2018 Infiniti Q70L 5.6 Luxe

The Q70L is the long-wheelbase version of the Q70 sedan, and the 2018 model continues the Infiniti design language that has been refined over the years. The double-wave hood that rises to meet the elevated front fender matches the signature double-arch grille and complements the powerful LED taillights. All this elegance rests on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires.

For the Q70L 5.6 Luxe model, the grandeur and boldness on the outside wraps around the powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 416 horsepower and 414 lb.-ft. of torque. The seven-speed automatic transmission features manual shift mode with downshift rev-matching. Independent front and rear suspension gives additional poise to the power of the vehicle. Front and rear stabilizer bars add extra strength in handling stability.

All together, the Q70L 5.6 Luxe model with RWD earns an EPA fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for a combined 19 mpg—in other words, about 5.3 gallons of fuel for 100 miles. If you opt for the Q70L 5.6 Luxe model with AWD, it is rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Or you may prefer the 3.7 Luxe model with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, which delivers 330 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque for the improved gas mileage of 18/25 mpg for the RWD model and 18/24 mpg for the AWD model. In further pursuit for efficiency, the regular Q70 can also be had with an efficient hybrid powertrain that is capable of 360 horses but delivers a surprising 33 mpg highway.

Inside, the Q70 family is a technological goldmine and a haven of luxury. The Infiniti InTouch Navigation with an 8-inch touchscreen display also features lane guidance and 3D building graphics. It also comes with 12 months of InTouch safety, security, and convenience services.

The leather-appointed interior is accentuated with Japanese ash wood trim. The front seats in the 5.6 Luxe model are fully climate-controlled and 10-way power adjustable, while the rear seats are heated.

The standard dual-occupant memory system remembers two settings for the driver’s seat: the steering column and outside mirrors.

The front and rear sonar system and around-view monitor, with moving object detection, keep the driver well informed of the surrounding areas, while the Bose premium audio keeps all occupants happy inside this opulent cocoon.

The Sensory Package ($3,900) offers a Bose 16-speaker sound system, power rear sunshade, unique quilted seat pattern, suede-like headliners, and premium soft-touch material for the armrests, door inserts, center console, and knee pads.

The ProACTIVE Package ($3,300) is filled with safety technology like predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, and distant control assist. However, I was quite surprised to find technologies like blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning to be part of this package instead of part of the standard items, especially for a vehicle with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $65,050 for the RWD model and $67,600 for the AWD.

The extended wheelbase of nearly 6 inches allows extra legroom in the rear. Little things like the window sunshades and the 12-volt power outlet are features that improve the inside atmosphere all the more.

There are seven beautiful exterior colors to choose from, including majestic white, liquid platinum, and hermosa blue. At the same time, four interior colors—wheat leather, graphite leather, stone leather, and java leather—are complemented by trims available in Japanese ash wood and white ash silver-powdered wood.

The Infiniti Q70L accomplishes just about everything possible. Each section of the vehicle is designed to empower the driver and please the passengers. The car is crafted for comfort, built sturdy for travel, and wrapped in technology to provide maximum safety.

Warranty
4-year/60,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
7-year/unlimited mile Corrosion Limited Warranty

Durhl Caussey writes a column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]