2016 Infiniti Q70L AWD Review By John Heilig
 2016 Infiniti Q70L AWD |
THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel
REVIEWED MODEL: 2016 Infiniti Q70L AWD
ENGINE: 5.6-liter V8
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 416 hp @ 6,000 rpm/414 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
WHEELBASE: 120.1 in.
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 202.0 x 72.6 x 59.6 in.
TIRES: P245/40R20
CARGO: 14.9 cu. ft.
ECONOMY: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/17.3 mpg test
FUEL TANK: 20.0 gal.
CURB WT. 4,345 lbs.
COMPETITIVE CLASS: BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS
STICKER: $76,770 (includes $905 delivery, $8,815 options)
BOTTOM LINE: The top-of-the-line Infiniti Q70L has excellent power and
handling, combined with a very smooth and quiet ride. It is limousine-like.
The overall feeling inside the Infiniti Q70 is one of comfort. Add the extra 5.6 inches to the “L” version and you have a vehicle that is almost limousine-like. Operation is quiet, one of the quietest sedans under power that I have driven.
Styling is conservative, very much in keeping with the vehicle. All around there is a subtle feel of luxury.
The driver (chauffeur?) holds a fat heated steering wheel and faces a relatively simple instrument panel, but there are 36 buttons and switches to control the interior temperature, entertainment and drive functions. For example, there are two transmission modes – eco and sport – that adjust throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance. Wouldn’t you know? In one of the snowiest winters on record in Eastern Pennsylvania, there wasn’t any when I had the Infiniti.
Besides the transmission mapping, there is also Active Sound Enhancement that amplifies the engine note in the cabin.
There are huge paddle shifters behind the wheel that work well in Sport mode, but are kind of unnecessary in normal driving.
Safety features abound, including a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert, as well as a rear view camera that comes into use in reverse and an around-view monitor that takes the hassle out of parallel parking. This “overhead” view allows you to see how close you are to parking space lines and curbs, as well as the bumpers of cars in front of and behind you.
Despite its size, the Q70L is quite maneuverable. I would have expected that its length would be a hindrance to maneuverability, but it isn’t
Black, soft touch surfaces dominate the interior. Brown wood trim accents again add a sense of luxury.
Front seats are comfortable and offer a decent amount of side support. But it is in the rear where the long wheelbase shines. Legroom is excellent, with plenty of room to stretch out. The rear seating area has personal lamps for the passengers, heated seats, a power outlet and rear door clinchers (that’s where you don’t have to either slam or completely close the door; it closes automatically, like kitchen drawers). Four assist handles aid in entry and egress.
Unlock the doors with the key fob and assist lamps light all the door handles.
Oddly, the Infiniti Q70L is classified as a mid-size sedan by the EPA, based on overall interior volume. However, with the extra length thanks to the extended wheelbase, it is anything but a mid-size.
© 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate
The Most Independent Infiniti Research Information; Anywhere!
