NEW FOR 2015:
- Revised styling with new grille, headlights, bumpers
- 5.6 V8 discontinued for regular-wheelbase model; power output decreased to 416 hp, 414 lb-ft of torque
- Improved noise insulation
- New long-wheelbase L model
- New colours: Asgard Grey, Hermosa Blue, Chestnut Bronze
Infiniti’s flagship sedan has always been a left-field choice in the midsize premium segment, but nevertheless one that’s appealed to those who enjoy the latest in technology and a sporty driving experience. Already one of the larger sedans in the segment, things get even bigger for 2015 with the introduction of a new extended-wheelbase version.
Perhaps influenced by the fact that Infiniti is a Hong Kong-based company and China’s insatiable appetite for stretched sedans, the new Q70L is 7.3 inches longer than the standard model, of which 5.9 inches has gone to increasing the wheelbase. The result is enough legroom and knee room for even the tallest of passengers to cross their legs, yet the car maintains an agility that surpasses vehicles in the next class size up. Soft-close rear doors are a nice added touch, but with a fully loaded price tag of less than $70K, indulgences such as shiatsu massage or a pop-out ottoman are not on the menu.
Elsewhere, the Q70 gets a mild visual update that includes a more prominent grille, new all-LED headlamps, and a cleaner-looking front bumper. A mildly tweaked rear bumper and revised tail lights tidy up the Q’s backside. Together, these changes give the Q70 a classier appearance that also happens to be more aerodynamically efficient – drag ratings dip to as low as 0.26 with the Hybrid, and 0.27 for the standard models. In conjunction with active noise cancellation and greater use of sound-deadening materials, the Q70 is quieter than ever though tire noise is still prominent at speed.
The regular-wheelbase Q70 is available in three guises: 3.7 AWD, 3.7 AWD Sport, and Hybrid. 3.7s come with – you guessed it – a 3.7-litre V6 that develops 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid uses a slightly smaller 3.5-litre V6, but when combined with an electric motor, develops 360 net horsepower. Unlike the gas variant, the Hybrid is rear-wheel drive. And what about the Q70’s V8? The rip-roaring 416-hp 5.6-litre direct-injected eight-cylinder is reserved for the Q70L, where it’s paired as standard, to all-wheel drive. All Q70s use a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Features on the Q70 3.7 AWD include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, front fog lights, LED rear brake lights, solar-tint glass, moonroof, proximity key with push-button start, power folding heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, rain-sensing wipers, approach lighting, soft-close trunk, dual exhaust, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, auto up/down power windows, power door locks, illuminated vanity mirrors, overhead sunglasses storage, leather upholstery, Ash wood trim, 10-way power front seats, entry/exit assist, heated and ventilated front seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-speaker Bose stereo system with AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3, active noise cancellation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, electroluminescent instrument cluster, power tilt and telescoping steering column, 8.0-inch navigation display, Infiniti Connection telematics service, Around View camera system, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with garage door opener, analogue clock, and cruise control.
The Q70 3.7 AWD can be equipped with the Deluxe Touring and Technology Package which adds Active Trace Control, 16-speaker Bose sound system, power rear sunshade, premium leather upholstery with quilted seat pattern and added seat bolstering, White Ash silver-powdered wood trim, Suede-like headliner, premium soft-touch materials for armrest, door inserts, centre console, and knee pad, stitched instrument cluster hood, full-speed radar cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-departure prevention, distance control assist, blind-spot warning and intervention, forward emergency braking, backup collision intervention, front-seat pre-crash seatbelt, Eco Pedal, and adaptive headlights.
Q70 3.7 AWD Sport builds on the Q70 3.7 AWD and adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Active Trace Control, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, adaptive headlights, Sport front and rear fascias, power rear sunshade, sport seats, aluminum pedals, solid magnesium paddle shifters, stitched instrument cluster hood, 16-speaker Bose sound system, full-speed radar cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-departure prevention, distance control assist, blind-spot warning and intervention, forward emergency braking, backup collision intervention, front-seat pre-crash seatbelt, Eco Pedal, and adaptive headlights.
Q70 Hybrid builds on the Q70 3.7 AWD with Deluxe Touring and Technology Package but replaces conventional powertrain with hybrid powertrain and deletes AWD. Adds electric power steering, unique 18-inch wheels, hybrid powertrain display.
Q70L 5.6 AWD builds on Q70 3.7 AWD with Deluxe Touring and Technology Package and adds 5.6L V8 engine, upgraded brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, soft-close rear doors, heated rear seats.
