Infiniti QX70 2017 Review

In Malaysia's executive SUV market, consumers seek both luxurious texture and practical performance, with a particular focus on the smoothness of naturally aspirated engines and the stability of four-wheel-drive systems. The 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT, as the core model of this series still on sale, features a 324PS V6 naturally aspirated engine, full-time four-wheel drive system, and 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as its key selling points. With a price controlled at RM 368,100, it offers better value for money compared to competitors in its class. This test drive will focus on verifying whether its power response, driving and riding comfort, and space practicality meet the daily needs of executive SUV users.

The exterior design of the QX70 3.7 GT continues Infiniti's family sports-oriented style, with smooth and muscular lines throughout. The front face features a large double-arch grille, adorned with chrome trim for a highly recognizable look; the sharp LED headlight design on both sides connects with the grille to form an integrated appearance, giving it a compact visual effect. The side profile's character line extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing the sporty vibe; the roofline slightly slopes towards the rear, resembling a coupe SUV design, but without significantly sacrificing headroom. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a wraparound design, echoing the chrome decorations on the rear bumper, creating a simple yet layered appearance. For the lighting system, LED headlights and taillights come standard, and the automatic headlight function quickly activates in tunnels or dark environments, offering high practicality.

Entering the cabin, the interior of the QX70 3.7 GT is mainly black, complemented with silver trim and soft materials, creating a certain level of luxury. The dashboard layout is simple, with a 7-inch touch display at the top that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions; physical buttons are neatly arranged below, and the air conditioning control area adopts a combination of knobs and buttons for easy operation. In terms of configuration, the front seats support 10-way electric adjustment (with memory function for the driver's seat) and 8-way electric adjustment (for the front passenger seat), with thick padding and good wrap-around support; the rear seats support manual recline and 60:40 split-folding, enhancing spatial flexibility. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents, keyless entry/start, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system are all standard features, meeting daily usage needs.

In terms of body dimensions, the QX70 3.7 GT measures 4865mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1680mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2885mm. The front row provides spacious seating, leaving a 1-punch clearance above the head for passengers who are 180cm tall after adjusting the seat; the rear row offers about 2 punches of legroom and 1 punch of headroom, which is sufficiently comfortable for adult passengers. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk's standard volume is 410L, which can be expanded to a larger space by folding down the rear seats, accommodating up to 3 28-inch suitcases or daily shopping items; the front center armrest, door storage pockets, and glovebox also offer practical space for storing small items like phones, cups, etc.

In terms of the power system, the QX70 3.7 GT is equipped with a 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 324PS/7000rpm and a maximum torque of 360N·m/5200rpm, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response is smooth in the starting phase, the throttle pedal is calibrated linearly, and a gentle press can provide enough power output; the mid to late acceleration performance is strong, with noticeable torque release when the engine speed exceeds 3000rpm. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to downshift actively, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in about 6.8 seconds, which aligns with the official data. The driving modes include Standard, Sport, and Eco. In Sport mode, the transmission shift logic is more aggressive, and the steering wheel resistance increases, making it suitable for occasional spirited driving; in Eco mode, the throttle response and shifting timing are optimized, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

In terms of handling, the QX70 3.7 GT adopts a front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension. The suspension is tuned more for comfort but still retains a certain level of support. During everyday driving on urban roads, the suspension effectively absorbs small bumps, and the body stability is good; when passing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the suspension comfortably manages the impact, ensuring rear passengers do not feel significant discomfort. In cornering performance, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and the full-time four-wheel-drive system provides sufficient grip, offering confidence when taking turns. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal slack and moderate feedback strength, matching the sporty SUV positioning.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.1L/100km. During the actual test drive, fuel consumption on urban roads was about 12-13L/100km, and on highways, it was about 8-9L/100km, which is moderately average overall. In terms of braking performance, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs delivers stable braking results. The brake pedal provides linear feedback, and the vehicle posture remains well controlled during emergency braking.

Regarding driving comfort, the QX70 3.7 GT's noise control performs well. Wind and tire noise are kept at low levels during high-speed driving, and engine noise becomes slightly noticeable only at high RPMs. The seat comfort is good, and neither long drives nor prolonged sitting induces fatigue. Rear air conditioning vents can quickly adjust the temperature, enhancing rear passenger comfort. Additionally, the 360-degree panoramic camera system offers high clarity, and combined with front and rear parking sensors, parking becomes quite convenient. The hill-start assist function effectively prevents rollback when starting on slopes, making it highly practical.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT include the smooth power delivery of the 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine, the stability of the full-time four-wheel-drive system, and the five-year unlimited mileage warranty for aftersales service. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW X6 35i or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 350, the QX70 3.7 GT is more affordable, better equipped, and offers lower maintenance costs for its naturally aspirated engine. However, its interior lacks a modern tech feel, its multimedia system is less advanced compared to newer models, and the regular trunk capacity is slightly smaller.

This car is suitable for family users or executive-level SUV consumers who value power smoothness, driving comfort, and after-sales service. It is especially suitable for those who often drive on highways or need to handle mildly unpaved roads. For consumers pursuing technological features or larger space, other models might need to be considered, but the QX70 3.7 GT still performs well in terms of power and cost performance.

In general, the 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT is a well-balanced executive-level sporty SUV with strong power, comfortable driving experience, and practical configurations, suitable for consumers who value actual performance and cost-effectiveness. If you are looking for an SUV that combines luxury and sportiness, the QX70 3.7 GT is worth considering.