Used 2015 INFINITI Q70

Last year, Infiniti decided it was going to rename its entire lineup to reflect model hierarchy. Formerly known as the Infiniti M, it now goes by Q70 and while it may have a new name, the competition remains the same. Competition is stiff from the likes of the Lexus GS and Acura RLX but the Infiniti Q70 looks to carve out a different path in the midsize luxury-sedan segment. Posh interior appointments as standard equipment and more horsepower than the aforementioned rivals help the Q70 stand out in a crowded segment. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) is an attractive option as well.

Even though it gets parched quickly, the Infiniti Q70’s V8 can hustle you along back country roads and long stretches of highway comfortably. The 3.7-liter V6 is no slouch either and can get around dawdling vehicles with ease. Optional magnesium paddle shifters are very responsive while a retuned throttle enhances drive feel. The steering, shocks and springs, and stability control have also been tweaked and only sharpen handling. The 7-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes and works well with all three engine choices.

Inside, a mild refreshing has taken place as seen with revised interior trims, and several variants are offered depending on the package you choose. As a whole, the Q70’s interior is open and inviting, and passengers won’t have any issues getting acclimated to it. Opting for the extra rear-seat legroom in the Q70L gives way to an additional 5.6 inches of real estate. When fully loaded, the Q70’s interior can go toe-to-toe with the best of them, thanks to a 16-speaker Bose Surround Sound system, semi-aniline leather, White Ash silver-powdered wood trim, and stitching on the instrument cluster hood.

Give it a quick glance and it’s obvious the exterior of the Q70 has been retouched for 2015. The front and rear fascias, side-view mirrors and taillights have all been redone while the new grille design is flanked by Infiniti’s signature LED headlights. Racier front and rear fascias are added when you go with the Sport Package, which also includes 20-inch wheels (up from the standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels) wrapped in 245/40R20 all-season performance tires.

ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL
In an attempt to cut down on engine noise, a microphone mounted in the ceiling listens for low-frequency noises and then generates sound waves to balance it out.

AROUND VIEW MONITOR
Four cameras – positioned at the front, rear and under the side-view mirrors – make parallel parking or backing out of spot in a crowded parking lot easy. An optional feature we definitely recommend springing for.

The 2015 Infiniti Q70 features something called Drive Mode Selector, which adjusts throttle mapping and transmission shift points depending on the setting it’s in (Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow). Other standard features include leather seats, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, and keyless entry. The V8 model receives exclusive features like a Bose 10-speaker sound system and a navigation system with SiriusXM weather and traffic. All Q70 models include standard safety features like active head restraints and six airbags.

A Premium, Deluxe, Touring and Technology Package are all available on the 2015 Infiniti Q70. Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection is now available while Forward Emergency Braking and Backup Collision Intervention join the Technology Package. Other available features include a 16-speaker Bose sound system, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Blind Spot Warning and Intervention. The Deluxe Technology Package includes everything previously mentioned plus semi-aniline leather, White Ash silver-powdered wood trim, and stitching on the instrument cluster hood.

There are three engines at your disposal including a 3.7-liter V6 (rated at 330 horsepower), a 5.6-liter V8 engine (rated at 420 horsepower) and a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor that’s good for a combined output of 360 horsepower. All three engines work with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and gearshifts can be dictated through steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters if you so choose. Minus the hybrid configuration, the 2015 Infiniti Q70 is thirsty and it reflects in the EPA fuel ratings. In standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, the 3.7-liter V6 chugs a gallon of fuel every 18 miles in city driving and is good for 26 mpg on the highway. The V8 has similar EPA ratings: 16/24 mpg (RWD) and 16/23 mpg (AWD).

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), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

5.6-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 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