Used 2019 INFINITI Q70

Infiniti’s midsize Q70 luxury sedan is the closest thing the company has to a flagship that’s not an SUV. Offered in standard- or long-wheelbase models with rear- or all-wheel drive and a choice of V6 or V8 powertrains, the Infiniti Q70 has all the bases covered. As such, it offers competition for a range of cars including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS. However, newer competitors like the Genesis G80 pose a formidable threat, offering impressive features at a much lower price. Still, the Q70’s exquisite interior and smooth ride set it apart from less daring European rivals, and that may be exactly what some luxury buyers are looking for.

While newer luxury sedans are migrating to small-displacement, turbocharged engines, the 2019 Infiniti Q70 soldiers on with a normally aspirated V6 or V8. Both engines deliver excellent power and loads of low-end torque, but also contribute to rather dismal fuel-economy figures. Most customers will find the 3.7-liter V6 more than adequate, offering up 330 horsepower for passing and merging. Moving to the 5.6-liter V8 increases output to 420 horsepower and turns the Q70 into a sleeper sedan capable of delivering startling quick response when the throttle’s kicked wide open. We found the Q70’s ride more comfort-oriented than performance, which again may hold appeal to a large segment tired of overly stiff-riding luxury cars.

The 2019 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
The Q70’s forward-collision warning system monitors not only the car ahead of it, but the next car after. If the second car suddenly brakes, the Q70 can predict that the vehicle immediately ahead is going to respond in kind, thus allowing the driver more time to react to what’s coming.

BACK-UP COLLISION INTERVENTION
In life, it’s always good to have someone watching your back. In the case of the Q70, that assist comes in the form of a rear-backup system that will alert the driver if a car is approaching from the side. If the driver fails to act, the Q70 will automatically brake to avoid a collision.

Infiniti’s 2019 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. And extra rear-seat room can be bought via the long-wheelbase Q70L. 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).

Two powertrains are available for the 2019 Infiniti Q70 luxury sedan. The standard engine is a V6 in the Q70 3.7, while a big, 5.6-liter V8 propels the Q70 5.6. Both engines work with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and gearshifts can be made manually through steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. While they come standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), the Q70 3.7 and Q70 5.6 can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD). 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)