Long-wheelbase cars are commonplace in a market like China, but in Canada, they're relatively rare and limited to flagship vehicles like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In some regards, the Q70L is like these cars in that it's Infiniti's top-of-the-line four-door, but it's based on a vehicle that's one size smaller. This characteristic makes the Q70L an interesting alternative that costs thousands less. On that same note, it also faces competition from models like the Cadillac XTS, Hyundai Equus, and Kia K900.
For 2017, the Q70L carries over unchanged. The car is now in its second year on sale in Canada.
Unlike the regular-wheelbase Q70, which is only available as a V6, Q70Ls can be had with a V6 or a V8. Both drive through a seven-speed automatic and feature all-wheel drive.
Six-cylinder models have a 3.7-litre under the hood with variable valve timing, but no direct fuel injection. This engine offers plenty of power (330 hp) and decent torque (270 lb-ft), but peak outputs are generated at high RPMs compared to turbocharged and eight-cylinder rivals. Fuel economy is rated at 13.2 L/100 km city, 9.7 L/100 km highway.
The V8 Premium uses a 5.6-litre V8 engine which develops 416 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque. Alongside the V8s in the Chrysler 300, Lexus LS 460, Genesis G90 and Kia K900, the Q70L's eight-cylinder is the last of a breed. It provides snappy throttle response, has a lovely soundtrack, and can hit 100 km/h from still in about five seconds. The V8 also empties its tank more quickly, with a city rating of 14.9 L/100 km; highway figures are only marginally more than the V6 at 10.2 L/100 km.
The Q70L's extended wheelbase and length provide an additional 150 mm (5.9 inches) of rear-seat legroom; nothing in the standard midsize luxury sedan class can match it for outright room, and the Q70L is within a few millimeters of matching vehicles the next size up. Long-wheelbase Q70s also get a few other luxuries to help make life in the back seat that much more luxurious including soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and a power-operated rear sunshade. Missing from the features list are power-adjustable rear seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.
All Q70Ls come equipped with Infiniti's latest active safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and backup collision intervention. Q70Ls also get the upgraded braking system with four-piston front calipers from the regular wheelbase Q70 Sport, as well as 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance all-season tires.
Other than their engines, equipment levels are identical between V6 and V8 models. Standard equipment includes premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, microsuede headliner, navigation, premium 16-speaker Bose sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 360-degree parking camera, and access to Infiniti's concierge system.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
