Page Loading

2017 Infiniti Q70

2017 Infiniti Q70

Select another year: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Select another model: Q50Q50 HybridQ60Q70Q70 HybridQ70LQX30QX50QX60QX60 HybridQX70QX80

Overview

The Infiniti Q70 ranks fairly well in the luxury midsize car category, especially for tall people, where it holds the 8th position out of 29. This suggests it offers ample space and comfort for taller individuals. When it comes to horsepower, it ranks in the middle of the pack at 14th out of 29, indicating a decent performance. However, the Q70 falls short in terms of resale value, ranking 27th out of 29. This suggests that while the car may offer comfort and power, it may not be the best investment for those looking for a high resale value.

0508170856b

Overview (Final Score: B-)

The 2017 Infiniti Q70 carries on with the big sedan's march through time. Although outdated by most standards, there is still a lot of appeal in this sedan's beautiful design and excellent interior. The strong V8-powered option and wonderful road presence are high points for this luxury sedan.

Infiniti hasn't changed much with this car versus last year's model, and we expect that a new generation of the car is coming very soon. Knowing that, buyers should be aware that great deals on this 2017 model might be in the offing as dealerships move to clear stock amid slow sales.

The 2017 Q70 comes in a V6, V8 and Hybrid model as a four-door luxury sedan seating five.

What We Love About the 2017 Infiniti Q70:


  • Beautiful exterior design that is timeless in appeal

  • Excellent interior with lots of room

  • Strong V8 option with refined muscle


 

What We Don't Love About the 2017 Infiniti Q70:


  • Very outdated infotainment

  • Priced higher than most competitors

  • Lack of advanced safety and driver assistance tech


 

0508170856

Exterior View (9/10)

Critics like to complain about how dated they think the Q70 is, but we really like its flowing exterior style. There is a lot to be said for the small (by today's luxury standards) grille with its mesh inlay, its humped and aggressive front fender work, and its unadorned, rounded hood. The 2017 Q70 has a flowing, simple appeal that marks it as quietly luxurious.

The somewhat plain body panels are an illusion as underneath there are understated bone lines that mark the curves and movement of the paneling below the simple, curving beltline. The thin headlamps that curve up over the wheel well and the simplified use of chrome to accent rather than eye-grab is a beautiful study in use of materials for minimalist appeal at maximum impact.

The clipped rear end and low-slung roofline are final points that really drive home the forward movement of the Infiniti Q70's styling. This simple but beautiful design language is classic. In our minds, this is one of the sleekest-looking luxury sedans on the market.

Interior Comfort, Quality, Ergonomics (9/10)

The 2017 Infiniti Q70 has a well-done interior design with good ergonomics and a flowing nature. The curved dashboard and downward-sloping central stack are eye-pleasing and make most things easy to access. The infotainment screen, even at its best upgrade, is small for the car, and most drivers will find it a bit difficult to reach.

2016_infiniti_q70_premium_select_edition_03

User controls are otherwise nicely done with plenty of access and ease of use. We like how wide the doors are and how easy it is to enter and exit the Q70, especially in the long-wheelbase model (Q70L) which extends the back doors and seating room by nearly four inches. Even without the extension, the back seats in the Q70 are spacious and accommodating for most adults and sitting three children across is easy.

Quality materials and plenty of visibility at all points make driving and being in the Infiniti Q70 a luxurious and well-mannered experience. Aside from a few problems with its infotainment layout and a general lack of gadget storage, we are pleased with the Q70's interior experience.

Technology (5/10)

Easily the weakest point in the Q70's design is its very outdated technology and its poor placement within the car. Placement was addressed in the Interior section, so we'll look primarily at functionality here.

For the most part, all of the expected boxes are ticked with the 2017 Q70's infotainment. It has Bluetooth, navigation, some app connectivity and so forth. What it doesn't have is easy usability and great integration of those options. It starts with how difficult it can be to connect a smartphone to the car. The process is simple enough, but including both phone audio and streaming music from one phone gets problematic and requires some deep delving into the infotainment's settings.

From there, navigation is in low resolution and fairly slow. Turn-by-turn is good, but not always accurate commensurate with your actual location versus its perception of your locale. Smartphone apps aren't any better and often don't work at all or lose connection.

Voice control of the infotainment is likely the best way to control the car's technology, but its age shows as the menus are ponderous and require a lot of waiting before commands can be given. It does generally understand well, and only rarely misinterprets or asks for clarification.

If you're looking for edge-cutting infotainment, the 2017 Infiniti Q70 will definitely disappoint.

0501171409

Fuel Economy (7/10)

There are three powertrain options for the 2017 Infiniti Q70. The 6-cylinder base engine offers 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, per the EPA. The 8-cylinder engine is rated at 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Q70 Hybrid offers 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. These numbers are below average for the class, with the exception of the hybrid, which is on par with rivals.

In the real world, our V8-powered Q70 averaged about 19 mpg overall in a week's worth of driving.

Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (8/10)

The Q70 is rated as "Better Than Most" by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study and has been for most of this generation of the car. No safety recalls have been issued this year as of this writing, and the 2017 model has a slightly better than average warranty at four years or 60,000 miles bumper to bumper.

Safety (8/10)

The 2017 Q70 has been given a full list of best-possible "Good" marks for crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only ranked it on two tests, both were good returns and mirror excellent scores given to the car last year. Sadly, the Q70 does not offer as many high-end active safety and driver assistance options as we would expect in the luxury sedan category, so we have knocked it a couple of points for that.

Performance (8/10)

Most critics pan the V6 as being too dainty for this car and we'd mostly agree. A short time with a V6-powered model proved it to have a definite under-powered feeling. The six is a 3.7-liter that outputs 330 horsepower, so on paper it should be more than adequate. However, power delivery is slow, and rivals almost all offer turbocharged V6s by comparison.

The V8 is beautiful to drive, with a throaty sound when pressed and a commanding presence at all times. The 5.6-liter V8 has seen a few upgrades, adding to its appeal (and explaining its improved MPG numbers). Delivering 420 hp, this engine is generally quiet and unobtrusive when idling or seeing light use, but gets muscular and fun when the throttle is pushed hard.

The Hybrid model has a 3.5-liter V6 mated to an electric motor that produces 360 horses altogether. This is the same hybrid powertrain found in the Q50 Hybrid model and it's good for this car, though not great. Fuel economy is excellent, but it sacrifices power and fun to get that. Buyers of the Hybrid won't likely worry about such things.

2016_infiniti_q70_premium_select_edition_18

All three Q70 models come standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission in rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option on most models.

On the road, the 2017 Q70 is a great drive with a confident feel and strong presence. It glides well through traffic and out on the open road, with a nice steering feel and good maneuverability for its size. Some might complain that the steering in the Q70 is a bit soft, but those are likely folks who haven't discovered the driving mode selector and its Sport settings.

Pricing and Value (9/10)

The base model price for the 2017 Infiniti Q70 is higher than most competitors. Low sales volumes this year and stiff competition from newer competitors mean that getting a deal from dealerships is more likely. Be sure to bring up pricing at competing dealers for competing models and note how many are on the lot, unsold. It's likely that dealerships are becoming desperate to move the Q70 off the lot and will greatly incentivize buyers to make that happen.

Resale values for the Q70 are below average for the segment, but ownership length is also longer than most. This generally means that people who own the Q70 are more likely to enjoy it, keeping it longer.

0508170856d

Total Score and Competitive Comparison (63/80, 79%)

Competitors to the 2017 Infiniti Q70 include the Lexus GS models, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the new Hyundai Genesis G80. We recommend shopping all of these for comparison before deciding, as the Q70 often doesn't stack up well when all is told. Keeping it in mind for price comparison and to negotiate better offers might work in the buyer's favor.

The 2017 Q70 is a great sedan with a lot of style and one of the roomiest interiors you'll find. It's hampered by outdated infotainment, a lack of some advanced options, and a relatively high base price. We expect that Infiniti will soon be updating the aging Q70 with a new-generation of the car, which may make this rendition more compelling in terms of price reductions.

2017 Infiniti Q70 Trims

Trim Engine Drive Train MSRP
5.6 4dr Sedan 8 Cylinder RWD 63150
AWD 5.6 4dr Sedan 8 Cylinder AWD 65700
3.7 4dr Sedan 6 Cylinder RWD 50100
AWD 3.7 4dr Sedan 6 Cylinder AWD 52250

Infiniti Q70 Cars for Sale

Similar Cars for Sale