2018 Infiniti Q70

Pros: Impressively finished interior; brisk acceleration; Hybrid has great balance of performance and economy; athletic handling; excellent rear-seat legroom in Q70L model

Cons: Stop/start feature is rather clunky; ride is a bit stiffer than many premium-class cars; Hybrid’s trunk space compromised by battery pack; few standalone options—some desirable features come only in expensive packages

CG Says: The 2018 Infiniti Q70 adds “Luxe” to all its model names, otherwise Q70 is essentially unchanged. Q70 is a premium midsize sedan that is available in standard-length and extended-length “L” versions. (Infiniti also offers a smaller Q50 premium midsize sedan.) The 3.7 models are powered by a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, while 5.6 versions have a 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8. A Q70 Hybrid has a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor for a combined 360 horsepower. All powerplants are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on non-hybrid models. Available features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and mitigation, obstacle-detection and intervention, surround-view camera, and steering-linked headlights. The Q70 is way outsold by most every class rival, perhaps for lacking the brand cachet of German competitors and striking a somewhat different ride/handling balance than they do. Even so, these Infinitis easily match most any alternative for acceleration, mechanical refinement, roominess, interior quality, and–especially in Sport Package guise–overall driving satisfaction. They deserve serious consideration, especially by those who don’t like following the herd. Likewise for the extended-length Q70L; for many shoppers, the significant increase in rear-seat room is worth the additional $1500-$1700 tariff.

The Q70 Hybrid (which is not available in extended-length form) is billed as a “performance hybrid,” an incongruous term that nevertheless fits. Though too large, heavy, and powerful to achieve Toyota Prius-level mpg, this dual-power premium-midsize car is potentially greener and more fuel-efficient than the equivalent non-hybrid Q70, depending on how it’s driven. Yet it also offers a similarly sporty driving experience and slightly better acceleration, plus the same low noise levels, luxury trappings, and exemplary control scheme. The main compromises are the puny trunk space, a ride that’s still a bit brittle for the class, and a price premium you won’t recoup in fuel savings for decades–if then. Still, the Q70 Hybrid is a worthy choice in the growing “luxo-eco” field, with a winning personality all its own.