Infiniti Q70 2.5 V6 Premium (A) Facelift Review
09 Oct 2015|20,821 views
Formerly crowned as the Infiniti M 2.5, the matriarch of Infiniti's lineup receives a fresh new face for 2015. The current model, which has been renamed as the Q70, looks fresher and is similarly offered in both 2.5-litre and 3.7-litre variants.
Apart from a stronger visual presence, not much has been changed. A naturally aspirated V6, instead of forced induction, remains at the heart of the car - probably the last of a dying breed.
So how does Infiniti's latest offering fare against its Japanese and German rivals who have adopted turbocharging technology with arms wide open?
Up close and Personal
Despite looking sharper than before, spotting the cosmetic differences will likely require a keen eye for detail. Both front and rear fascias have been modernised to keep the Q70 in style, with design cues that bear semblance to its little brother, the Q50.
Revisions to the exterior include a new grille design and a host of Infiniti signature LED touches to the headlamps, taillights and fog lights as well as side mirror signal indicators.
Fitted together on its bulbous wheel arches and flowing lines, the Q70 possesses a classy and masculine road presence.
Although the external designs of the car have been revised, the interior look and feel remain the same - one with an air of class and calmness.
Stepping into the cabin confines of the Q70, we were instantly greeted by a commodious pair of leather-appointed, heated driver and front passenger seats. This soft-touch leather finish extends throughout most of the interior, covering almost every inch that your body gets in contact with.
Media, phone and navigation functions are accessed through an 8.0-inch WVGA colour touchscreen display while a Bose two-channel 10-speaker audio system delivers a sound quality that echos the brand's premium image.
The Drive
With a kerb weight of 1,765kg, one may assume that the 219bhp and 253Nm of torque from the Q70's 2.5-litre V6 may be insufficient to propel the car with ease but that's not quite the case.
Although your butt feel may tell you otherwise, the Q70 accelerates with ease and feels like it hits the 100km/h mark faster than the 9.2 seconds as claimed by Infiniti.
Every tap of the accelerator is accompanied by a little growl from the naturally aspirated V6 - a soundtrack that is sure to slap a grin across your face, petrolhead or not.
There is, however, a drawback with the Q70's seven-speed automatic transmission. Cog swops are buttery smooth but a tad slow even in manual mode. There is an evident lag for a second or two before it begrudgingly shifts into the next gear.
However, shove the drivetrain into Sports mode and Infiniti's Downshift Rev Matching feature will make up for its sloppy drivetrain with a heel-and-toe-like feel. With that being said, the Q70's Drive Mode Selector is best left in Sports to get the most out of the driving experience.
On our roads, the car's independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear provide a comfortable and quiet ride without excessive body roll around bends. Buyers who prioritise cruising comfort over performance will definitely enjoy this car.
Conclusion
At a price of $232,800 (as of 25th September 2015), the Infiniti Q70 is $26,200 less costly than the Lexus GS250 Executive (as of 25th September 2015) but the question at large remains - at what cost? Is that amount saved worth exchanging for the perfect fit, finish and drive quality of a Lexus?
Formerly crowned as the Infiniti M 2.5, the matriarch of Infiniti's lineup receives a fresh new face for 2015. The current model, which has been renamed as the Q70, looks fresher and is similarly offered in both 2.5-litre and 3.7-litre variants.
Apart from a stronger visual presence, not much has been changed. A naturally aspirated V6, instead of forced induction, remains at the heart of the car - probably the last of a dying breed.
So how does Infiniti's latest offering fare against its Japanese and German rivals who have adopted turbocharging technology with arms wide open?
Up close and Personal
Despite looking sharper than before, spotting the cosmetic differences will likely require a keen eye for detail. Both front and rear fascias have been modernised to keep the Q70 in style, with design cues that bear semblance to its little brother, the Q50.
Revisions to the exterior include a new grille design and a host of Infiniti signature LED touches to the headlamps, taillights and fog lights as well as side mirror signal indicators.
Fitted together on its bulbous wheel arches and flowing lines, the Q70 possesses a classy and masculine road presence.
Although the external designs of the car have been revised, the interior look and feel remain the same - one with an air of class and calmness.
Stepping into the cabin confines of the Q70, we were instantly greeted by a commodious pair of leather-appointed, heated driver and front passenger seats. This soft-touch leather finish extends throughout most of the interior, covering almost every inch that your body gets in contact with.
Media, phone and navigation functions are accessed through an 8.0-inch WVGA colour touchscreen display while a Bose two-channel 10-speaker audio system delivers a sound quality that echos the brand's premium image.
The Drive
With a kerb weight of 1,765kg, one may assume that the 219bhp and 253Nm of torque from the Q70's 2.5-litre V6 may be insufficient to propel the car with ease but that's not quite the case.
Although your butt feel may tell you otherwise, the Q70 accelerates with ease and feels like it hits the 100km/h mark faster than the 9.2 seconds as claimed by Infiniti.
Every tap of the accelerator is accompanied by a little growl from the naturally aspirated V6 - a soundtrack that is sure to slap a grin across your face, petrolhead or not.
There is, however, a drawback with the Q70's seven-speed automatic transmission. Cog swops are buttery smooth but a tad slow even in manual mode. There is an evident lag for a second or two before it begrudgingly shifts into the next gear.
With a kerb weight of 1,765kg, one may assume that the 219bhp and 253Nm of torque from the Q70's 2.5-litre V6 may be insufficient to propel the car with ease but that's not quite the case.
Although your butt feel may tell you otherwise, the Q70 accelerates with ease and feels like it hits the 100km/h mark faster than the 9.2 seconds as claimed by Infiniti.
Every tap of the accelerator is accompanied by a little growl from the naturally aspirated V6 - a soundtrack that is sure to slap a grin across your face, petrolhead or not.
There is, however, a drawback with the Q70's seven-speed automatic transmission. Cog swops are buttery smooth but a tad slow even in manual mode. There is an evident lag for a second or two before it begrudgingly shifts into the next gear.
However, shove the drivetrain into Sports mode and Infiniti's Downshift Rev Matching feature will make up for its sloppy drivetrain with a heel-and-toe-like feel. With that being said, the Q70's Drive Mode Selector is best left in Sports to get the most out of the driving experience.
On our roads, the car's independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear provide a comfortable and quiet ride without excessive body roll around bends. Buyers who prioritise cruising comfort over performance will definitely enjoy this car.
Conclusion
At a price of $232,800 (as of 25th September 2015), the Infiniti Q70 is $26,200 less costly than the Lexus GS250 Executive (as of 25th September 2015) but the question at large remains - at what cost? Is that amount saved worth exchanging for the perfect fit, finish and drive quality of a Lexus?
Also read our comparison article on:
Audi A6 1.8 TFSI Ultra S-tronic (A) vs Infiniti Q70 2.5 V6 Premium (A)Car Information
Infiniti Q70 2.5 V6 Premium (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.3km/L
Horsepower
163kW (219 bhp)
Torque
253 Nm
Acceleration
9.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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