Infiniti's flagship is among our top-rated luxury sedans, with agile and sports-car-like handling accompanied by a beautifully finished interior. And although this car flies under the radar for many when shopping for a high-end luxury treat, it should be on your list.
The Q70 is available with a variety of engines and two different length wheelbases. The base Q70 gets a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 matched to a seven-speed automatic. This combination is very quick and also returns 21 mpg overall. But the engine can sound a bit raspy when revved high. Both rear- and all-wheel drive are available.
A 360-hp 3.5-liter V6 hybrid version is also available and gets better fuel economy (25 mpg overall) than the non-hybrid Q -- and on par with some smaller cars. But the hybrid system itself tends to be jerky and abrupt transitioning in and out of electric power. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Q70 can also be equipped with a potent 400+hp 5.6-liter V8.
The extended wheelbase "L" versions add an extra six inches of legroom.
Handling is quite athletic, with communicative steering. The ride is firm and absorbs bumps well, but trails the competition in terms of plushness. Braking performance was also top-notch.
Inside, you'll find a high quality interior, dominated by a 7.0-inch color monitor and Infiniti's trademark analog clock. But we still found the overall cabin ambience is somewhat austere. Seating is comfortable and the backseat is especially roomy. Controls are daunting at first, but with experience comes familiarity. However, the Q70 is behind the competition in terms of cabin quietness.
A wide variety of electronic safety technologies is available, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These features range from useful to simply annoying.
Standard LED headlights and elegant exterior styling help the Q70's status as a luxury competitor. And although it's beginning to show its age, the Q70 is still deserves your consideration. Plus, this model typically commands lower prices than the competition.