When the topic of luxury manufacturers comes up, Infiniti sometimes gets left out of the conversation — and undeservingly so, as the manufacturer makes excellent premium products. The Q50 sports sedan is an example, which just received a refresh last year, is offered in four grades ranging from PURE to the 400-horsepower RED SPORT 400. SUV enthusiasts need look no further than the 2017 QX70. The roomy vehicle can accommodate up to five adult passengers and four golf bags at the same time, and is full of standard luxury and convenience appointments like a 10-way adjustable leather driver’s seat and Bose Premium Audio system. Keep reading why we think the brand should get a little more love.
Infiniti Q50
This luxury sports sedan is the company’s best-selling vehicle, and for the 2018 model year, it affords buyers additional choices. Split into four distinct grades, PURE, LUXE, SPORT, and RED SPORT 400, each possesses a unique style. The latter two are focused, unsurprisingly, on sporty enhancements (i.e. providing an aggressive front fascia boasting big bold air intakes, dual exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffuser). All trims get upscale features including heated side mirrors housing built-in repeaters and a power moonroof (except the base 2.0t).
A total of four powertrains exist on the Q50, such as the aforementioned 208-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; two different 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6s, one with 300 horses and the other 400; and even a hybrid option combining a 3.5-liter V6 and a 50-kilowatt electric motor.
Infiniti Q60
Prefer two fewer doors? Then Q60 is another way to go. Entering its third generation a couple of years ago, the car follows the contemporary Infiniti “Powerful Elegance” design philosophy characterized by smooth body lines, sleek silhouette, and the appearance of movement even while standing still. There’s also a humanistic aesthetic quality, for instance the signature LED headlamps emulate the shape of an eyelid.
Handling is a specialty of the coupe sold in rear and all-wheel drive. The available Direct Adaptive Steering translates driver input quicker than a mechanical setup, and at the same time reduces unwanted feedback from the road. Fully customizable, users can choose a firmer setup for spirited performance or softer for cruising. Similarly, Dynamic Digital Suspension utilizing electronic dampers may be tailored to whatever the occasion dictates.
Infiniti Q70
Formerly known as the FX, the swoopy yet muscular QX70 is not a typical SUV. Attributes like a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, stretched out wheelbase, fender vents, and compact greenhouse give the model a very un-crossover appeal. In 2017, the slatted grille was traded for a new premium mesh unit, and two extra paint colors thrown in: Hagane Blue and Majestic White. As mentioned, the interior is a nice place to be, made even better if the Limited Package is purchased adding in quilted heated and ventilated seats, open pore wood panels, and dark headliner.
All QX70’s come equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 motor, rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
