2018 Infiniti Q70

Like many automakers upscale and otherwise, Infiniti has been focusing its efforts in keeping its lineup of crossovers and SUVs as relevant as possible, and as a result its top-range sedan has been left to languish and moves into 2018 virtually unchanged.

We say virtually, because Infiniti has made one change with the addition of LUXE to the car's model designations.

As such, the Q70 remains a one-car range now called the 3.7 LUXE, which uses a 3.7L V6 engine good for 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with AWD. The only other option is a long-wheelbase body, which is covered in a separate buyer's guide entry.

In the U.S., buyers get the additional choice between V8 and hybrid powertrains.

Even with what serves as the base powertrain in other markets, the Q70 3.7 is a fine sedan that delivers good performance and a comfortable, nicely-trimmed interior. Performance on dry roads and otherwise is aided by the optional AWD system, which sends all power to the rear axle in normal driving and can divert up to 50 per cent to the front wheels when conditions dictate.

If the Q70 trails its competitors for variety under the hood, it competes by packing in a lot of standard equipment, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose stereo, navigation, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sonar and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column.

A Premium Select option package adds dark chrome exterior trim and aluminum interior trim, 20-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.

A Sport package builds on that and adds active trace control, sport suspension, sport seats, sunroof, power rear sunshade, Bluetooth streaming audio, lane departure warning and prevention and blind spot detection and intervention active safety systems.

Fuel consumption estimates are 13.2/9.8 L/100 km (city/highway) for RWD models and 14.9/10.3 with AWD.