The Infiniti QX70 is offered in two models: QX70 3.7 and QX70 5.0. They look quite the same inside and out, but their powertrains give them a different personality from behind the wheel. QX70 3.7 models come with a 325-horsepower, 3.7L V6, while QX70 5.0 models get a 390-hp, 5.0L V8. Both are hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission that includes adaptive shift control. The QX70 3.7 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while intelligent all-wheel drive is available. All-wheel drive is standard on the QX70 5.0.
Although the QX70 looks somewhat like an SUV, or a tall, rugged crossover wagon, it drives more like a sport sedan. A double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension help keep the QX70 very composed and controllable in tight, fast corners and the QX70’s all-wheel-drive system helps put the power to the pavement without interruption. The available solid magnesium paddle-shifters enhance the serious sport-sedan driving feel and give the driver better control over shifts, while the all-wheel drive system smartly can send up to 100 percent of power to the rear if needed. An optional continuous damping control (CDC) system utilizes electronically controlled dampers to give the driver a choice between Auto and Sport modes. In addition, the available Rear Active Steer system can turn the rear wheels up to one degree in either direction to aid maneuverability at low speeds or stability and response at high speeds.
There are plenty of safety-tech features offered in the QX70 as well. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are systems that work with the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system and its laser sensors to anticipate an imminent collision. If the driver doesn’t respond, the system will automatically use the brakes to help reduce the severity of an impact. Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning also help the driver keep within the marked lane, or help spot adjacent vehicles, and they might provide an early indication about waning driver alertness. Adaptive Front Lighting provides yet another measure to help on dark curvy roads.
All QX70 models are feature-laden like well-equipped luxury vehicles — the difference is really in the advanced tech features that are optional. A Premium Package groups many comfort and convenience items, such as climate-controlled front seats, the navigation system, a touch-screen display, sonar parking sensors and an Around View camera system, on the QX70 3.7, while those items are standard on the QX70 5.0. Also, a Deluxe Touring Package — also standard on the QX70 5.0 — adds a number of appearance and convenience goodies to the 3.7. A Sport Technology Package on the QX70 5.0 adds sport seats, magnesium paddle-shifters, Rear Active Steer and the Continuous Damping Control system.
The standard sound system on the QX70 is really a premium one, and includes eleven speakers. The Bose Premium Audio system includes XM satellite radio, iPod and USB connectivity, and steering-wheel controls. Standard on QX70 5.0 and optional on QX70 3.7 is a hard-drive-based navigation system that adds Bluetooth Audio streaming and voice recognition for navigation and audio, plus XM NavTraffic and NavWeather for real-time traffic and weather considerations and Zagat restaurant ratings.
