This is the new Infiniti->ke1262 Q70, just announced at the New York Auto Show->ke226, and at first blush you may not peg it as a new or refreshed model. To be honest, not much has changed since it was still called the M Sedan->ke269. There have been some visual changes to distinguish the new 2015 model from the current 2014 version, but by and large this is the same swoopy and fluidic sedan->ke142 Infiniti has been selling since 2010.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as I think the Q70 is one of the best looking cars in the class.

The big news for the 2015 car is the addition of new technology and the announcement of a long wheelbase Q70L, specifically created to cater to the booming Chinese->ke2090 markets. Thankfully for those of us who enjoy the idea of extra rear legroom, the Q70L will be coming to the U.S. and other important Infiniti markets. This isn’t a China->ke2090 exclusive like so many long wheelbase models tend to be these days.

Updated 01/15/2016: Infiniti announced prices for the 2016 Q70 luxury sedan which is now on sale at dealers nationwide. For 2016 model year the Q70 continues unchanged, with the only update including two new exterior colors: Hagane Blue and Majestic White (with premium pearl finish).

Continue reading to learn more about the Infiniti Q70.

2015 - 2016 Infiniti Q70

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2016 Infiniti Q70
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 330 @ 7000
  • Torque: 270 @ 5200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When it comes to the visual distinctions of the new 2015 Infiniti Q70, most of your attention should be focused at the lighting. New lamps are found front and rear, both making use of fairly recognizable LED arrangements and details. The rest of the nose is dominated by a new double-arch grille and the new front bumper with its inset fog lamps. The side features a revised character line that gracefully traces its way from the front of the car to the rear taillamps.

The rear of the car has a trunk lid that has been slightly flattened and the bumper has been made a bit more slender to elongate the appearance of this machine. Chrome details are scattered about the exterior to spruce things up. There will be a Sport model offered with a more aggressive front end design and 20-inch rolling stock. The Sport package also adds black gloss finishing to the lowest part of the rear bumper to make it look “even more athletic.”

2015 Infiniti Q70 - Exterior Dimensions

Exterior dimensions (inches)

Q70

Q70L

Wheelbase

114.2

120.1

Overall length

194.7

202.0

Overall width

72.6

72.6

Overall height

59.1 (RWD)
59.6 (AWD)

59.1 (RWD)
59.6 (AWD)

Front track width

62.0

62.0

Rear track width

61.8 (RWD)
61.6 (AWD)

61.8 (RWD)


Interior

The interior of the new Q70 is where a lot of the action is happening. The same traditional driver-focused cockpit, and miles of leather and fancy stitching are still present. Infiniti has really hit its stride with regards to interior design and build quality, but 2015 brings a lot of new features. Most of these features arrive thanks to that long wheelbase model, and the types of features those buyers demand.

The 5.9-inch stretch of the Q70L allows for class-leading legroom, and the doors have been designed to maximize the ease of entry and exit. For those owners who would prefer not to shut their own doors, a rear door auto-close is being offered for the first time. Other rear seat amenities include heated seats, 12v power outlets and personal reading lights.

To improve overall comfort and refinement, the NVH levels have been lowered thanks to additional insulation, better sealing in the cabin and even a stiffer wheel design. The result is class-leading levels of quietness and isolation. To tilt the tables farther in favor of the Q70, an Active Noise Canceling feature is employed to help reduce white noise. For the ultimate in aural entertainment, the Q70 is being offered with a Bose Studio Surround stereo system with a whopping 16-speakers.

2015 Infiniti Q70 - Interior Dimensions

Interior dimensions (inches)

Q70

Q70

Q70L

Q70L

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

Head room

39.1

37.7

39.1

37.7

Shoulder room

58.4

56.7

58.4

55.2

Hip room

54.3

53.5

54.3

53.5

Leg room

44.4

36.2

44.4

41.8

Knee room

27.7

26.6

27.7

32.5


Drivetrain

Sadly, while there have been some great strides in interior advancements, there is little to speak of in regards to performance improvements. The exact same 3.7-liter, VQ series V-6 engine and 5.6-liter, V-8 return for propulsion duties. For the 3.7, that means 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Standard V8 powered Q70s are good for 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of twist. The long-wheelbase version sees power drop slightly to 416 horsepower and 414 torque.

The hybrid drivetrain will also be making a return with 302 horses and 258 pound-feet of twist.

Regardless of your engine choice, the Q70 will come mated exclusively to Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic gearbox. AWD will be available as well.

3.7 Q70

5.6 Q70

3.5 Hybrid Q70

3.7 Q70L

5.6 Q70L

Type

VQ37VHR DOHC 24- valve

VK56VD DOHC 32-valve

VQ35HR DOHC 24-valve (gasoline engine) Advanced electric motor

VQ37VHR DOHC 24-valve

VK56VD DOHC 32- valve

Cylinders

V6

V8

V6

V6

V8

Displacement

3.7 liters

5.6 liters

3.5 liters

3.7 liters

5.6 liters

Horsepower (hp)

330 @ 7,000 rpm

420 @ 6,000 rpm

302 @ 6,800 rpm (engine)
67 @ 1,770 rpm (motor)

330 @ 7,000 rpm

416 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque (lb/ft)

270 @ 5,200 rpm

417 @ 4,400 rpm

258 @ 5,000 rpm (engine)
214 @ 1,770 rpm (motor)

270 @ 5,200 rpm

414 @ 4,400 rpm


Prices

2015 Infiniti Q70 - Prices

Model

Engine/Transmission/Drive

MSRP

Infiniti Q70 3.7

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ RWD

$49,850

Infiniti Q70 3.7 AWD

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ AWD

$52,000

Infiniti Q70 5.6

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT / RWD

$62,850

Infiniti Q70 5.6 AWD

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT / AWD

$65,350

Infiniti Q70 Hybrid

3.5-liter V6 Direct Response Hybrid™ System/ 7AT

$55,900

Infiniti Q70L 3.7

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ RWD

$51,350

Infiniti Q70L 3.7 AWD

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ AWD

$53,500

Infiniti Q70L 5.6

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT/ RWD

$64,550

Infiniti Q70L 5.6 AWD

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT/ AWD

$67,050


2016 Infiniti Q70 - Prices

Model

Engine/Transmission/Drive

MSRP

Infiniti Q70 3.7

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ RWD

$49,850 USD

Infiniti Q70 3.7 AWD

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ AWD

$52,000 USD

Infiniti Q70 5.6

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT / RWD

$62,850 USD

Infiniti Q70 5.6 AWD

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT / AWD

$65,350 USD

Infiniti Q70 Hybrid

3.5-liter V6 Direct Response Hybrid™ System/ 7AT

$55,900 USD

Infiniti Q70L 3.7

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ RWD

$51,350 USD

Infiniti Q70L 3.7 AWD

3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ AWD

$53,500 USD

Infiniti Q70L 5.6

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT/ RWD

$64,550 USD

Infiniti Q70L 5.6 AWD

5.6-liter V8 / 7AT/ AWD

$67,050 USD


Competitors

BMW 5 Series

When looking for a larger luxury sedan like the Q70, you really are spoiled for choice. Cadillac will happily sell you a CTS, and the Germans have multiple machines each that fill the bill. The BMW 5 Series, for example, is attractive and performs well. It is available with your choice of four-, six- or eight-cylinder engines as well as diesel and hybrid powertrains, and you can even order it in a pseudo wagon body style. AWD and RWD are also the on tap, just like the Infiniti.

The Infiniti does take the honors in visual excitement compared between the two of them though. BMW does have the power of name and brand heritage on its side, however. There are more than a few people who will pay to drive anything with a Roundel on the hood. Building this level of brand recognition and loyalty will be the hardest challenge Infiniti will face in European markets.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but it is very likely that the Infiniti will be a better value than any of the Germans.

Read our full review on the BMW 5 Series here.

Jaguar XF

The biggest direct competitor for the new 2015 Q70 is likely Jaguar. They are both relatively small fish in a big pond that are fighting over the same leftover customers from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Yes, Infiniti sales handily trumped Jaguar by a factor of five, but together the two car companies still couldn’t beat the smallest of the three Germans, Audi.

The big difference here comes in name and design. Jaguar has decades of brand cache and legacy to call upon, and the new 2014 XF sedan is easily the best looking car in the class by miles.

Despite its look advantages, the Jaguar only offers its AWD system with a V6 engine, and there is no high-efficiency hybrid model on offer. It does have the most powerful V8 among the current group of choices. Jaguar also makes use of an XF sourced 8-speed auto that can outdo Infiniti’s offerings in both speed and smoothness.

Will it be style and brand recognition that win out, or will the new long wheelbase space and revised interior features of the Q70 drag it through the ranks of the luxury market to the top?

Read our full review on the Jaguar XF here.

Conclusion

Infiniti is slowly revamping its entire lineup, and the Q70 is merely the latest in this long drive forward to market domination. There is not exactly a lot to get excited about here, but Infiniti is making very important changes and refinements that will push them forward in key markets like China and Europe. The old car was anything but bad, so since it isn’t really broken, I am glad to see that Infiniti isn't trying to fix it.

Updated History

Updated 09/02/2014: Infiniti announced prices for the 2015 Q70 set to be put on sale later in September. Prices will range from $49,850 for the Q70 3.7 version and up to $67,050 for the Q70L 5.6 AWD version. Details after the jump.