Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT Premium (2017) Review

In Malaysia's Executive SUV market, there aren't many options that combine sporty character and luxurious features. Consumers either compromise with the high premium of traditional luxury brands or settle for family-use models that have adequate features but uninspiring designs. The Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT Premium (2017 model) happens to fill this gap: its 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine delivers the linear power of a traditional gas car, paired with premium features like BOSE audio system and multi-directional power seats, yet it comes with nearly RM100,000 less budget pressure compared to German SUVs in the same class. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to test if its "sporty luxury" positioning truly delivers and whether it meets the standards of daily practicality for family use.

The exterior of the QX70 grabs attention at first glance, following a coupe-SUV streamlined design that differentiates it significantly from traditional boxy SUVs. The front features Infiniti's signature double-arch grille, surrounded by chrome accents. The hood has two raised lines, and looking from the side, the car's body lines slope from the A-pillar down to the rear. The lower part of the doors features a concave design that lowers the visual center of gravity and adds a muscular feel. The rear design is relatively simple; the LED taillights are horizontally aligned, complementing the width of the rear. The rear bumper has silver skid plate-style ornaments with a dual exhaust layout, which enhances the sporty feel. As for the lighting system, LED headlights come standard, offering decent recognition when lit. Automatic headlights and front fog lights are also included, making daily use very convenient.

Upon entering the cabin, the first thing you'll notice is the use of materials—the dashboard and door panels are wrapped with soft-touch materials, which feel quite premium to the touch. Silver trims surround the air vents and central screen, avoiding an over-the-top luxurious design while keeping attention to detail. The center console layout features a traditional symmetrical design, and although the 8-inch central screen isn't particularly large, its simple operating logic makes it easy to use. In terms of features, the multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather, providing a nice tactile feel, and it also comes with paddle shifters. The driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustment with a memory function, while the passenger seat offers 8-way power adjustment, which is sufficient for comfort during long drives. The rear seats support manual reclining and a 60:40 split-folding configuration, offering decent flexibility. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, with independent rear air vents ensuring back-seat passengers stay comfortable on family outings. The Bose 11-speaker audio system performs well, making it suitable for listening to music or podcasts during everyday use.

In terms of space, the QX70 has a wheelbase of 2885mm, which is not outstanding in its class, but the actual experience reveals ample front-row space. A person with a height of 180cm finds sufficient headroom and legroom in the front. The rear-row space is slightly tighter; someone of the same height sitting in the back would have approximately two fists' worth of legroom and about one fist of headroom due to the sloping roofline, which might feel a bit constrictive during long rides. As for storage, the front door panels have compartments that can fit two bottles of water, and there’s a hollow storage space below the center console, which is convenient for placing a phone or wallet. The trunk offers a standard volume of 410L, which is not very large, but it can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, allowing for storage of a stroller or luggage. Other details, such as the 220V power outlet in the front and ISO FIX anchor points in the rear, cater to family-use needs, meeting practical expectations.

The powertrain features a 3.7L V6 naturally aspirated engine with 324PS horsepower and a torque of 360N·m (Note: Torque data supplemented based on common model specifications, as the original text did not provide it), paired with a 7AT transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system as standard. In actual driving, the power response during startup is very linear, without the abrupt push-back sensation found in turbocharged vehicles. However, when the RPM exceeds 3000, the power noticeably bursts, giving great confidence during overtaking. There are two driving modes: Standard and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the shifting logic of the transmission becomes more aggressive, and the shift paddle response is faster, suitable for occasional "wild driving." For daily driving, the standard mode is sufficient, as the transmission shifts smoothly without noticeable jerks.

Regarding handling and chassis, the QX70 features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned more toward sportiness. The steering wheel has a relatively heavy feel, and its directional accuracy is very precise. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the support is sufficient, offering a sense of driving enjoyment. However, the suspension is slightly stiff, so when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the rear seats can feel the vibrations more distinctly, sacrificing some comfort for better handling. As part of a specific test, we measured the fuel consumption: it was approximately 13-14L/100km in urban congested conditions, 9-10L/100km on highways, and an overall average of around 11L/100km. This is not too far off from the official figure of 10.1L/100km. Considering it’s a V6 engine, such fuel consumption is fairly reasonable. Regarding braking, the tested 100-0km/h braking distance is around 39 meters, which is average for its class and sufficiently safe for daily use.

In terms of driving comfort, the QX70 has good noise control. While driving on highways, wind noise and tire noise are relatively minimal, and the Bose audio system’s sound insulation function (Sound Plus) also helps, making the cabin overall very quiet. The seat comfort has been mentioned earlier; both the wrap-around support and overall support are excellent, so long drives are not tiring. However, because the suspension tuning is on the firmer side, comfort takes a hit when driving on rough roads, which is something to keep in mind. The performance of the all-wheel-drive system is average, suitable for daily urban commuting or occasional unpaved roads. However, if you really plan to go off-road, it might fall short since its positioning is as a sporty city SUV.

In summary, the core advantages of the QX70 3.7 GT Premium are clear: the linear power delivery of the V6 naturally aspirated engine, the unique design of a coupe SUV, practical and luxurious features such as the Bose sound system and electric seats, combined with a lower price compared to German SUVs in the same class, making it cost-effective. Compared to competitors like the BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE Coupe, it is about 15-20 thousand ringgit cheaper, with no significant compromises in configuration. Compared to Japanese rivals like the Toyota Prado or Nissan Patrol, it offers a stronger sense of sportiness and luxury.

The target audience is also clear: if you enjoy the driving quality of traditional fuel-powered vehicles, do not prioritize the technological feel of new energy vehicles, and want a uniquely designed SUV with sufficient luxury features for daily city commuting or occasional short family trips, the QX70 is a good choice. It is not a perfect car—its tight rear space and relatively hard suspension are disadvantages—but its strengths are prominent enough to meet the needs of specific groups of buyers.

Overall, the Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT Premium is an Executive-class SUV that is "specialized but has highlights." Its sporty luxury positioning is very clear, making it suitable for consumers who do not want to follow the crowd, value the driving experience, and are conscious of cost-effectiveness. If you happen to be looking for a luxury SUV that is not overly "pretentious," it is worth a try.