2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market, consumers pursue both brand refinement and practical features along with driving quality—and the Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT is designed precisely to meet those needs. Positioned as a "sporty luxury" model, it is equipped with a 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine and comes standard with various advanced configurations. Through this test drive, we aim to verify whether it can balance power, comfort, and practicality, offering users a value-for-money experience.

In terms of appearance, the QX70 3.7 GT has a highly recognizable design. The front features Infiniti's signature double-arch grille paired with sharp automatic LED headlights, with an overall style leaning towards sporty robustness. The side profile shows a contour line extending from the front fender to the rear, and 20-inch wheels (front tire specification 265/50R20) further enhance the sense of strength. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the front, while the chrome accents at the lower edge of the rear bumper add a touch of refinement. Regarding the lighting system, the brightness of the LED headlights is sufficient, and the automatic activation feature responds promptly in tunnels or at dusk. The front fog lights provide extra safety during rainy or foggy conditions.

Entering the cabin, the interior adopts black as the main color, complemented by silver accents, resulting in a stable and luxurious style. The center console features an asymmetrical design tilted towards the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the seats and interior sides of the doors are leather-wrapped, offering a refined tactile experience. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters, while its size and grip are well-balanced for comfort. In terms of core features, the 10-inch infotainment screen, though not exceptionally large, has a clear interface and operates smoothly. The front row is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, while the rear row features independent air vents, catering to the comfort of the whole family. The seat functionality is worth mentioning: the driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustment with memory function, while the passenger seat has 8-way power adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable sitting position. The rear seats support manual reclining and 60:40 split folding, allowing for flexible space extension.

As for space performance, the QX70 3.7 GT measures 4865mm x 1925mm x 1680mm in dimensions, with a wheelbase of 2885mm, positioning it within the mainstream level for mid-size SUVs. The front row provides ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a headroom clearance of one fist and two fingers after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom offers approximately two fists of space, and headroom one fist, ensuring that even three adult passengers in the rear won't feel too cramped. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers a standard volume of 410L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, sufficient for daily shopping or luggage for a short trip. The center console storage box and door panel compartments in the front row are also practical, with the door panels capable of holding two bottles of mineral water. Additionally, the rear row is equipped with a power outlet for passenger convenience.

In terms of performance, the 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum output of 324PS and a peak torque of 360N·m (5200rpm), paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response at start-up is not particularly aggressive, but when the accelerator is pressed deeply, the V6 engine exhibits robust power, with acceleration being linear and smooth. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.8 seconds places it in the upper-middle range of fuel-powered vehicles in its class. When overtaking on highways, the transmission downshifts responsively, delivering power on demand with confidence. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and coupled with the support of the 20-inch wheels, body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing a sports car-like driving feel.

In terms of chassis, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned towards sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. When dealing with small road bumps, the suspension filters out most vibrations, so passengers inside the car won't feel significant jolts; when encountering speed bumps or large potholes, the suspension rebounds quickly, and the vehicle body does not have excessive wobble. However, on continuously bumpy roads, rear passengers might experience some mild bouncing. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.1L/100km. During our actual test drive (approximately 60% city roads and 40% highways), the fuel consumption was about 11.5L/100km. For a 3.7L V6 engine, this performance is fairly reasonable.

In terms of driving comfort, the QX70 3.7 GT performs well. Regarding insulation, engine noise is almost inaudible at idle, while at high speeds (120km/h), wind noise and tire noise are slightly noticeable but do not interfere with in-car conversations. The seats offer good wrapping and support, and long durations of sitting do not lead to discomfort. Additionally, the keyless entry and one-click start functions are very convenient, as you don't need to take out your keys in daily use; the power-folding side mirrors can also help avoid scratches when parking in narrow spaces.

Overall, the core advantages of the Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT lie in the smooth power delivery of its V6 engine, precise handling, and its rich array of standard features—such as LED headlights, power seats, front and rear radar with 360-degree cameras, and a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. These features often need to be added as optional extras in competing models of the same class (e.g., BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC), but they come standard with the QX70 3.7 GT, making it stand out in terms of value for money. However, its trunk's regular volume is relatively small, and its fuel consumption is slightly higher compared to small displacement turbocharged models.

The target demographic for this car is clear: consumers who value driving quality and enjoy the smooth power output of a naturally aspirated engine, or families who need a car for daily commuting but also want to occasionally experience driving pleasure. If you value the prestige of a luxury brand but don't want to spend extra money on optional features, the QX70 3.7 GT is a good choice.

In summary, the 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT is a "well-balanced" luxury midsize SUV with no significant drawbacks. It achieves a good balance between power, comfort, features, and handling, making it a practical option worth considering in its price range.