2016 Infiniti Q70 Review: A Powerful V-8 Hampered by Aging Flaws

Introduction: An Aging Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 represents a curious case study in the luxury sedan market - a vehicle with undeniable strengths overshadowed by increasingly apparent weaknesses. While its muscular V-8 engine and sleek exterior styling maintain some appeal, the Q70 struggles to compete with newer offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac that have moved the technological and refinement benchmarks forward.

Originally introduced as the M-series in 2010, the Q70 received only minor updates before the 2016 model year, leaving it at a significant disadvantage against recently redesigned competitors. This review examines whether the Q70's raw power and attractive pricing can compensate for its aging platform and outdated features in today's competitive luxury landscape.

Exterior Design: Timeless Proportions With Some Quirks

Overall Styling

Infiniti's design language has aged gracefully on the Q70, with its sweeping "Coke-bottle" profile and muscular haunches creating an athletic silhouette that belies the sedan's substantial dimensions. The 2015 refresh brought subtle updates to the grille, lighting elements, and chrome accents, maintaining visual relevance against newer competitors.

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Notable Design Elements

• Wheel-to-fender gap: The unusually large spacing (particularly noticeable on AWD models) creates an awkward visual proportion
• Premium Select Edition: Dark chrome trim and special wheels enhance the sporty aesthetic
• Lighting signature: LED accents and available adaptive headlights maintain modern appeal
• Q70L variant: Extended wheelbase version offers additional rear seat legroom

While the Q70's exterior generally holds up well against contemporaries like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, details like the excessive wheel gap and some cheaper trim materials reveal its advancing age.

Driving Dynamics: Power Versus Refinement

Engine Performance

The star of the Q70's mechanical package is undoubtedly the optional 5.6-liter V-8, producing 420 naturally aspirated horsepower. This powerplant delivers:

• Strong acceleration throughout the rev range
• Satisfying engine note without being overly aggressive
• Smooth power delivery through the 7-speed automatic

However, the standard 3.7L V-6 (330 hp) often proves more than adequate for most driving situations while offering better fuel efficiency.

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Handling and Ride Quality

Where the Q70 falters is in its chassis tuning and overall driving refinement:

The braking system (4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers on Premium Select models) provides strong stopping power, but the overall driving experience lacks the polished feel expected in this price segment.

Fuel Economy: The V-8's Achilles' Heel

The Q70's powertrain options deliver significantly different efficiency results:

• 5.6L V-8 AWD: 16 mpg city / 23 highway / 18 combined (real-world observed: ~16 mpg)
• 3.7L V-6 AWD: 18/24/20 mpg
• Hybrid model: 29/34/31 mpg - the efficiency standout

Compared to turbocharged competitors like the Cadillac CT6's 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 (18/26/21 mpg), the Q70's V-8 proves particularly thirsty. Buyers prioritizing efficiency should consider the hybrid or look to European alternatives with advanced forced-induction engines.

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Interior: Where Age Shows Most

Materials and Comfort

The Q70's cabin presents a mixed bag of qualities:

• Positive aspects:
  • Supportive seating with good adjustment range
  • Generous rear legroom (especially in Q70L)
  • Generally comfortable driving position
• Disappointments:
  • Plastics quality below luxury segment standards
  • Inconsistent trim alignment and material matching
  • Unusually high seating position creates awkward entry/exit

Technology and Ergonomics

The Q70's interior feels particularly dated in its electronic interfaces:

Ergonomic issues compound the tech problems, with illogical button placement and some controls (like the knee-mounted switches) being difficult to operate while driving.

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Practical Considerations

Cargo and Storage

The Q70 offers reasonable practicality for a luxury sedan:

• Trunk capacity: 14.9 cubic feet (slightly less than CT6's 15.3)
• Rear seat: Fixed bench (no folding function) with ski pass-through
• Interior storage: Average for the class with adequate cubbies

Safety Features

Despite its aging electronics, the Q70 offers comprehensive safety systems:

• Top IIHS crash test ratings and 5-star NHTSA overall score
• Available blind spot monitoring with steering intervention
• Forward collision warning with automatic braking
• 360-degree camera system with moving object detection
• Lane departure prevention system

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Q70's pricing structure positions it as a value alternative to German luxury sedans:

• Base Q70 3.7 RWD: $50,775
• Q70 5.6 AWD: Starts at $66,255
• As-tested Premium Select: $69,555
• Fully loaded Q70L: ~$76,000

While significantly less expensive than comparable German luxury sedans, the Q70's aging platform and technology make even these prices difficult to justify against newer alternatives like the Cadillac CT6 or Genesis G80.

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Competitive Comparison

Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the 2016 Q70?