Infiniti QX70 Review

In Malaysia's executive mid-sized SUV market, consumers often seek a balance between luxury, performance, and value for money - requiring practical usability for daily family use while desiring sufficient confidence during driving. The 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT is a model that targets this demand, equipped with a 324PS naturally aspirated V6 engine paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system, while retaining Infiniti's signature design language and practical features. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify the vehicle's performance under real road conditions, its spatial practicality, and whether its advantages compared to competitors in the same segment can truly appeal to target customers.

From afar, the 2017 QX70 3.7 GT’s coupe-style SUV silhouette is highly recognizable. The sloping roofline gently descends from the B-pillar, complemented by muscular wheel arches, exuding both the bulkiness of an SUV and the agility of a sports car. At the front, Infiniti's signature double-arched grille is wide and features a black mesh design within. The sharp LED headlight shapes seamlessly connect with the upper edge of the grille, enhancing overall refinement. On the side, the 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (configuration confirmation: the GT version provided by the user is configured with 265/50R20; the data here follows this configuration) paired with 265/50 R20 tires fill in the wheel arches, creating a full visual effect. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED taillights, body-color rear bumper, and a silver skid plate below. The overall styling is cohesive without excessive decoration.

Getting into the car, the first thing you notice is the texture of the materials used for the interior. The upper section of the dashboard and the inner sides of the door panels are covered with soft leather, complemented by silver trim, striking the perfect balance of luxury. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen located in the center. Below it are physical buttons retained for convenient operation while driving. The driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustment with memory function, making it easy to find a comfortable sitting position; the front passenger seat features 8-way power adjustment. The rear seats support manual reclining and a 60:40 split-folding feature, providing decent flexibility. In terms of configuration, keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree camera, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, and other features come as standard, ensuring convenience for daily use.

In terms of space, the vehicle’s dimensions measure 4865mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1680mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2885mm. These measurements fall within the mainstream for a mid-sized SUV. The headroom in the front row provides approximately a fist and two fingers of clearance after adjusting the seat, with ample legroom. In the rear, two adult passengers can sit comfortably with about two fists’ worth of legroom, though the sloping roofline makes the headroom slightly tighter with around one fist of space — this is, however, sufficient for daily family use. The luggage compartment offers a standard capacity of 410L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats to accommodate larger items, such as strollers or large luggage. Rear passengers are well-catered to, with independent air-conditioning vents and USB ports provided for the rear row.

Start the vehicle, and the 3.7L naturally aspirated V6 engine produces a deep and powerful roar. According to official data, it delivers a maximum power of 324PS/7000rpm and a maximum torque of 360N·m/5200rpm, paired with a 7-speed automatic/manual transmission. Shifting into D mode to start, the power response is linear, without the abruptness of turbocharged vehicles, and a light press on the accelerator enables smooth acceleration. When pressing the accelerator deeply, the engine unleashes significant power reserves after 5000rpm, providing ample confidence for overtaking. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.8 seconds, which ranks among the mid-to-upper level in fuel-powered vehicles of the same class. The addition of paddle shifters enhances driving enjoyment; though gear shifts in manual mode are not particularly fast, they are sufficiently smooth.

In terms of handling, the combination of front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for sportiness while ensuring comfort. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and during high-speed driving, it provides a stable hand feel that enhances a sense of security. When navigating speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters vibrations without noticeable body bouncing; during cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the full-time all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, improving traction. Even on slippery roads, it remains relatively stable. The brake system performs in a linear fashion with a moderate stopping distance, inspiring confidence during daily driving.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.1L/100km. During the actual test drive, urban congested conditions yielded a fuel consumption of approximately 12-13L/100km, while highway driving reduced it to 8-9L/100km. Overall, this performance is in line with the level of a 3.7L V6 engine. Noise control is well-executed, and both wind and tire noise during high-speed driving remain within acceptable ranges. The engine's roar at high rpm is not overly harsh, maintaining a pleasant driving atmosphere. The seats provide good support and wrapping, making long drives less fatiguing.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT lie in its performance and balanced handling. The smoothness and power reserves of the 3.7L V6 engine are difficult for small displacement turbocharged engines in the same class to replicate. While its configuration is not as extensive as top-tier models, the standard features are practical and sufficient for daily use, offering excellent value for money. Compared to competitors like the BMW X4 or Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe in the same class, the QX70 3.7 GT stands out with better performance parameters and a more affordable price.

This car is suitable for users who emphasize performance and appreciate the smoothness of naturally aspirated engines, whether for daily use or occasional long trips. For family users seeking both luxury and sporty handling, or consumers preferring large-displacement engines, the QX70 3.7 GT is a good choice.

In conclusion, the 2017 Infiniti QX70 3.7 GT is a balanced mid-size coupe SUV with strong performance, solid handling, practical features, and unique competitiveness among its peers. It is a reliable choice that combines daily utility with driving enjoyment.