Infiniti Q70L – former M gets facelift, long wheelbase

The Infiniti Q70, previously known as the Infiniti M, has got more than just a facelift at the 2014 New York show – the BMW 5 Series/Mercedes E-Class rival now has a long wheelbase version called the Q70L.

The LWB variant, to be sold alongside the regular car, adds 150 mm (5.9 inches) to the Q70’s 2,900 mm wheelbase to not only increase knee and leg room at the back, but also to augment the athletic presence of the sedan, Infiniti says. Looking at the pics, we agree that the curvaceous Q70 is an elegant candidate for wheelbase extension.

Rear knee room is a best-in-class 823 mm, and rear seat passengers can comfortably cross their legs. Rear ingress and egress are also claimed to be top in segment. On top of offering rear door auto closure, the LWB also comes with heated seats, reading lights, and a 12V power outlet for the boss.

“We know our customers desire more choice and prestige. The long wheelbase Q70 is our offer to them. The Q70 delivers on all accounts – attention to detail, highly crafted materials, class-leading rear roominess, comfortable ride, and superior levels of interior quietness,” said Vincent Gillet, VP of marketing at Infiniti.

Now for the facelift part. The ‘eyes’ are the most visible change, now with LED headlights that accentuate the new double arch grille, which has a more 3D look. The front bumper with integrated fog lights is also new.

At the back, the tail lamps are obviously new, now with a double-curve lighting signature. The top line of the trunk lid has been flattened while the rear bumper has been slimmed down to create a longer and lower visual impression. The chrome rear finisher adds a touch of class.

The Sport version features a specially designed front bumper that gives an even lower and wider stance, 20-inch wheels and high-gloss black for the lower part of the rear bumper. The Q70 is very aerodynamic, with a Cd of just 0.26 for the hybrid and 0.27 for the standard car.

Infiniti says that the new Q70 is now quieter than before, thanks to extra noise insulation materials, increased sealing and stiffened wheels. Active Noise Control monitors cabin noise levels and generates “canceling” sound from four door speakers to reduce noise.

This means that you’ll get to better enjoy the Bose Studio Surround system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers, two of which are mounted in the shoulders of each front seat.

Other features include Enhanced Intelligent Key, which remembers last used audio, navigation and climate control settings for each key, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with eight-inch touch-screen display and Infiniti Connection telematics services.

In the US, the Q70 comes with 3.7L V6 (330 hp/366 Nm) and 5.6L V8 (420 hp/565 Nm) petrol engines, both mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. In Malaysia, the 3.7L is sold alongside a 2.5L V6 and a hybrid by official importer Inspired Motor.

The hybrid combines a 302 hp/350 Nm 3.5L V6 with a 67 hp/290 Nm electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. The motor acts as a performance enhancer, much like a traditional supercharger, and Infiniti calls it a “driver’s hybrid”. Read more about the Q70 Hybrid here. The Q70 took part in our four-way luxury shootout last year.

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