INFINITI QX70 REVIEW

List price from £42,355 Lease price from £670 The verdict 4 

Infiniti QX70 review. The stylish Infiniti QX70 4x4 looks like nothing else on the road. It’s fair to say Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, hasn’t been a huge success in the UK yet. However, this QX70 model is one of its better sellers. A rival to sporty 4x4s, such as the BMWX5 and PorscheCayenne, the QX70 blends a raised driving position with striking looks and offers greater exclusivity than any of its rivals. 

Space

Disappointing for such a big car

The QX70 is like the Tardis in reverse; it’s huge on the outside, but has a surprisingly small interior. While four adults can fit, those in the back can’t stretch out like they can in other big 4x4s. And the boot isn’t much bigger than a VW Golf’s. More positively, there’s a decent amount of storage space around the driver, and the rear seats can be folded flat. 

Comfort

Overly firm and you feel too much engine vibration

Every QX70 has an electrically adjustable driver’s seat that makes it easy to get comfortable. Sadly, you won’t stay that way for long because the QX70 thumps over potholes. In fact, even on roads that look relatively smooth, you can feel the car shimmying around beneath you. Three engines are available: 3.7- and 5.0-litre petrols and a 3.0-litre diesel. The petrols are smooth enough, but the diesel sounds a little gruff when you accelerate and it sends too much vibration into the car in stop-start traffic. 

Dashboard layout

Some awkwardly positioned controls

It’s easy to adjust the cabin temperature or fan strength. Unfortunately, you have to stretch to reach the controls for the stereo and satellite-navigation. Also, while the dashboard looks reasonably smart, the switches and cupholders feel cheap compared with those in other premium 4x4s. 

Easy to drive

Feels too wide for UK roads

You sit high in the QX70, so get a good view of the road ahead. Sadly, there are big over-the-shoulder blind spots that make changing lanes tricky. The QX70 is also a very wide car and you can’t tell where its bonnet ends from the driver’s seat. These issues combine with heavy steering to make it tricky to drive in town. Whichever engine you choose, there’s no shortage of performance, and every model comes with an automatic gearbox and the reassurance of four-wheel drive. 

Fun to drive

Better than you might expect

If you can put up with the QX70’s firm ride, you’re rewarded with good composure; it doesn’t lean much when you ask it to change direction and there’s a decent amount of grip. The BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne both have more consistently weighted steering, though. 

Reliability

Little information, but warranty is merely average

There hasn’t been much feedback from UK owners, simply because Infiniti sells so few cars here. However, the company does have a good record in the U.S. version of the JD Power customer satisfaction survey. More disappointing is the fact that the warranty on the QX70 expires after three years or 60,000 miles - whichever comes first. Rivals such as the BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport have three-year, unlimited-mileage warranties. 

Fuel economy

You’ll spend a lot at your local filling station

The diesel version of the QX70 has an official average of just 32.8mpg, while in the real-world you’ll struggle to get more than 25mpg out of it. Unsurprisingly, the 3.7-litre and 5.0-litre petrol models are even less efficient. 

Affordability

High running costs and weak resale values

The QX70 is priced in line with other big 4x4s, but it won’t be worth anything like as much when you come to sell it. These weak resale values make it expensive to lease, too, and you’ll need deep pockets to afford the insurance bills.

Safety

Lots of driver aids available

Like most modern cars, the QX70 has a stability control system that helps you regain control if the car starts to skid, plus it’s fitted with front, side and window airbags in case an accident proves unavoidable. These features helped it score a maximum five-star rating in the independent Euro NCAP crash testing programme. GT Premium models also feature a system that keeps you from drifting out of your lane on the motorway, and another that can automatically apply the brakes if it looks like you’re going to run into the car in front. 

Standard spec

Every version is well equipped

Every QX70 comes with a long list of standard features, including climate control, heated and cooled leather seats, a powered tailgate and cruise control, plus you can play music and make phone calls via a Bluetooth connection. GT Premium models add a Bose stereo, satellite-navigation and an adaptive cruise control system that keeps you a set distance from the car in front. Meanwhile, S versions of the QX70 are sportier to drive and look at. 

Our favourite version 

3.0d GT Premium, list price £46,805 

Options you should add 

Metallic paint (£760)

Source: telegraph.co.uk