Infiniti Q70 S: When Japanese Go Big
INFINITI Q70 S
Words: Marco Mancino
Photography: Gian Romero
Having already tested the potential of the Q50S, I looked at the Q70S with the certainty of finding a more refined ambient, even more devoted to comfort and in this case, being a diesel instead of the hybrid supercharged tested months before, with an eye for fuel economy. The 2.2 is pretty much the same car but bigger, it has a smaller engine, less powerful and a few extra pounds, despite traction is only at the rear instead of both axles.
With me on board we go over two tonnes and at least in appearance, its 170 horsepower may seem a little, but reality is that the 400Nm of torque is generous and already available starting from 1,600 revs. I settle behind the wheel by finding the ideal position thanks to the many commands that allow me to find quickly the right distance and the right height and I turn on the engine with the key in my pocket, since keyless systems are now available on more and more models and inevitable in a car of this level. The central tunnel is really big and there is a single screen on top, but still very visible and with clear and direct commands. Below, a touch of class is represented by the analog clock and then all the buttons for managing navigation, climate and audio system. The transmission is a 7-speed automatic, manageable also by the paddles behind the steering wheel, always with generous dimensions and excellent materials, or by the same lever, simply moving it back and forth to call up the desired gear. The 4-cylinder isn’t properly quiet, especially at idle and when you start moving the car, but while cruising it’s hard to hear its voice, enjoying a perfect soundproofing and the handling of a true high-end sedan.
Let me tell you one thing that is probably lacking in the Q70S – an identity hint – it knows how to behave well in city traffic, allows you to park with the assistance of parking sensors and cameras placed at each corner, so you also have a view from above and win over maneuvers that would be much more difficult. It is also excellent during motorway cruises, where you can comfortably accommodate four passengers (plus the driver) and a luggage quantity that let you not to leave anything home. The spark that will make you turn looking at it once parked is a bit far from our standards with the exception of its front, more aggressive and personal if compared to the rear and to the three quarter side, yes, it appears to be the best episode. Keeping an eye on its look, we find one of Infiniti’s most peculiar points, which is a paint that depending on the angle from which you look at and the same light, can vary through different tones, almost changing the same color. Without a frantic search for performance – its 170hp allows you to go from 0 to 100 kph in a bit less than 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 per hour – I enjoyed my living with the Q70S thanks to a perfect man-machine tune that finds its zenith in being a good travel companion sedan, thanks to a simple design and a functional interior full of gadgets that do not come so cheap on all the various competitors. Honorable mention for the braking system, accurate and relentless even when your primal instinct hungry for speed gets the better above common sense and decide to let you drive the Q70S as a small hot-hatch that you would be able to stow in the trunk. € 55,000 needed for taking home a full spec specimen, a 360° saloon with strong qualities and a more than convincing finishing level. In this case, you won’t fall mad in love, but you won’t end betrayed either.
INFINITI Q70 S (2017)
Layout – front-engined, rear wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 2.143cc – turbo-diesel
Transmission – 7-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 170 hp @ 3.200 rpm
400 Nm @ 1.600 rpm
Weight – 1.939 kg
Acceleration – 8,9 sec.
Top Speed – 220 kph
Price – from € 54.750