By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Infiniti USA
Infiniti is celebrating its 25th model year, with the introduction of the new extended wheelbase Infiniti Q70L. Along with its first class-style space, the Q70L is designed to provide smooth, luxurious ride comfort for all seating positions.
Exterior
Building on the foundation of the standard Infiniti Q70, which receives an extensive exterior refresh for 2015, the Q70L seamlessly ingrates the additional length behind the B-pillars with the flowing, emotional lines and refined elegance of the vehicle taking on an even more upscale image. And, with the extended length of the rear doors, rear seat ingress and egress is enhanced especially for taller passengers.
The new LED headlights make an immediate and indelible first impression. An Adaptive Front lighting System with auto-leveling headlights is available as part of the Technology Package. The distinctive headlights accentuate the new double arch grille, which now takes on a more three dimensional look due to the elaborate detail of the high-quality waved mesh finish and chrome surround. The same solid feel is echoed in the new front bumper with integrated LED fog lights, giving the Q70L a dignified presence on road.
From the front, a strong body line rises from the grille, flowing through the body side like a wave and blending into the shape of the new rear LED combination lights, forming a compelling profile that highlights the Q70L’s sporty stance. At the rear, the design of the taillights creates a horizontal flow in motion while the high-quality lighting signature evokes a fresh and classy image.
2015 Infiniti Q70L
2015 Infiniti Q70L
Interior
Reflecting the sensuous lines of the exterior, the 2015 Infiniti Q70L’s well appointed and inviting interior combine’s style with spaciousness.
Infiniti Q70L 5.6 models add an even higher level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed seats, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth, Bose 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system, heated steering wheel, climate controlled front seats, Front and Rear Sonar Systems and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
In addition, each Intelligent Key remembers the last-used climate control, audio and navigation settings. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dualzone automatic temperature also add to the Q70L’s exceptional level of standard premium appointments.
Infiniti Q70L
Infiniti Q70L
Performance and Drivetrain
Staying true to Infiniti’s roots of sporty precision, The Q70L’s powerful 5.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline aluminum-alloy DOHC 32-valve V8 is rated at 416 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque. The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offers a more precise injection control.
The engine is matched to Infiniti’s advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving.
The 2015 Infiniti Q70L is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system which uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions, ensuring surefooted road holding at all times.
In line with the focus on the driver, the new Q70L features technologies that enable individuals to customize the driving feel. The unique Infiniti Drive Mode Selector allows drivers to select from four driving modes – Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow and the integrated control system will adjust throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.
Precise handling is provided by an independent double-wishbone design at the front and multi-link independent suspension in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been designed to provide a quiet, comfortable ride. To increase ride comfort, Infiniti engineers have changed the shape of the oil seal lip in the shock absorbers to minimize uncomfortable shaking and bobbing as well as reduce the vibrations when driving on uneven roads.
Summary
The new Infiniti Q70L broadens Infiniti’s offerings for those who desire enhanced spaciousness and versatility, appealing to the sporty sedan fan that also requires executive levels of interior room. The additional 5.9 inches in the wheelbase not only increases the knee and leg space in the back, but also greatly augments the athletic presence of the sedan.
Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for the 2015 Infiniti Q70L RWD. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $64,550.00, the one I drove included the Deluxe Technology Package, and it came in at $72,665.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
