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2016 Infiniti Q70 Review: Aging Luxury Sedan With Power
2016 Infiniti Q70: Power Struggles in Luxury's Arena
The 2016 Infiniti Q70 represents a fading era of naturally aspirated V8 luxury sedans, offering impressive power but struggling against newer, more sophisticated competitors. Six years after its last major redesign, does this Japanese executive sedan still have what it takes to compete?
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Key Takeaways
- Brute Force: 5.6L V8 delivers 420 hp of old-school power
- Dated Platform: Last redesigned in 2010 (as M56)
- Ergonomic Quirks: Unusual seating position and tech interface
- Fuel Thirst: 16/23 mpg city/highway with AWD
- Value Proposition: Priced below German rivals
Exterior Design: Timeless Beauty With Quirks
The Q70's sweeping "Coke bottle" profile remains one of its strongest assets, with a muscular stance that belies its age. The 2015 refresh brought:
- Revised front fascia with Infiniti's double-arch grille
- LED lighting elements
- Updated wheel designs up to 20 inches
- Dark chrome accents on Premium Select models
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Standard Q70
- Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
- Length: 194.7 inches
- Curb weight: 4,171 lbs (V8 AWD)
Q70L Long Wheelbase
- Wheelbase: 120.1 inches (+5.9")
- Length: 200.5 inches
- Rear legroom: 40.3" (vs 36.7")
The most noticeable oddity is the unusually large wheel gap - even with 20-inch wheels, there's enough space to fit a fist between the tires and fenders. This gives the Q70 an oddly lifted appearance, particularly with all-wheel-drive models.
Driving Experience: Power vs. Refinement
The 5.6-liter V8 remains the Q70's crown jewel, delivering:
\420 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
- 417 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm
- 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- Rich, throaty exhaust note
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Powertrain Options
| Engine | Horsepower | MPG (City/Hwy) | 0-60 (est.) | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L V6 | 330 hp | 18/26 (RWD) | 6.0 sec | $50,100 |
| 5.6L V8 | 420 hp | 16/24 (RWD) | 5.2 sec | $60,300 |
| 3.5L Hybrid | 360 hp | 29/34 | 5.5 sec | $56,700 |
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Handling and Ride Quality
Where the Q70 falters is in chassis dynamics. The steering and suspension feel out of sync, especially with the optional 20-inch wheels:
- Overly sensitive to road imperfections
- Excessive vibration through steering wheel
- Unsettled highway behavior
- Sport suspension transmits too much impact
- Compared to newer rivals like the Cadillac CT6 (alpha platform) or BMW 5 Series, the Q70's rear-drive FM platform shows its age in refinement and isolation.
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Interior: Luxury With Compromises
The Q70's cabin presents a mix of premium materials and ergonomic oddities:
Strengths
- High-quality leather upholstery
- Real wood and aluminum trim
- Excellent front seat comfort
- Good outward visibility
Weaknesses
- Unusually high seating position
- Dated infotainment system
- Small trunk (14.9 cu ft)
- Excessive road noise
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Technology and Features
The Q70's tech interface feels generations behind competitors:
Dual-screen system looks cluttered
- Complicated menu structures
- No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Small 8-inch main display
- Outdated navigation graphics
Competitive Landscape
How the Q70 V8 compares to key rivals in 2016:
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| Model | Engine | Horsepower | MPG (City/Hwy) | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infiniti Q70 5.6 | 5.6L V8 | 420 | 16/24 | $60,300 |
| Cadillac CT6 3.0TT | 3.0L TT V6 | 404 | 18/26 | $65,390 |
| BMW 550i | 4.4L TT V8 | 445 | 16/25 | $73,100 |
| Lexus GS F | 5.0L V8 | 467 | 16/24 | $84,440 |
Safety and Driver Assistance
Available safety features include:
Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Around-view camera system
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Notably missing are autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist, which were becoming common in this class by 2016.
Final Verdict: Niche Appeal
The 2016 Infiniti Q70 makes the most sense for:
- V8 Enthusiasts: One of the last naturally aspirated V8 luxury sedans
- Value Seekers: Priced $10k+ below German rivals
- Long-Wheelbase Buyers: Q70L offers exceptional rear legroom
- However, most luxury sedan buyers will prefer newer alternatives offering better technology, refinement, and efficiency. The Q70's aging platform struggles to compete with the latest from BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac.
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For current pricing and availability, visit MotorVero's Infiniti Q70 listings.
Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 07-2025