Infiniti Q70 S Premium 2016 review

Ewan Kennedy road test and review of the 2016 Infiniti Q70 S Premium with performance, fuel consumption and verdict.

Infiniti, a prestigious Japanese car manufacturer operated by Nissan, is currently actively promoting new models in several segments, especially in the small hatchback and SUV segments. 

Now the Infiniti Q70 is joining sales with major changes for the 2017 season. It has updated styling front and rear, as well as in the cabin, as well as improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) features that add a sense of prestige. The Infiniti Q70 S Premium we just tested also has a redesigned suspension that not only makes it smoother and quieter, but also adds sportiness.

Styling

From the start, Infiniti's large sedans had the sporty style of British Jaguar sedans. This latest model is still low-slung and good-looking, with large fenders, especially at the rear, that give it the look of being ready to jump onto the road.

For 2017, the double-arch grille has a more three-dimensional look with what the designers call a "wavy mesh finish" that stands out even more with chrome surrounds. The front bumper has been redesigned with integrated fog lights.

Inside, the big Infiniti still has a high-end look with wood accents and leather trim.

The trunk lid has been flattened and the rear bumper has been shrunk, making the rear of the Q70 appear wider and lower. The rear bumper of our S Premium model was painted in high-gloss black.

The large 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels certainly add to the sporty look.

Inside, the big Infiniti still has a high-end look with wood accents and leather trim. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable in 10 directions, including lumbar support in two directions.

Engine and transmission

The Infiniti Q70 is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine producing 235 kW at 7000 rpm and 360 Nm of torque, the latter not peaking until a very high 5200 rpm. However, there is solid torque from relatively low rpm.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a manual seven-speed automatic transmission. Durable magnesium alloy paddles are a feature of the Q70 S Premium.

There's also a Q70 hybrid model that's even faster than the pure petrol version we tested.

Driving Mode Switch Infiniti offers four driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow.

In Sport mode, the Infiniti sprints to 0 km/h in 100 seconds, so this big sports sedan is no fool.

There's also the Q70 hybrid model, which is even faster than the pure petrol version we tested, hitting 5.3 km/h in 100 seconds.

Banners

The high-resolution 8.0-inch touchscreen and Infiniti controller provide access to a host of features, including sat-nav.

The Q70 S Premium features Active Noise Control, which controls cabin noise levels and generates "overwhelming waves" to make driving on flat roads almost eerily quiet.

Our Q70 S Premium had the Bose Premium Sound System with Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding and 16 speakers. Two speakers are installed in the shoulders of each front seat.

The Enhanced Intelligent Key system remembers the last used sound, navigation and climate control settings for each key.

safety

The latest Infiniti Safety Shield system found on the Q70 S Premium includes forward emergency braking, lane departure warning (LDW) and lane departure warning (LDP). Forward Collision Predictive Warning (PFCW) and Reverse Collision Prevention (BCI) are part of the self-parking system.

Driving

The front seats are large and comfortable, and the aforementioned numerous adjustments ensure a safe journey. There is plenty of legroom in the back seat and can accommodate three adults without too much trouble. Secondly, with a child is the best way to do it.

The Q70 S Premium features Active Noise Control, which controls cabin noise levels and generates "overwhelming waves" to make driving on flat roads almost eerily quiet. Despite the large tyres, comfort was generally very good, although some bumps created suspension problems due to the low profile tyres.

The gearbox tends to engage the right gear at the right time, and we rarely found it necessary to disengage it using manual modes.

Grip is high, the steering responds well to driver input and also gives good feedback.

Engine performance is quick and responsive thanks to the use of a high power V6 without a turbocharger. The gearbox tends to engage the right gear at the right time, and we rarely found it necessary to disengage it using manual modes. We preferred the extra boost of the sport mode and kept the auto mode in it most of the time.

Fuel consumption was relatively high by today's standards, ranging from seven to nine liters per hundred kilometers on country roads and motorways. Around the city it reached low teenagers if pressed hard, but spent most of the time in the 11 to 12 liter range.

Looking for something out of the ordinary in the luxury car industry? Then the Infiniti Q70 definitely deserves a spot on your shopping list. Its combination of quality build, quiet operation, and a sporty sedan works great.

Would you prefer the Q70 to a German rival? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Click here for more pricing and specifications for the 2016 Infiniti Q70 S Premium.