with its stellar performance figure carries a hefty price tag too making the humble 3.6L V6 base variant in AWD configuration a more wise pick.

“The 2018 Infiniti Q70 is a pleasure to drive. Regardless of which powertrain you choose, you’ll have plenty of muscle to accelerate quickly. This sedan delivers crisp cornering while keeping its occupants comfortable over uneven pavement. The Q70 isn’t quite as fuel-efficient as most rivals, however.”- cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

The Q70 is powered by its old-school high displacement power mill – a 3.6L V6 naturally aspirated motor mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission managing a decent power of 330 HP and 270lb-ft of torque. The above combination further provides a choice between AWD and RWD option and various add-on packages, adding luxury and performance to the available trims.

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
MSRP	$50,300	$49,700	$52,950	$52,400
Engine	3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6	2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder	2.0L Inline 4 Turbo	2.0LTwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	9 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic
Power	330 hp	252 hp	241 hp	248 hp
Torque	270 lb-ft	273 lb-ft	273 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

The rivals, on the other hand, offers smaller engines with technically advanced powerhouses, Audi A6 premium with its 2.0L TFSI unit churns out 252 HP of power and 273 lb-ft of torque, BMW 530i offers 248 HP and 258 lb-ft torque with its 2.0L twin turbo block and Mercedes Benz E300 have 2.0L turbocharged engine capable of 241 Hp of power and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Clearly, the 2018 Q70 provides stellar performance figures and is way beyond than its competitor concluding that there is no replacement for displacement.

Acceleration

The Infiniti Q70 with its punchy performance rushes to 0-60 in just 6 seconds, the BMW 530i reflects similar clock time as the latter. Mercedes E300 is slightly slower at 6.2 seconds and Audi A6 premium is the most sedate at 6.7 seconds for 0-60 MPH

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes Benz E300	BMW 530i
0 – 60 mph	6.0 sec	6.7 sec	6.2 sec	6.0 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	14.7 sec	14.3 sec	13.5 sec
Engine	3.7L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L

The quarter-mile chase is an altogether different story having BMW 530i with its twin turbo on duty as a king at a mere 13.5 seconds followed by Mercedes E300 at 14.3 seconds. The Q70 stood at number three for the quarter-mile chase with a clock time of 14.6 seconds.

Handling and Steering

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 provides ample power to complement its sheer size and its sound dynamics delivers a pleasurable driving experience. The sedan stands on Double wishbone suspension setup at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear providing crisp cornering abilities while keeping its occupants comfortable even on rough pavements.

The steering being adequately weighted enacts easy and light manoeuvres at low speed and gives adequate feedback even at high-speed sprints.

Braking

The Q70 holds a confidence inspiring braking experience coming to standstill from 60-0 mph in just 113 ft. The standard brake setup is also topped with advanced safety features of ABS with EBD and brake assist feature.

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
60 – 0 mph	113	117	106	106
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3876	3858	3792	3746
Brake (Front)	12.6	13.6	12.7	11.6
Brake (Rear)	12.1	13	11.8	11.7

The Audi A6 premium is the poorest performer in braking traveling 117 feet to a standstill. BMW 530i and Mercedes E300 share the podium and outperform all the rivals with the least decelerating distance of 106 feet.

The Infiniti Q70 is a great performer with agile handling characteristics but it turns out to be the thirstiest sipping a gallon of fuel for just 18 miles in city driving and travels 25 miles on the highway.                                            

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
MPG (City)	18	25	22	24
MPG (Hwy)	25	34	30	34
MPG (Combined)	21	29	26	29

The fuel economy figures further look horrific when compared to the frugal Audi A6 premium and BMW 530i with similar combined fuel economy figure of 29 MPG. The benefit of smaller turbocharged engines is clearly evident in the fuel economy face off.

“Overall, the 2018 Infiniti Q70 has an upscale cabin. Most surfaces are covered in high-quality materials, the seats are comfortable and spacious, and the cabin’s design is pleasing. However, it’s not the most up-to-date. It doesn’t look as contemporary as the cabins in many rivals, and its infotainment system is outdated.”- cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

The Q70 is a gem in passenger comfort providing class-leading room in both front and rear rows. The seats are layered with premium leatherette, are power adjustable and ventilated with heating functionality.

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (Ft.3)	103.6	97.2	98	98.8
Headroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	39.1/37.7	37.2 / 37.8	37.9 / 38.2	38.8 / 37.5
Legroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	44.0/36.2	41.3 / 37.4	41.3 / 35.8	41.4 / 36.5

The Q70 has the most generous headroom of the bunch as well as it provides best in class cabin space to the consumers.

Interior Features

Here is a list of the standout features in the 2018 Infiniti Q70’s cabin:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• RearView Monitor
• Heated front seats
• 10-way power adjustable and heated front seats
• INFINITI 8-inch color info display
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• All-doors one-touch power windows with auto-operation
• Rear view camera
• Analog INFINITI clock

Optional features include:

• Memory for driver’s seat, steering wheel column and door mirrors (linked to I-Key)
• Reverse synchronization of exterior door mirrors
• Heated steering wheel

Infotainment System

The standard infotainment is a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/iPod connectivity provides decent sound output but this standard setup is near to obsolescence. The non-availability of Apple car play/Android auto is a sour affair for such a premium offering.

For music and ICE enthusiast, the Q70 provides an optional multimedia pack hosting a 16 speaker Bose surround sound system. The standard infotainment system consists of:

• six-speaker audio system
• INFINITI 8-inch color info display
• iPod/USB port
• Bluetooth
• Radio
• 10GB INFINITI Music Box

The Optional Upgrades

There are a few optional upgrades available here as well

• Bose® Premium Surround Sound system with 5.1-channel decoding,
• 16 speakers and Engine Harmonic Cancellation technology
• Connectivity + system

Trunk Volume

The Infiniti Q70 stands second in trunk capacity having 14.9 ft³ of available volume for rejuvenating family trips and long travel escapades.

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3)	14.9	14.1	13.1	18.7

BMW 530i is stellar in cargo capacity offering a monstrous 18.7 cubic feet of available trunk volume. The Audi A6 premium and Mercedes-Benz E300 trails last with 14.1 ft³ and 13.1 ft³ trunk volume respectively.

“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.”- Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 is the heaviest sedan of the group with a curb weight of 3876 lbs and at the same time the longest at 194.7 inches with outrageously tight competition from BMW 530i standing long at 194.6 inches.

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 carries forward its genes from the older M sedan with subtle changes over the years in various iterations. The design boasts of curves right from front till the end evolving a crescent shape with big swept back headlamps and double arched grille with 3D waved mesh at the front instituting a distinctive admirable styling.

Model	Infiniti Q70 3.7 Luxe	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)	Mercedes-Benz  E300	BMW 530i
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3876	3858	3792	3746
Wheelbase (in)	114.2	114.6	115.7	117.1
Length (in)	194.7	194.2	193.8	194.6
Width (in)	72.6	73.8	73.7	73.5
Height (in)	59.1	57.8	57.8	58.2
Ground Clearance (in)	6.0	6.6	5.5	6.2
Track Width – Front (in)	62.2	64.1	63.6	63

The dual exhaust with chrome muffler appliqué and full LED taillights give the Q70 a sportier appearance from the rear. Overall the styling is a graceful merging of elegance and modernity making the Q70 a visual attraction. The overall dimensions of all the competitors fall almost under the same perimeter with Q70 being the least wide at 72.6 inches and Audi A6 premium at 73.8 inches is the widest of the bunch.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• LED auto-level headlights and Daytime Running Light with Front LED fog lamps
• Attractive 10-spoke alloy wheel design
• LED rear lampsAuto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
• Twin exhaust tailpipes with chrome finisher
• Moonroof

IIHS gave 2018 Infiniti Q70 their maximum rating of ‘Good’ in all their crash tests.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Ratings
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A

The overall rating of Infiniti Q70 by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Ratings (Out of 5 stars) is not available as of now.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Ratings (Out of 5 stars)
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	N/A
Side Barrier Rating	N/A
Side Barrier Rating Driver	N/A
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	N/A
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	N/A
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	N/A
Rollover Rating	4 Star

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 adds a wide range of standard safety features including:

• Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Daytime Running Lamps
• 6 airbags
• Around View Monitor (AVM) with moving object detection and parking guidance
• Rear Vision Camera
• Front Pre-Crash seat belts
• LATCH System
• Brake Assist (BA)
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)Back-Up Camera

The optional safety features available:

• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention TM systems
• Forward Emergency Braking
• Predictive forward collision warning system
• Distance Control Assist (DCA)
• Back-up Collision Intervention

Infiniti Q70 vs Audi A6 Premium

The Audi A6 premium is the cheapest option available in the premium sedan segment but it’s not up to the mark in terms of performance, braking and luxury. It does excel in fuel economy but considering a very minute difference of mere $600, the Q70 proves to be a better deal.

Infiniti Q70 vs Mercedes-Benz E300

Mercedes Benz E300 is the costliest option among the rivals yet the most underpowered one. It is stuffed with loads of luxury features and great driving dynamics coupled with decent fuel economy figure. But with a premium of over $2500 in comparison to the Q70, the latter offers more at a lucrative price point.

Infiniti Q70 vs BMW 530i

BMW 530i’s performance figures might not look attractive on paper, but with its advanced twin turbo set up, it has proved itself to be the king of acceleration as well as frugality. It bangs on the head to head in almost every measure to Q70 and with its sheer dynamics and modern looks is a tough contender to the rivals.

The Infiniti Q70 overall impresses with its sheer performance, agile handling, premium luxurious interiors and the availability of various trims and upgrades at a very competitive pricing makes it a contender worth considering. On the flip side, its low fuel economy figures and dated infotainment system might maneuver some consumers looking for a more frugal and advanced option on offer.