2017 INFINITI Q70 S PREMIUM REVIEW

Infiniti, the upmarket Japanese car maker operated by Nissan, is pushing hard at the moment with new models in several segments, particularly in the small hatchback and SUV arenas.

Now, the Infiniti Q70 is joining the sales push, with major changes for the 2017 season. It has refreshed styling front and rear, as well as in the cabin as well as improved NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) features that add to the upmarket feel. The Infiniti Q70 S Premium grade we have just tested also has suspension changes which not only make it smoother and quieter but also add to the sporty feeling.

STYLING
From the start the large Infiniti sedans have had sporty styling of the type favoured by British Jaguar saloons. This latest model continues to be low slung and attractive, with large guards, particularly at the rear that give it the sort of look that it’s ready to leap at the road.

For 2017 the double-arch grille has a more three-dimensional look with what the designers call a ‘waved-mesh finish’, made to stand out even more by having chrome surround. The front bumper has been redone, with integrated foglights.

The bootlid has been flattened and the rear bumper slimmed down to make the rear of the Q70 look wider and lower. Our S Premium model had its rear bumper finished in high-gloss black paint.

Large 20-inch alloy wheels in a double-spoke design certainly add to the sporty look.

Inside, the big Infiniti continues to have a high-quality look with wood accents and leather trim. The front seats are heated and have 10-way power adjustment, including two-way lumbar support.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Infiniti Q70 is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine producing 235 kW at 7000 rpm, and 360 Nm of torque, the latter not peaking until a very high 5200 rpm. However there’s solid torque from relatively low revs.

Power goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual overrides. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are a feature of the Q70 S Premium.

The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector provides four modes – Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow.

In Sport the Infiniti has measured the 0-100km/h time a 6.2 seconds so this big sports sedan is no slouch.

There’s also a Q70 hybrid model that’s even quicker than the pure petrol version we tested, running a 5.3 second time to 100 km/h.

INFOTAINMENT
An 8.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen and Infiniti Controller give access to multiple functions, including satellite navigation.

Our Q70 S Premium had a Bose Premium Sound System with Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers. Two of the speakers are mounted in the shoulders of each front seat.

An Enhanced Intelligent Key system remembers last used audio, navigation and climate control settings for each key

SAFETY
The latest Infiniti Safety Shield system as fitted to the Q70 S Premium has Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system and Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) are fitted as part of the self-parking system.

DRIVING
The front seats are large and comfortable and the aforementioned multiple adjustments make for secure travel. The rear seat is good for legroom and can carry three adults without too much trouble. Two, with a child is a better way of doing it, though.

The Q70 S Premium has the Active Noise Control feature, which monitors cabin noise levels and generates ‘cancelling waves’ to make travel almost eerily quiet on smooth roads. Despite the large tyres comfort was generally very good, though some rough surfaces did challenge the suspension due to the low profile tyres.

Road grip is high and the steering responds nicely to driver input, as well as giving good feedback.

Engine performance is fast and responsive thanks to the use of a large capacity V6 without a turbocharger. The transmission is generally in the right gear at the right time and we seldom found any need to override it using the manual modes. We preferred the added urge of Sport mode and kept the auto there most of the time.

Fuel usage was relatively high by today’s standards, running at about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres on country drives and motorways. Around town this went up to the low teens if pushed hard, but spent most of the time in the 11 to 12 litre range.

SUMMING UP
Looking for something out of the ordinary in the luxury car field? Then the Infiniti Q70 certainly deserves a place on your shopping list. Its combination of quality build, quiet running and a sporty sedan looks and feel works nicely

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Q70 GT 3.7-litre petrol four-door sedan: $68,900 (automatic)
Q70 S Premium 3.7-litre petrol four-door sedan: $78,900 (automatic)
Q70 Hybrid GT Premium 3.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-door sedan: $82,900 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Infiniti dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Infiniti Q70 S Premium 3.7-litre petrol four-door sedan)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.696 litres
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 235 kW @ 7000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 360 Nm @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 10.2 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 235 g/km

DRIVELINE:
Seven-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4945 mm
Wheelbase: 2900 mm
Width: 1845 mm
Height: 1500 mm
Turning Circle: 11.2 metres
Kerb Mass: 1702 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Four years / 100,000 km