2016 Infiniti Q70

A new variant called the Premium Select Edition has been added to the 2016 Infiniti Q70 lineup. This model comes standard with a rear spoiler, unique exterior design accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Premium Select Edition models are only available in the gas-only Q70s.

Vehicle Summary

Formerly known as the Infiniti M37, M56, and M35h, the 2016 Infiniti Q70 is a midsize luxury sedan that's available in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations and with a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains. Standard and long wheel base models are also offered on the gas-powered Q70s.

Overview

Three engines are available in the 2016 Q70 a 3.7-liter V-6 with 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, a 5.6-liter V-8 with 420 hp and 417 lb-ft, and a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 360 hp. All three available powertrains are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Trunk capacity is class competitive at 14.9 cubic feet in gas-powered Q70s. Due to the hybrid powertrain's extra components, the Q70 Hybrid has less cargo space at 11.3 cubic feet. Split-folding rear seats are not available in any variant of the Q70. Fuel economy is slightly below class average at 18/26 mpg city/highway with the V-6 and 16/24 mpg with the V-8. Opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers down to 18/24 mpg in the V-6 and 16/23 mpg in the V-8. The Q70 Hybrid is the most fuel efficient at 29/34 mpg.

Safety

Standard safety features include dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. Additional driver assistance and safety features including blind spot warning, forward collision warning, intelligent brake assist, forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, backup collision intervention, and lane departure warning, are available as part of Technology package.

Trims, Packages, and What's Standard

Standard features include automatic on/off LED headlights, a moonroof, leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and a rearview camera. Navigation, the Around View monitor, and a Bose audio system are standard on the Q70 5.6 and optional on the Q70 3.7 and Q70 Hybrid.

What We Think

In a comparison test that also included the Lexus GS 350, BMW 535i and Audi A6, the Infiniti Q70 (then known as the M37) placed fourth due to its touchy throttle, overly heavy steering, stubborn transmission and overly aggressive electronic nannies. As a result, the car proved to be a handful on twisty roads while on the road, its cabin became too noisy. Exterior styling, on the other hand, is attractive despite its age and the interior is a well-built, pleasant place to spend time in. Since that comparison, however, Infiniti has improved the car's dynamics a bit, and for better or for worse, Q70 buyers should still expect to hear the engine more than they might from behind the wheel of some competitive models.

The Q70 Hybrid also proved to be a good choice if cabin space is of primary concern thanks to its spacious seating. However, in a comparison test that also included the Lexus GS 450h and Porsche Panamera Hybrid, the Q70 Hybrid (then known as the M35h), placed third because its powertrain lacked refinement and didn't have a smooth interplay between the V-6 and electric motor due to poorly made engine software.

Key Competitors

• BMW 5 Series
• Audi A6
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Lexus GS 350
• Cadillac CTS
• Jaguar XF