Who isn’t talking about the Infiniti Q70? Okay, maybe more than a few people. The Infiniti brand’s largest passenger car enjoys low but fairly stable sales, returning volume in the high 5,000s in both 2017 and 2016.
Alongside the rear-drive, V6- or V8-powered four-door was a hybrid variant, but that green companion dies for 2019 — leaving just one gas-electric model in the Infiniti stable.
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6/electric motor combo, the hybrid put its combined 360 horsepower to the road through a seven-speed automatic. The model debuted as the M35h back in 2011, before Infiniti decided to rearrange some letters in its model names.
The premium brand announced the Q70 Hybrid is “no longer offered” as it rolled out changes to its lineup for the 2019 model year. While the green sedan bites the dust, the regular Q70 continues on with a 3.7-liter V6 or 5.6-liter V8 beneath its hood, patiently awaiting a new body and platform swap that should come in 2020. That change would see the Q70 revert to front-wheel drive.
The Q70’s future — or near future, anyway — seems assured, given the model’s stable sales and Infiniti’s recent release of a flagship concept sedan. Big cars haven’t disappeared from Infiniti design boards, even though the words “large Infiniti” still conjure up images of the old Q45. As per company plans, all new models will boast hybrid variants.
While the midsize Q50 sedan still offers a hybrid version, the Q70 Hybrid’s demise, plus that of the QX60 Hybrid, means Infiniti enters 2019 looking not all that green. Not that Q70 Hybrids were thick on the ground. In the first half of 2018, Infiniti sold 26 of them. The same period last year saw the brand unload 33.
[Image: Infiniti]
To be honest I’ve learned more about full size Infiniti sedans from this piece then I’ve know about them for years. When they changed all the model designations years ago I lost track
Yeah at least the designations meant something at one point.
35 = 3.5 ltr V6
56 = 5.6 V8
Letters meant various sizes and body styles. Now I just throw my hands up in frustration.
Much like Audi, BMW, Genesis, and (soon) Cadillac, the higher number designates a nicer car. So you know that a Q70 is, in theory, nicer than a Q50.
It’s not like the different letters were all that meaningful, either.
That change would see the Q70 revert to front-wheel drive.
Boooooooooooooooo Boooooooooooooooo this man!
Yep, that’s three sales down the tube
Sorry but you are going to have to prove that this is going FWD..I dont see that happening. The Q50/60 arent so why would this. And how is it gong to REVERT…didnt know it ever was.
Because we need another big, expensive Cadenza or XTS-like vehicle. What the heck?
A transverse arrangement isn’t necessarily the death knell for a sedan. The XTS and Cadenza are deliberately relaxed and numb; there’s lots of room for sportier handling and performance.
As an idea I agree, but I guess Audi has the FWD-bias large sedan thing covered – they’re pretty sporty.
And now as GS probably goes to ES and they make an AWD ES F X 3.5, they’ll have one too.
The Lexus ES has outsold all non BMW/MB RWD luxury midsizers for years. And most people are not buying 5/Es with the big engines and sport packages.
I’m pretty sure that would be the end of this car. Not many people know about it, but the ones who go for the V8 version generally due so for the V8/RWD combination.
I really want to like this car. I had my heart set on it, but ended up leasing a new E400 sedan due to a great deal, however; I don’t really like the mercedes and the Q70 still appeals to me and may be my next choice in late 2019. Maybe I’ll be able to get a leftover RWD for a killer deal.
As a long time infiniti fan, the shift towards FWD and CVTs (in some cases) is really turning me towards BMW, which really makes me sad. The Q50s (I haven’t driven the Red sport) didn’t really call to me like the old G37. I think the cars are aging faster than I am.
Well, that kills the one thing that made Infiniti worthwhile.
FWD Q70 = rebadged Maxima?
The did that once already. I30?
If they’re wondering whether anybody is going to buy that – uh no. It’s a much easier sell at the middle-market like with the I30 than a flagship sedan like here.
As Acura has learned with the RLX, the most BIGGEST Accord.
Wait I thought proles were lining up for hybrids and EVs?
“While the midsize Q50 sedan still offers a hybrid version, the Q70 Hybrid’s demise, plus that of the QX60 Hybrid, means Infiniti enters 2019 looking not all that green”
The horror.
5,000 units sold in 2016 and 2017 count as ‘stable sales?’
I can explain the Q70 in a few points, so you won’t have to drive it.
-Feels cheap
-Poorer interior quality than M which preceded it
-Ride quality not great
-Boaty yet vibratey
-Tire noise
-Dated styling
-Horrible depreciation
-Resides in 2011 where it was last updated to any considerable measure
The SWB V8 version with RWD might be compelling at $12K less. But it seems like there’s minimal discounts on that car because Infiniti barely even builds any.
Yes, unfortunately, all of those things. I hate that this is not an awesome car.
Yes, unfortunately, all of those things. I hate that this is not an awesome car.
Who buys Infinities anyway? There are so many better looking choices.Why do you need Infiniti if you can buy a beauty like Genesis? I have no idea what all that letters mean in both cases but that is not important.