Used 2014 INFINITI Q70

Infiniti’s biggest sedan is renamed the 2014 Infiniti Q70 this year, but that’s about it for changes. Don’t worry, since Infiniti’s flagship sedan still delivers the premium luxury experience, high-end style, and first-rate performance it always has. Offering upscale features as standard equipment, the Infiniti Q70 has more standard horsepower than competitors like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6. Its performance-oriented character exchanges some ride quality for a dynamic driving experience, but the lineup features a midsize luxury sedan for nearly any shopper. The Q70 3.7 targets those looking for a luxury value, while the V8-powered 420-horsepower Q70 5.6 adds more oomph. There’s also a fuel-efficient hybrid, and Infiniti offers performance-oriented all-wheel drive (AWD) for its non-hybrid Q70 models.

The 2014 Infiniti Q70 is a blast on the road. The standard V6 engine pulls strongly, the optional V8 is better, and the hybrid threatens to abolish once and for all the cliche that electrically assisted driving slows things down. There’s an impressive array of technology, and as long as you’re OK with a stiff ride – a byproduct of the Q70’s emphasis on driving performance – you’ll have little to complain about. There’s technology to enhance the driving experience, like 4Wheel Active Steer and downshift rev-matching, while other tech like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring subtly help keep you safe. The supportive seats, intuitive dash and iPod integration are among the best around. The Q70 Hybrid, which Infiniti claims is the world’s fastest full-hybrid sedan, delivers on its promise of combining the fuel efficiency of a hybrid with the engaging driving dynamics of a performance sedan.

Outfitted in high-quality materials, the 2014 Infiniti Q70 delivers an inviting in-cabin experience. The Q70’s spacious greenhouse comfortably accommodates its occupants, who enjoy 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating surfaces and generous rear-seat legroom. The available Deluxe Touring Package adds a 16-speaker Bose audio system, a suede-like headliner and striking White Ash wood trim sprinkled with flecks of real silver. On the other hand, the monochrome information display between the gauges looks dated against competitors using all-digital dashes or multicolor displays. The high-mounted all-in-one control knob means there’s nowhere to rest your arm when you use it.

Combining a muscular stance and a sleek profile, the 2014 Infiniti Q70 is among the most stylish cars in its class. Its curving sheet metal is complemented by xenon headlights for both the low and high beams along with LED taillights. All Infiniti Q70 models ride on standard 18-inch wheels, while the Sport Package (now available on both RWD and AWD models) offers fender-filling 20-inch wheels. That Sport Package also adds a touch of aggression to the Q70’s exterior with smoked surrounds for the grille and headlights, unique front end, larger brakes and performance summer tires.

ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL
Every Infiniti Q70 features Active Noise Control to minimize aural unpleasantness caused by the engine. A ceiling-mounted microphone detects low-frequency noise and the system then generates out-of-phase frequencies – the sound waves cancel each other out.

4WHEEL ACTIVE STEER
For increased agility and control at any speed, the 2014 Infiniti Q70 employs an optional 4Wheel Active Steer feature that seamlessly adjusts the steering angle of all four wheels according to speed and driver input.

The 2014 Infiniti Q70 3.7 and Hybrid models come standard with Drive Mode Selector (Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow modes), leather seating, heated power front seats, a 6-speaker audio system with USB connectivity, Bluetooth, active noise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 7-inch color display for audio/climate/vehicle settings, and keyless entry and start. Moving up to the Q70 5.6 adds a 5.6-liter V8, cooled front seats, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, a navigation system with SiriusXM NavTraffic and NavWeather, and a 9.3GB hard drive for music storage. Safety equipment on every Infiniti Q70 includes active head restraints and six airbags.

Any Infiniti Q70 sedan can be outfitted to your liking, thanks to available Premium, Deluxe Touring and Technology Packages. Creature comforts include a 16-speaker Bose Studio Surround System, power rear sunshade, silver-metallic wood trim, and a "Forest Air" system that provides a clean breeze through the cabin. The Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive front lighting. The Sport Package (for all but the Hybrid) adds 20-inch wheels with summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, 4-wheel active steering, sport brakes, magnesium paddle shifters, sport seats and special exterior trim.

The 2014 Infiniti Q70 comes with a choice of three engines: a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 (the same engine found in the Q50 sedan), a 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, or a gas/electric hybrid powerplant using a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor for a total of 360 horsepower. All these engines mate to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that, on the non-hybrid models, includes a race-inspired downshift rev-matching feature. Unfortunately, that great horsepower comes at a cost; EPA fuel economy ratings are only average for the category, and our real-world driving experience confirms both the Q70 3.7 and Q70 5.6 have a healthy appetite for fuel. Adding AWD to the Q70 knocks off another mpg or two.

3.7-liter V6
330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

5.6-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + electric motor
Hybrid system net horsepower: 360
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32 mpg