Infiniti Q70: A Renamed Midsize Luxury Sedan

What’s in a name? Infiniti is attempting to find out with the unveiling of the 2014 Q70.

Not familiar with the Q70? Think M35h, M37 and M56, which the Q70 midsize luxury sedan was previously called. The game plan is the new name will mean new interest. It’s an overall plan by Infiniti, which embraced the Q-based naming scheme in other portions of its lineup.

But the somewhat weird thing is Infiniti made the name change with the Q70, yet didn’t accompany it with a redesign. So nothing has really changed, other than the name.

Although a solid luxury sedan overall, the Q70 has some notable competition that includes the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6. The common complaint among many auto experts is these aforementioned vehicles have more curb appeal and provide a smoother ride than the Q70.

What owners of the Q70 will like most is its powerful engine and overall athleticism, combining to make this sedan one to take out of the garage and go have some fun. It provides brisk acceleration and a truly dynamic driving experience.

The Q70 comes in three trim models – 3.7, 5.6 and Hybrid. Rear-wheel drive comes standard on all three and all-wheel drive is an option for both the 3.7 and 5.6 trims. Also standard is a seven-speed automatic transmission that offers four different shift modes (Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco).

The base model Q70 features a 3.7-liter, V6 engine that produces 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Gas mileage, an overall issue with the Q70, is 18-26 mpg.

For a more exhilarating ride, give the 5.6-liter a test drive. It has a V8 that cranks out 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. It can naturally handle the 3.7 version in flat-out speed, clocking 5.2 seconds going from 0-60 mph. Gas mileage is not as plentiful at 16-23 mpg.

The Q70 Hybrid comes with a gas-electric motor with a 3.5-liter, V6 engine with 360 horsepower. The 50-kilowatt electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The Hybrid has extraordinary power, going 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and gets an average of 31 mpg.

Although no sports car, the Q70 has some similar characteristics, taking tight turns in a steady manner and displaying responsive steering. But it does have a stiff ride overall and some drivers might not like the 3.7 sedan’s tendency to sound unrefined and coarse when accelerating vigorously.

There are no complaints here with the Q70 interior. It features high-quality materials with plenty of precision. Driver and passenger will enjoy a spacious front cabin and a well designed dashboard and center console. Back seat occupants will also be comfortable due to good leg and head room. The trunk is about average with 14.9 cubic feet. Note that the Hybrid trunk is smaller (11.3 cubic feet) due to the battery pack.

A generous list of standard features includes a moonroof; dual-zone automatic climate control; leather upholstery; heated eight-way power front seats with power lumbar support; driver memory functions; rearview camera; and Bluetooth phone.

The Q70 is not quite on par with some of its rivals, yet still possesses many fine qualities that make it an appealing luxury sedan. The V6 version goes for $49,600, but the V8 model jumps to $64,600.

2014 Infiniti Q70

• Performance: 3.7-liter, V6, 330 horsepower; 5.6-liter, V8, 420 horsepower; 3.5-liter Hybrid, V6, 360 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 18-26 mpg; 16-23 mpg; 31 mpg
• Estimated price: $49,600 to $64,600
• Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/ unlimited; corrosion: 7 years/unlimited