Used 2019 INFINITI Q70 L 5.6 LUXE Sedan Review

We love a big Japanese sedan with a V8 as much as anyone, and the 2019 Infiniti Q70 offers one of the biggest. But stacked up against the competition, the Q70 falls flat regardless of how it's equipped. The current Q70 originally hit the market way back in 2011 under the M56 moniker, and though it's received some updates over the years, it simply hasn't kept pace with competitors.

While it's roomy and comfortable, the interior design is undeniably dated, and the technology on offer feels positively Precambrian when compared to what you'll find in the latest Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The Q70's ride also isn't very refined, especially if you opt for the larger wheels and sportier suspension, which make it downright choppy. Unfortunately, passing on these upgrades has a noticeable impact on the car's handling capability.

There's a lot of strong competition in the midsize luxury sedan market, from newcomers such as Genesis to old hands such as Mercedes-Benz, and most of the alternatives have more to recommend them than the Q70.

The 2019 Infiniti Q70 is available in two main trim levels: 3.7 Luxe and 5.6 Luxe. The numbers indicate what type of engine is under the hood. A long-wheelbase Q70L is available with either engine and similar equipment. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. A seven-speed automatic is the sole transmission available, while a variety of optional packages provide for a degree of customization.

The base Q70 3.7 Luxe receives motivation from a 3.7-liter V6 (330 horsepower, 270 pound-feet of torque). Standard features include a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable and heated front seats. A no-cost Essential package (which you can expect to be equipped) further adds a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, a top-down parking camera system, leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system.

The optional Premium Select Edition package for the 3.7 Luxe adds dark exterior trim, a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, a suedelike headliner and premium leather upholstery.

Q70s bearing the 5.6 Luxe badge pack a 5.6-liter V8 (420 hp, 417 lb-ft of torque). These models include all the items of the 3.7 Luxe.

Long-wheelbase variants are differentiated by the Q70L name. These longer models offer an extra 5.5 inches of rear legroom, a rear 12-volt outlet, power soft-close rear doors and heated rear seats.

For both Q70 trims, the ProActive package adds advanced safety features including forward collision warning, front and rear collision mitigation with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring and intervention, lane departure warning and intervention, and adaptive cruise control. For Q70L trims, the Sensory package adds a 16-speaker Bose stereo, a power rear sunshade, and unique interior trim including upgraded rear-seat upholstery.

The Sport package is available on both standard-wheelbase Q70 trims. It adds 20-inch wheels, a different fascia, upgraded brakes, a firmer suspension, a 16-speaker Bose stereo, a power rear sunshade and magnesium paddle shifters. Long-wheelbase variants can opt for the Performance Tire and Wheel package, which includes 20-inch wheels and larger, more capable brakes.