Teased last month, the Infiniti Q70 facelift was officially launched in Malaysia this morning at the Infiniti Center on Jalan Tun Razak, KL. The refreshed Q70, first seen at the 2014 New York show with a new long wheelbase body, arrives here in standard 2,900 mm wheelbase form.
The curvy Q70 – formerly known as the Infiniti M and sold as the Nissan Fuga in Japan – gets new clothes to not look so out of place next to fit younger sister Q50. The nip and tuck is pretty convincing, we must say.
Up front, the Q70's 'eyes' are the most visible change, now with LED headlights and 'eyebrow' daytime running lights that work well with the new and bold double arch grille, which has a 'more 3D' look and a mesh back. The front bumper with integrated fog lights is also new. We've so far only seen the optional sport bumper, which all the official press images show. Live pics of the 'normal' look to come.
The new tail lamps, now with a double-curve LED signature, are the most visible change at the back. The boot lid edge has been flattened while the rear bumper has been slimmed down. A long chrome strip bridges the tail lamps – it now houses the Infiniti script that was originally tiny and tucked under the logo. The big sedan rides on 18-inch alloys with 245/50 tyres.
Infiniti says that the new Q70 is quieter than before, thanks to extra noise insulation materials, increased sealing and stiffened wheels. Active Noise Cancellation monitors cabin noise levels and generates sound from the door speakers to 'cancel out' the noise.
Three engines are on the menu – a 3.7 litre V6 VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) unit with CVTC, 320 hp and 360 Nm (0-100 km/h 6.2s); a more road tax friendly 2.5 litre V6 with CVTC, 218 hp and 253 Nm (0-100 8.5s); and a 3.5L Hybrid. No downsized turbo engine for the Q70 yet.
The Q70 3.5L Hybrid model features a one-motor, two-clutch parallel 'Direct Response' hybrid system that generates a combined system output of 360 hp and 350 Nm. The 67 hp/290 Nm electric motor, powered by lithium-ion batteries, is a performance enhancer much like a traditional supercharger, and Infiniti calls it a "driver's hybrid". 0-100 km/h takes just 5.5 seconds.
The smooth naturally-aspirated six-pot units are paired to a seven-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with downshift rev matching and manual mode, and drive goes to the rear wheels, just like with rivals Lexus GS, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Weight distribution is 53:47 front-rear.
A Drive Mode Selector (on the centre console, behind the gear lever) allows one to choose from Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow modes, which adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping.
Standard equipment include LED headlamps and DRLs, keyless entry and push start, auto headlamps and wipers, tyre pressure warning system, reverse camera with front/rear parking sensors, sunroof, 10-way powered front seats (with memory and entry/exit assist for driver), ventilated front seats, quilted leather and the White Ash wood trim with silver-powder that Infiniti is very proud of, and rightly so. A Bose 10-speaker sound system is available.
Also in are safety kit that includes six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Isofix child seat mounts.
Available in Hermosa Blue (new), Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Moonlight White with premium pearl finish; the Infiniti Q70 is priced at RM295k for the 2.5L, RM375k for the 3.7L and RM420k for the Hybrid. There are add-on packages for all three variants. The 2.5's Sport Premium package adds on a sport front look, 20-inch wheels and a 10-speaker Bose sound system for RM35k. The 3.7L and Hybrid's RM25k Sport package adds on the sport bumper and 20-inch wheels (Bose system already standard).
The standard three-year or 100,000 km factory warranty applies. Live pics from the event to come.
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