2014 Infiniti QX70 Review – New name, same Power and Luxury

It’s like alphabet soup for the luxury brand of Nissan, Infiniti. The luxury automaker’s vehicle names can get very confusing and the 2014 Infiniti QX70 is no exception. Adding to that confusion is my tester this week. The QX70 used to be known as the Infiniti M series, but they’ve now renamed the midsize luxury sedan, for reasons known only to them.

Without getting hung up on the name, the Infiniti QX70 is an all-around solid luxury sedan. It’s both well powered and chock full of luxury and technology. All of these admirable traits are expected from luxury brands today, but often times aren’t delivered.

No one can accuse the 2014 Infiniti QX70 of being a glorified, overpriced Nissan. It’s much more than that.

Exterior

On looks alone, the Infiniti doesn’t look like any Nissan on the road today. While the latter is conservative and almost boring with its styling, the Infiniti QX70 has a luxurious vibe to its styling. It is not over styled as to be frilly, but with the elongated front end, and flared hood, it resembles Jaguar styling at first glance. The horizontal bars on the grille tone down the aggressive styling as to not be off putting.

Unfortunately, the sex appeal diminishes toward the back of the QX70 with a simple, almost plain back end. The slope of the trunk, and angle of the C-pillar offer diminished view from the mirror too. That would be okay if the rear styling was exceptional, but it just isn’t.

It’s best to look at the QX70 from the front and side to see its “best side.”

Engine

There are three different engine options for the Infiniti QX70. The most popular (and the one I tested) is the 3.7-liter V6 engine. It makes 330 horsepower and 270 lbs./ft. of torque. This engine is strong, sturdy and on the athletic side. It doesn’t growl or blaze down the street, but it provides steady, consistent power under all conditions. It is mated with a seven-speed automatic transmission that works well with the six-cylinder engine.

There is a bigger, more powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine for gaudy power (420 hp) and a hybrid offering (for segment-leading fuel economy). Regardless of what engine is powering the rear-wheel drive QX70, the interior is the same. All-wheel drive is an optional feature for the 3.7 and 5.6 options.

Interior

With a premium price tag and a luxury badge, you expect quality throughout the inside of the QX70. And you’re not disappointed with any of the touch points in this sedan. Faux wood accents are an elegant touch. Even finer points like the “Forest Air” system for ventilation are amazing. This system simulates a gentle breeze instead of some of the loud, intrusive ventilation systems. It’s finer points like this that really help distinguish the QX70 as a contender in the midsize luxury segment.

Some of its other Asian rivals lack these finer, more refined features.

Also, headroom and legroom are ample for all passengers. Considering the unusual angle of the C-pillar, I was expecting headroom to be an issue, but it is not at all, even for adults. And the seat comfort and quiet ride is noticed even for the rear passengers.

The QX70 has a 14.9-cubic-foot trunk (note: the hybrid has less of a trunk due to the battery pack).

QX70 Trims

There are three trim offerings (based off the aforementioned engines) for the QX70. Standard features for the 3.7 include 18-inch alloys, soft-closing trunk, heated front seats, moonroof and automatic wipers. My tester came with additional options and packages like the technology package with blind spot system, lane departure warning, intelligent cruise control and front collision detection. The sport package came with 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, magnesium paddle shifters and sport braking system. The premium package included an eight-inch touchscreen, real traffic and weather updates, a Zagat restaurant guide, heated steering wheel and rear sonar system.

Each of these packages help to increase the price of the QX70. Standard price for the 2014 Infiniti QX70 3.7 is $49,500. With all the packages mentioned and a few extra bells and whistles, my tester had a final MSRP of $64,060. That’s a hefty price for a midsize sedan, regardless of the amenities offered.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is average with an EPA rating of 18 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. In a week’s worth of sporty driving I averaged a mere 19 mpg with more modeate driving though I imagine you would achieve better mileage.

Final thoughts

Despite the confusing name change, the 2014 Infiniti QX70 will leave its mark on the luxury midsize segment. The strength of this vehicle lies in the quality of the interior as well as the stylish front end and what lies underneath the sleek hood.