2015 Infiniti QX70 S Review
We review the Infiniti FX37, sorry, QX70 S Elite Sport
By Shahzad Sheikh
The first time I reviewed the Infiniti QX, which of course was called an FX then, for CAR Middle East magazine, I got into a bit of debate with the PR company handling the brand at the time: ‘why didn’t you like our car?’
‘Hey? What do you mean, I loved the FX – didn’t you read the review?’
‘We read the headline.’
The headline was: ‘As Bad as it Looks!’ No matter how much I tried to explain that that was ‘Bad’ as in Michael Jackson ‘Bad’ they couldn’t get past the perception that I had insulted both the car and its looks. Perhaps I should have titled it ‘As Bad Ass as it Looks’ but I was trying to be sensitive. So much for that!
Thankfully for online, we go for pretty straightforward headlines – so this is just the 2015 Infiniti QX70 S Review. And in any case the PR agency has changed.
Nonetheless, I shall try to avoid any confusion and confirm that I did like the meaty butch stance of the original FX, and the 2008 redesign for the current car gave it even more presence and a bit of flair with those double-bubble contoured headlights. So now it’s even more bad… ass – as in it’s got presence!
Sporty and stylish trim
And in particular this S Elite Sport trim gives the QX mean looking 21-inch black rims, along with dark chrome on the front grille, headlight surrounds, vents and side sills, as well as smoked headlights and black roof rails. Inside there is black lacquer trim, with purple stitching on the gear knob, seats and armrest.
Otherwise it’s all pretty familiar inside, and somewhat old skool, which is not so bad, as there is a sea of buttons to help you do stuff, rather than touch systems. But whilst it is outfitted with most of the current requisite safety and driver-aid gadgetry, as well as 360 degree camera views (which even depicts the exact angle of the front wheels), it still feels a little dated in here compared with other Infinitis – particularly the Q50 with its TWO central screens.
Performance
I always (and probably still would prefer the 5.0-litre version), but the 3.7 V6 is up over 20bhp compared to the old 3.5 and puts out 325bhp. That gets it from rest to 100kph in 5.8 seconds which is two-tenths quicker than previous V6 and only a second down on the 5.0-litre. Top speed is 249kph. Plus it feels more urgent and this remains a quick SUV, if not as sexy sounding as the V8.
Driving
Drive it hard when you find some corners and you appreciate the decent poise and response, as well as the eagerness to attack corners and remain relatively flat and grippy through the apex, with the all-wheel drive wrenching it back on line and killing the natural understeer. It remains surprisingly capable and enjoyable when hustling.
But the ride does suffer for the sake of style with those massive wheels so it can prove nuggety on regular surfaces and rather more harsh on bumpy roads. It’s not intolerable by any means, but not as settled and serene as rivals.
From behind the wheel it also keeps that sense of bulk about it, that admittedly befits is substantial presence, even though it’s only a five-seater with good, if not great, rear room and luggage capacity. This is something of an illusion due to its bulging bonnet and girth. But on the plus side, you do feel like you can bully others out of the way in a manner the EX… sorry QX50 can’t quite muster.
Verdict
So it’s an intimidating, tough and good-looking SUV with decent practicality and space. It’s got a real sporting edge to it, even with the 3.7-litre engine but then let’s not forget that underneath it is still related to the Nissan 370Z!
However the ride is not as smooth as some and it is definitely beginning to feel its age, particularly in comparison with other cars in the Infiniti range such as the Q50 and updated QX80. However if style and a sporty drive is your priority in a family SUV (as it should be, we believe) then this is definitely still worthy of a high-placing on your shortlist.
2015 Infiniti QX70 S review – The Specs
Price: AED179,500 ($49k) starting price
Price for Q70S Elite Sport: AED205,000 ($56k)
Engine: 3.7-litre V6, 325bhp @ 7000rpm, 266lb ft @ 5200rpm
Performance: 0-100kph 5.8 seconds, top speed 249kph (limited), 12.4L/100km
Transmission: 7-speed auto, allwheel drive
Weight: 1995kg
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