Rear seats are also comfortable, and although space did not seem overwhelmingly generous, it is on par with competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and handily outstretches the Lexus GS. Speaking of stretching, a long wheelbase Q70L version is available with an extra 140 mm of rear legroom and is the only way to get into the V8 in this car.

Dynamically this car falls in the fat part of the bell curve. It handles well for a large car, but neither stands out nor seems too far behind such favourites as the Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS. We aimed to pit this sedan in such a comparison, but the stars did not align.

In other applications, the 3.7L V6 has an endearing rasp, but it was appropriately subdued in the Q70, though subtly aggressive under hard acceleration. Rated at 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, it is a suitable match for the 1,752 kg, but only in the vehicle’s available Sport mode does it really shine. In normal mode, it is dialled back, and Eco mode is disturbing because of the severe throttle lag and the push-back pedal that reminds you to take it easy. Officially rated at 13.2/9.6 L/100 km city/highway, we rarely saw less than 14 on the indicated consumption. However, as much as the engine is willing and the chassis sufficiently competent, there is next to no visceral connection through the controls that invite one to explore its limits or even push it mildly.

But that’s okay. This is a luxury sedan, and more important is its serenity, comfort and poise, which it has. It is a quiet cabin and the ride is comfortable, so it really does do everything it is supposed to. Why then, do I still feel like overall it is a rather lacklustre product in this competitive segment? Aside from the interior, there is little that stands out, and despite safety technology such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention it just does not feel state of the art. Between the positioning of the scroll wheel for the infotainment screen, the bulky steering wheel controls and outdated monochrome LCD screen in the gauge cluster (in stark contrast with the crisp, colourful info screen in the Nissan Murano I sampled the same week) it left a lot to be desired as Infiniti’s flagship sedan.

Its saving grace may just be the pricing. Starting at $52,000 with a $1,995 Freight charge for the base AWD V6 model, this tester piled on features to just over $64K, when vehicles from the German brands and even Cadillac are into the eighties without even trying. Granted, there is far more customization available from those brands, but Infiniti is competing in this value space with Lexus and Acura, with Hyundai offering an even better value equation and V8 at the same price point if pedigree is not your primary concern. There is a lot of selection in this segment, and Infiniti doesn’t stand out in any one area or as an overall best to be considered a leader or to draw interest in this crowded market.

Second Opinion: Jacob Black

Sometimes a car looks good enough to overcome its other flaws. Sometimes, the right friend, at the right time will tell you how much the sound of that car starting will make them feel warm and happy thoughts.

That was my standout from my week in the Q70. That and realizing there were speakers in the seat shoulders sending mad Aussie hip hop samples directly to my ear canals. The interior impressed Wards, and Jonathan, but left me a little cold. The lacquered wood was nice, but the shapes and curves seemed bulbous and overwrought to me.

It drives beautifully though. Easily on par with Hyundai Genesis and anything from Acura – but eclipsed slightly by Lexus. The engine for all it’s beautiful noises fails to deliver significant punch, but if you take a beat and drive the car as a stately sedan it excels. The Q70 commands attention, respect and appreciation from onlookers. In traffic it is serene. In heavy traffic it is an oasis. The Infiniti Q70 is a wonderful car – but its age is showing.

Warranty:
4 years/100,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 7 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance 24-hour roadside assistance

Competitors:
Audi A6
BMW 5 Series
Cadillac CTS
Jaguar XF
Lexus GS 350
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pricing: 2015 Infiniti Q70 3.7 AWD
Base Price: $52,000
Options: Delxue Touring & Tech Package $5,500 (Bose Studio Surround 5.1 16-speaker audio, power rear sunshade, leather seats, ash wood trim, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning & prevention, blind spot intervention, Forest Air conditioning, Eco Pedal, 20′ wheels), Premium Package $4,900 (voice recognition, Infiniti HD navigation, Infinti Connection telematics system w/ 1 year of service incl., 8″ touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel)
Freight: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $64,495

NRCan 2015 fuel economy estimate: 13.2/9.6 L/100 km city/highway
Observed fuel economy: 17.8 L/100 km

Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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