A Luxurious Hybrid

The 2016 INFINITI Q70 Hybrid does everything a luxury sport sedan should, but more responsibly. INFINITI gives buyers the option of a hybrid powertrain to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in a class of car where economy usually isn’t a concern. The Q70 Hybrid is still very pleasant to drive and ride in too, so the focus on efficiency doesn’t sacrifice those traditional sport sedan attributes.

Performance

INFINITI is one of the few luxury carmakers to offer a hybrid version of one of its mainstream sedans. The Direct Response Hybrid system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor and 1.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Total system output is 360 horsepower, and the Q70 Hybrid is rated at 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* by the EPA. INFINITI promises a sporty driving feel thanks to the electric motor’s instantly available torque, and an emphasis on restraining the weight gain that affects so many other hybrids.

The Q70 Hybrid uses a sophisticated twin-clutch arrangement to send power from the electric motor, V6 engine, or both to the rear wheels. The first clutch is a dry clutch installed between the V6 and electric motor, allowing the gasoline engine to decouple when the car is driving on electric power.

INFINITI also fitted the Q70 Hybrid with steering and brakes specially designed for its dual mission of efficiency and sportiness. The power steering system uses both hydraulic and electric assist, providing the superior feel of hydraulic steering and the fuel efficiency of electric steering. Like most hybrids, the Q70 has regenerative brakes that recover heat energy to recharge the battery, but INFINITI tuned both this and the friction-braking systems to work together in order to maximize smoothness and efficiency.

Features 

The 2016 INFINITI Q70 Hybrid is a four-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan. It’s offered in a single trim level, priced starting from $55,900.**

Standard equipment includes automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, 10-way heated power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch color information display, SiriusXM® satellite radio, 18-inch alloy wheels, USB port, rear center armrest with storage, and more.

Optional features include navigation, voice recognition, INFINITI Connection telematics system, Bose® 10-speaker premium audio system, climate-controlled seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Deluxe Touring package adds more upscale trim, including White Ash silver-powdered wood trim, semi-aniline leather upholstery, quilted seat pattern, stitched gauge-cluster hood, suede-like headliner, and premium soft-touch material. It also includes a Bose® Studio Surround sound system and power rear sunshade.

Design

Over the past few years, INFINITI has developed a handsome and distinctive design language, and the 2016 Q70 Hybrid wears it well. The distinctive face includes LED headlights and INFINITI’s signature double-arch grille. The overall design combines classic long-hood, short rear deck proportions with stylized waves in the bodywork. They even run through the aluminum doors (used to save weight), even though aluminum is particularly hard to shape.

The interior design echoes some of the exterior’s curves, particularly in the center console. This has the added benefit of bringing the console closer to the driver’s fingertips. Materials are decidedly upscale, including available wood trim with silver powder brushed in. Leatherette seats are standard, with leather seats available as an option.

The hybrid is distinguished from other Q70 models by unique instrumentation. Displays and gauges allow the driver to view vital information like the status of the hybrid system alongside conventional displays like a navigation map.

Despite a battery pack mounted under the rear seat, the Q70 Hybrid is still quite spacious. It boasts 36.2 inches of rear legroom, and 37.7 inches of rear headroom. Front-seat occupants enjoy 44.4 inches of legroom, and 39.1 inches of headroom. The trunk can accommodate four golf bags or two large suitcases, INFINITI says.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 INFINITI Q70 Hybrid includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, active head restraints, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include INFINITI’s AroundView Monitor camera system with Moving Object Detection, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, predictive forward collision warning, lane departure warning and prevention, forward emergency braking, and front pre-crash seat belts.

Bottom Line

The 2016 INFINITI Q70 Hybrid is a reduced-guilt take on the luxury sport sedan.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.

*2016 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

**Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excluding destination charge, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.

Image: INFINITI