New for 2017
The only change is the availability of the Premium Select Edition trim level on the Q70L long-wheelbase model. It was previously available only on short-wheelbase models.
A Precision Instrument
The 2017 INFINITI Q70 does things a bit differently than other luxury sedans. It includes traditional luxury-car elements like powerful engines and lots of wood and leather trim, but it also features an attention to detail few other cars in this price range can match. That imbues the Q70 with an undeniable sense of quality.
Performance
The Q70 is offered with three powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid, a V6, and a traditional luxury-car V8. Among those powertrains, INFINITI offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on the Q70. Both non-hybrid models use seven-speed automatic transmissions.
The 3.7-liter V6 has seen service in many other INFINITI models over the years, and it continues to do its best in the Q70. It produces 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It may be powerful and fairly large in displacement for a V6, but the engine still returns a respectable EPA-rated 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive, and 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
INFINITI also offers a 5.6-liter V8, which is the perfect engine for a proper luxury car. It produces 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for effortless long-distance cruising. The V8 doesn’t come with a major fuel-economy penalty either, achieving an EPA-rated 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
INFINITI describes the Q70 Hybrid as the “driver’s hybrid,” and, if nothing else, it certainly isn’t lacking in power. The rear-wheel drive Q70 Hybrid uses a 3.5-liter V6 and a single electric motor to produce a combined 360 hp. It also gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2017 INFINITI Q70 is a four-door, five-seat mid-size luxury sedan. Unusually for this segment, INFINITI offers a choice between short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase models. Pricing starts at $50,100.**
Standard equipment includes automatic LED headlights, 10-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six-speaker audio system, Active Noise Control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering column, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and 7.0-inch color information display.
Optional features are bundled in several packages. The Premium Package includes navigation, voice control, 10-speaker Bose® audio system, leather seats, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Deluxe Touring Package features a 16-speaker Bose® Studio Surround sound system, semi-aniline leather seating, White Ash silver-powdered wood trim, and premium soft-touch materials. The Sport Package includes 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, magnesium paddle shifters, and aesthetic upgrades.
Infiniti also offers the Premium Select Edition, an upgraded model that includes unique exterior and interior accents, sport brakes, model-specific 20-inch alloy wheels, and a rear decklid spoiler.
Design
The 2017 INFINITI Q70 has a distinctive look, thanks to expressive styling that’s a nice counterpoint to straight-laced German luxury cars. It combines classic rear-wheel drive proportions—a long hood and a short rear deck—with some modern flourishes.
Nearly every surface has a curve, from the arching front fenders, to the sculpted taillights, to what INFINITI calls “wave-style” doors. These are made from aluminum to save weight, and the stamping dies for each door are hand-polished to maintain precision. LED exterior lighting is standard on all Q70 models.
The Q70’s exterior is functional as well as stylish. INFINITI claims a fairly low drag coefficient of 0.27, as well as zero lift front and rear. This improves efficiency and helps create a more confident feel for the driver. INFINITI applied a series of “aerodynamic enhancers,” including tire deflectors, engine under cover, center floor and exhaust covers, floor-side fairings, and a rear diffuser.
Where the exterior represents precision engineering, the interior represents hand craftsmanship and luxury. Like the exterior, INFINITI designers used complex curves to make things visually interesting. The optional White Ash trim, which has silver powder brushed into the wood pores, is something no other carmaker offers. The cabin is also roomy, with 44.4 inches of front and 36.2 inches of rear legroom.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 INFINITI Q70 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, active head restraints, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include INFINITI’s Around View® 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.
Verdict
The 2017 INFINITI Q70 offers an impressive combination of style, luxury, and engineering.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 INFINITI Q70, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: INFINITI
