Used 2018 INFINITI Q70

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 is the flagship sedan from Nissan’s luxury division. Known until a few years ago as the M, this premium-midsize sedan is available in standard form as the Q70 or the long-wheelbase Q70L, which has an additional 5.6 inches of legroom in its spacious rear seat. As a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive sports sedan with choice of V6, V8 or hybrid powertrains, the Q70 pits itself against luxury rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS. The Infiniti Q70 has strong powertrains and some innovative safety features, but it ultimately falls short against fresher, more sophisticated and better-established rivals.

Unlike the majority of its rivals, the Infiniti Q70 continues to use naturally aspirated V6 or V8 engines, as opposed to a smaller-displacement turbo engine. This isn’t exactly beneficial if you want high fuel economy, but it does provide for satisfying, linear acceleration and power output across a broad range. Though it’s an older powertrain, even the 3.7-liter V6 in base models remains gratifying, and its 330 horsepower has plenty of gusto. Step up to the big 5.6-liter V8, and its 420 horsepower can be a startling surprise in what some may consider a sleeper sedan. The Q70 hybrid splits the power difference of the standard V6 and the V8. With 360 horsepower, this hybrid is a potent performer, though with a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg, its efficiency is more in line with a diesel than a traditional hybrid. Speaking of Eco, we continue to bristle at the available Eco Pedal. When engaged in Eco mode, the pedal actually adds resistance to prevent lead-foot tendencies. The Q70 in general favors a more comfort-oriented ride than, say, the athleticism of a BMW 5 Series.

The 2018 Q70’s cabin has a stately, roomy air to it. Leatherette or genuine leather and loads of available wood trim make this seem like a vehicular boardroom, while the array of buttons that cascade down the wide central console can make you feel like you’re piloting a plane. There are lots of curves and organic shapes, but the Q70’s cabin is yet another area that is showing its age. We do enjoy the driver’s seat. Infiniti cars have a knack for providing above-average driver comfort, and that holds true for this flagship sedan. Rear-seat space is just okay in the standard Q70, while the Q70L’s best attribute and reason for being is its additional 5.6 inches of legroom that add to a total of 41.8 inches. We only wish the rear compartment of this vehicle had other amenities for rear passengers, such as a recline function or entertainment and climate controls.

The Q70 is at once elegant, muscular, yet understated. We’re thankful that Infiniti has resisted the temptation to add a gaping grille to the Q70, as has become the trend among so many other luxury automakers. As with its interior, curves and rounded shapes are in abundance. At 196.1 inches, the standard-wheelbase Q70 is already substantial in size, longer than rivals like the Lexus GS, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. At 202 inches in length, the long-wheelbase Q70L has the proportions of a full-size luxury sedan.

PREDICTIVE FORWARD-COLLISION WARNING
Infiniti’s system goes beyond merely sensing the vehicle ahead of yours: It senses the vehicle ahead of that one, too. So if a driver two cars in front suddenly brakes, the Q70 alerts you so you can take action. It’s the automotive equivalent of seeing into the future.

BACK-UP COLLISION INTERVENTION
The Q70 also has your back when in reverse. This optional safety system can detect cars approaching as you back up, first alerting you to the potential collision. If you don’t take action, the car can automatically brake to prevent an accident.

Infiniti’s 2018 Q70 3.7 Luxe sedan comes with 10-way power-operated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power-adjustable steering column with the helpful entry/exit driver assist, which moves the steering wheel and driver’s seat. Japanese ash wood trim is standard, but you’ll still have to pay extra for genuine leather instead of Leatherette. The basic infotainment system now is based around a larger 8-inch color display and includes a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Unlike many of its competitors, this Infiniti does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone interfaces. In addition to the extra space the Q70L has heated rear seats.

All-wheel drive is optional on all models except the Q70 Hybrid, which is rear-drive only. And extra rear-seat room can be bought via the long-wheelbase Q70L, also available in all forms except the hybrid. Other major options are bundled into packages and include higher-grade semi-aniline leather seating, power rear sunshade, heated rear seats, sport-tuned suspension and Bose surround-sound system. Tech and safety options include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure/prevention system, forward and reverse emergency braking, and Infiniti’s innovative Predictive Forward Collision Warning (see Favorite Features).

Three powertrains are available for the 2018 Infiniti Q70 luxury sedan, including a hybrid gas-electric. The standard engine is a V6 in the Q70 3.7, while a big, 5.6-liter V8 propels the Q70 5.6. The Q70 Hybrid employs a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor that’s good for a combined output of 360 horsepower and up to 33 mpg. All three engines work with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and gearshifts can be made manually through steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All models come standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), and the Q70 3.7 and Q70 5.6 can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD). Aside from the hybrid Q70, the Infiniti is thirsty for premium fuel, reflected in its EPA fuel ratings.

3.7-liter V6
330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (RWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

5.6-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + 50 kW electric motor
Hybrid system net horsepower: 360 @ 6,500 rpm
Hybrid system net torque: 258 lb-ft
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/33 mpg