2018 INFINITI Q70 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The INFINITI Q70 could be described as the elder statesman of the midsize luxury sedan class. First introduced in 2011 as the M, the Q70...

The INFINITI Q70 could be described as the elder statesman of the midsize luxury sedan class. First introduced in 2011 as the M, the Q70 received its current name in 2015 as part of a refresh. Since then, INFINITI has made few updates to its biggest sedan. For 2018, INFINITI has added “Luxe” to the Q70’s trim names to bring them more in line with the rest of the automaker’s lineup—the 5.6 AWD trim is now the 5.6 Luxe AWD, for example—but makes no other major changes.

The 2018 Q70 comes with two different engine options—the base powertrain is a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, while a 5.6-liter V8 good for 420 hp and 417 lb-ft is also available. Both engines come paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provides adequate power for daily driving, as it gets up to speed at a decent rate, and the V8 is perfect for power junkies with its strong acceleration and throaty engine note. The downside, however, is fairly low fuel-economy performance—the EPA rates the 3.7 V6 at 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined with RWD and 18, 24, and 20 with AWD, while the 5.6 V8 returns 16, 24, and 19 with RWD and 16, 23, and 18 with AWD.

The Q70’s standard suspension is somewhat of a mixed bag—some reviewers say it provides a good balance of good handling and a compliant ride, while others note that it feels stiffer than those of competitors and makes for a very bouncy ride. An available Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling but makes the ride feel even rougher, partly due to the larger 20-inch wheels. On the plus side, the steering does provide a decent amount of feel and weight.

In terms of exterior looks, the Q70 closely resembles its smaller Q50 sibling. Both models feature a sleek design with a trapezoidal grille, a sculpted hood, and flowing lines along the side profile. All Q70s get 18-inch wheels as standard, while the optional Sport package adds 20-inchers and a unique front-end treatment.

For the most part, the cabin is pleasant and comfortable, with high-quality materials like wood trim, leather, and metal that help the Q70 stand out from the crowd. Front-seat passengers will feel like they’re sitting in a sports car, thanks to a wraparound dash and a raised center console. The seats provide excellent support for long trips and come with a variety of power adjustments, while those sitting in the back will be pleased with the generous amount of head- and legroom. Trunk space is about average for the class at 14.9 cubic feet.

INFINITI hasn’t touched the Q70’s technology since the model was launched back in 2011, and it shows. The standard touchscreen system feels very dated, with low-resolution graphics and no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Reviewers note that the voice-recognition system is difficult to use, as it requires very precise commands to operate. On the plus side, a set of physical buttons and a control knob provide passengers with a more intuitive way to access the infotainment system.

Standard safety equipment for the Q70 includes a full-set of airbags, antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, and a reversing camera. An optional ProActive package adds blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only tested the 2018 Q70 in the frontal-crash and rollover categories, where it earned 4-star ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, meanwhile, named the model a Top Safety Pick for 2017.