Infiniti's largest sedan is also the brand's oldest design, a mid-size sedan that is ostensibly intended to compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But while those well-known have strong reputations to help keep them relevant as the luxury market shifts toward crossovers and SUVs, the Q70 is an afterthought for Japan's Infiniti, having sold fewer than 1,000 examples in Canada since 2013.
That's a pretty small number of cars: BMW sells at least double that in the 5 Series alone every year.
Infiniti doesn't seem keen on working to change the Q70's market penetration, either: for 2019, there are no changes either to the Q70 or the long-wheelbase Q70L, covered in a separate buyer's guide entry.
A pair of trim levels is available: the Q70 3.7 AWD Luxe and 3.7 AWD Sport share a 3.7L V6 that makes 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, and comes matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Key standard features include Infiniti's InTouch navigation system with InTouch services, 10-speaker Bose sound system. 360-degree exterior camera system, front and rear parking sonar, leather seating, climate controlled front seats and a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Other items included at base level are passive keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, ash wood interior trim, 10-way power front seats and power steering column adjustments.
Sport trim's additions are mostly performance-related. There's no extra power, but you do get bigger brakes, 20-inch wheels, power rear sunshade and a sport-tuned suspension. Infiniti also fits more aggressively bolstered front seats, a 16-speaker stereo and advanced safety features that include blind spot monitoring and intervention, forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane departure warning and prevention.
A Premium Select Edition trim bridges the gap with unique 20-inch wheels, darkened exterior trim, rear decklid spoiler, coloured leather seating and illuminated kick plates.
For all that the Q70 feels forgotten in Infiniti's lineup, it's still a nice luxury car that boasts competent performance characterized by good straight-line acceleration and a nice exhaust note. One thing that gives away its dated powertrain is Infiniti's fuel consumption estimates, which are less thrifty than the class average at 13.2/9.8 L/100 km (city/highway).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
