The 2016 Infiniti Q70 is offered in two wheelbases and three different trims: Q70 3.7, Q70 Hybrid and Q70 5.6. A 330-horsepower, 3.7L V6 engine is included with the Q70 3.7, while the Q70 5.6 upgrades to a 420-hp, 5.6L direct-injected V8. The Q70 Hybrid features a 360-horsepower 3.5L V6, along with an electric motor and can run on either one of its power sources at any given time. All models come with a 7-speed automatic transmission that has downshift rev matching and manual shift control. All-wheel drive is available in a road-performance-oriented system that can send up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels. All but the hybrid model are available in both 120" and 114" wheelbase lengths. The longer wheelbase's extra length is focused toward the rear seat occupants, giving them even more legroom than before.
A system called Infiniti Drive comes in all Q70 models and includes four modes (Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow) to help tailor throttle and transmission response to various road conditions. In Eco mode, the system will actually push back if the vehicle is being driven in a non-efficient manner.
The Q70 sedans get a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup, bringing responsiveness as well as composure over rough surfaces. Thanks to a series of underbody panels and well-designed aerodynamics, the M sedan has a very low coefficient of drag, which especially helps with highway fuel efficiency.
All Q70 sedans have the same interior; there's space for three adults in back, and leather upholstery and wood accents nicely bridge the divide between conservative and sporty. Through packages and standalone options, the interior can be appointed with several distinct themes. Soft, full-grain leather modeled after premium sofa material is included with the Deluxe Touring Package, which adds leather to the arm rest and center console, while heated seats, rear backup sonar and ventilated front seats come with the Premium Package. A new instrument-panel design includes electroluminescent gauges and a Plasmacluster air purifier and humidity control help keep the air fresh. A Performance Tire & Wheel Package with 20-inch wheels and tires is also available.
Infiniti's Q70 sedans include plenty of conveniences standard, including a rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, a USB port and iPod connection, Bluetooth, an Intelligent Key system and a garage-door opener. Many of the more exciting tech features are included in a Technology Package, which includes a Blind Spot Warning system that will alert the driver if there's a vehicle just beside and behind, while Blind Spot Intervention takes it a step further, selectively braking each wheel to help nudge the driver back into the lane.
The Q70 is available with a host of other tech features, including Active Noise Control, which helps quiet cabin noise without heavy noise insulation and a Forest Air system that further deodorizes the air from the climate-control system. Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning is another system designed to help avoid accidents. The Q70 Hybrid comes with Blind Spot Warning, navigation, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, and Lane Departure Warning as standard features, and several unique trims are available.
Infotainment content looks great on the 8-inch wide display. The navigation system comes with XM NavTraffic, NavWeather and Zagat restaurant ratings. The 10-speaker Bose sound system includes streaming audio capability as well as a 9.4GB Music Box hard-drive music-storage system.
Mix Of Traditional Luxury And Sport-sedan Attitude
Plush Interior Upholsteries And Trims
Acceleration And Performance
Hybrid Powertrain Availability
Advanced Accident Avoidance Technology
For 2016 a new trim level has been added. The Premium Select Edition can be recognized by its dark chrome trim, sportier rear bumper and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Premium Select Edition gets contrasting seat piping, a suede look and feel headliner and unique laser etched aluminum trim.
The Q70 strikes an unusual mix of luxury, economy and sportiness that's unmatched in this class, with strong powertrains, nimble handling and a quiet, refined interior. Its styling looks at once traditional yet flamboyant, and some will prefer the straightforward interior design to the screen-based systems in other luxury vehicles. The Q70 hybrid model provides gobs of power and torque all while delivering the fuel economy of a smaller car. The Q70 lineup features a wide range of tech gadgetry, including Blind Spot Intervention, setting the Q70 sedan apart from other cars in its class. A base V6-powered Q70 starts below $50,000-- well below the opening price of a BMW 7-series or Audi A8.
