Infiniti->ke36 made a big splash at the 2014 New York International Auto Show->ke226 when it unveiled the 2015 Infiniti Q70, the company’s mid-level luxury->ke505 sedan, to challenge the likes of the BMW 5 Series->ke317 and the 2016 Jaguar XF for supremacy in its class. Since it’s debut, the 2015 Infiniti Q70 has posted impressive sales results: 5,056 sold units though the first seven months of 2015.

Capitalizing on the car’s popularity, Infiniti has announced the arrival of the first special edition of the Q70->ke4847, called the Premium Select Edition. The specially equipped Q70 is scheduled to make its debut in the Infiniti Pavilion at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance->ke2839 before hitting Infiniti dealerships nationwide in November 2015.

The Q70 Premium Select Edition will feature exterior and interior upgrades to separate it from other Q70 models.

The company is offering Premium Select Editions on a host of Q70 trims, including the Q70 3.7, Q70 3.7 AWD, Q70 5.6, and Q70 5.6 AWD models (non-Hybrid->ke147).

Continue reading to learn more about the Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition.

Exterior

Generally speaking, you’ll get the same-looking Q70 save for a few minor enhancements. The rear decklid spoiler and the 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and the obvious giveaways.

But also, the darkened lower rear bumper adds a nice contrast to the myriad of color options Infiniti’s offering for the luxury sedan. And the bright chrome trim has been replaced with dark chrome on the Q70 Premium Select Edition.

Interior

The interior of the Q70 is the model’s calling card. The build quality is top-caliber, as evidenced by the leather used to dress up the cabin. The Premium Select Edition has semi-aniline leather seats that can be dressed in either Graphite or Stone finishes. The aluminum cabin trim and illuminated kickplates are also nice touches.

Drivetrain

Since the Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition is available in most trim levels of the Q70, prospective owners can have their pick of powertrains. First up is a 3.7-liter VQ series V-6 engine that’s good for 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not enough, the 5.6-liter V-8 variant offers 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque.

Either of the two models will be available with AWD and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Prices

Infiniti has yet to announce prices for the Premium Select Edition. What we do know is that the Q70 has a base price of $49,850 for the 3.7 trim and $65,350 for the 5.6 AWD. All other models over that, including the Q70 Hybrid and the Q70L, aren’t eligible for the Premium Select Edition package.

Knowing that, we can estimate a cost of $4,000 to $5,000 for the package. As soon as Infiniti announces the prices for this special edition Q70, we'll be right along with our updates.

Stay tuned.

Competition

BMW 5 Series

The mid-level luxury sedan jungle has plenty of predators, some more fearsome than others. One of the apex predators of this jungle is the BMW 5 Series->ke317, a car so revered it’s been around since 1972 and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The 2015 5 Series->ke317 is the latest available iteration of the popular mid-level sedan, and just like the Q70, it comes in a handful of different trims and versions. Four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines are offered, as well as body styles ranging from the classic->ke503 sedan configuration to the more family friendly station wagon->ke143.

Infiniti is competing with one of the giants of the segment. But that doesn’t mean the Q70 is in over its head. Line up the two together and a lot of people might pick the Q70’s improved aesthetics over the 5 Series. I know I would. Power is a toss-up, but variety does fall on the side of the 5 Series.

Read more about the 2017 BMW 5 Series here.

Conclusion

A skeptic will tell you that cars that share the same ilk as the Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition are nothing more than fancy bait to get people’s attention. Sure, it’s got a fancy name -- Premium Select Edition sounds elegant, doesn’t it? But that doesn’t mean this type of special edition doesn’t add value. Many folks prefer to have something different, even when the differences are so subtle most people wouldn’t notice until you point them out. That’s the beauty of being different, though. You get to show it off to everybody.