Infiniti QX70 Ultimate 2016: Luxury Performance Review

The automotive market has long grappled with the challenge of merging sporty handling dynamics with the spacious, elevated driving position that luxury crossover enthusiasts demand. The 2016 Infiniti QX70 Ultimate attempts to bridge this divide by combining athletic suspension tuning with premium materials and distinctive styling that sets it apart from conventional sport utility vehicles. This comprehensive examination evaluates whether this ambitious fusion ultimately delivers a compelling ownership experience for those seeking something beyond mainstream offerings.

Design Philosophy and Visual Distinction

The QX70’s exterior design represents a deliberate departure from the boxy proportions typical of traditional SUV architecture. Rather than embracing the squared-off silhouette favored by competitors, Infiniti’s designers crafted a vehicle featuring swooping body lines and a dramatically angled roofline that descends toward the rear. This distinctive profile immediately signals the vehicle’s sports-focused intentions, even when standing still in a parking lot.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of the QX70’s presentation is the exceptional quality of its exterior paint finish. The lustrous coating applied during manufacturing exhibits depth and clarity that exceeds expectations for vehicles in this segment, contributing to the overall premium impression the machine conveys. Additionally, the windscreen wipers operate with remarkable quietness—a small detail that reflects Infiniti’s attention to refining the ownership experience through meticulous engineering of seemingly minor components.

From an exclusivity standpoint, the QX70 holds considerable appeal for buyers fatigued by seeing identical crossovers at every shopping center. Infiniti vehicles remain genuinely uncommon sights on British roads, ensuring that your purchase will turn heads rather than blend seamlessly into automotive monotony. This rarity factor particularly appeals to those who view their vehicle as an extension of personal taste rather than mere transportation.

Powertrain Characteristics and Engine Performance

The 2016 model year QX70 Ultimate is equipped with a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This displacement, paired with the vehicle’s substantial curb weight, generates acceleration that feels purposeful rather than explosive. The engine’s personality becomes evident immediately upon startup—the V6 produces a characteristically throaty exhaust note that reinforces the vehicle’s performance-oriented identity.

Despite the engine’s respectable output, real-world acceleration doesn’t quite match the capabilities of leading competitors in the luxury crossover segment. When compared directly with athletic alternatives like the Audi Q5, the QX70’s performance advantage proves marginal, particularly when considering the transmission’s occasionally sluggish downshift behavior during spirited driving. The seven-speed automatic transmission manages upshifts competently but demonstrates noticeable hesitation when rapid gear reduction is demanded.

Fuel consumption represents one area where the QX70’s engineering proves reasonably efficient. Depending on drivetrain configuration, the vehicle achieves between 16 and 24 miles per gallon under real-world conditions—results that align closely with manufacturer estimates. This respectable efficiency for a vehicle of the QX70’s size and performance capability provides practical reassurance to owners anticipating regular highway journeys.

Handling Dynamics and Suspension Behavior

The QX70’s chassis dynamics reveal Infiniti’s clear prioritization of handling responsiveness over ride comfort—a decision that generates both enthusiasm and frustration among different driver categories. The sport-tuned suspension exhibits confidence-inspiring grip through corners, with body roll remaining minimal even during aggressive cornering maneuvers that would induce alarming lean in conventional crossovers. The responsive steering translates driver inputs with precision, creating a connection between hand and road that luxury crossover buyers rarely experience.

However, this pursuit of dynamic performance carries a significant compromise: the ride quality suffers noticeably, particularly on British roads characterized by undulating surfaces and frequent pothole intrusions. The stiffly calibrated suspension transmits bumps and road imperfections directly into the cabin with jarring intensity, transforming otherwise pleasant journeys into uncomfortable ordeals. This harshness becomes particularly pronounced when larger aftermarket wheels are fitted, as reduced sidewall compliance amplifies every surface irregularity.

The steering mechanism itself requires substantial physical effort to operate, demanding greater muscular engagement than many drivers expect from a modern luxury vehicle equipped with power assistance systems. This deliberate heaviness contributes to the dynamic impression during enthusiastic driving but becomes fatiguing during extended urban navigation or parking lot maneuvering.

Interior Environment and Material Quality

Stepping into the QX70’s cabin reveals a carefully curated environment that prioritizes material substance over ostentatious ornamentation. The interior architecture employs high-quality leather upholstery complemented by genuine wood accents that provide tactile richness and visual warmth. Thoughtful details—including purple stitching that creates visual interest against darker interior tones—demonstrate Infiniti’s consideration of how cumulative small touches contribute to overall cabin atmosphere.

Despite these premium appointments, objective material quality assessment reveals performance that aligns with top-specification versions of mainstream brands like Nissan rather than representing a dramatic leap forward. The cabin materials feel solid and well-assembled, but they don’t project the commanding sense of luxury that customers might expect given the vehicle’s positioning and price point. The impression is competent rather than extraordinary—functionality executed with taste rather than overwhelming indulgence.

Visibility limitations present a practical frustration within the cabin environment. Shallow window apertures restrict outward views, creating a somewhat enclosed sensation that contradicts the elevated driving position one expects from a crossover vehicle. This design compromise—likely pursued to enhance aerodynamic efficiency or chassis rigidity—creates a tangible disconnection between driver and surrounding environment.

Cargo Accommodations and Practical Considerations

One of the QX70’s more surprising disappointments emerges when evaluating cargo capacity relative to the vehicle’s substantial external dimensions. The rear seating area provides less usable space than anticipated for a machine of this scale, while the trunk accommodates only 24.8 cubic feet with rear seats in their upright position. When rear seats are folded, capacity expands to 62 cubic feet—useful for specific hauling scenarios but hardly competitive with smaller rivals that maximize interior volume more effectively.

The rear seating comfort benefits from Infiniti’s careful ergonomic development, with supportive contours and adequate legroom for typical passengers. However, the relatively compact rear compartment limits the vehicle’s practicality for families or individuals requiring substantial people-hauling capacity. Buyers prioritizing everyday versatility may find themselves compromising on the QX70’s dynamic strengths in exchange for these spatial limitations.

Technology Integration and Interface Design

The QX70’s infotainment system adopts a practical, user-friendly design philosophy that prioritizes accessibility over cutting-edge trendiness. While the interface doesn’t showcase the latest technological innovations available in the broader automotive market, the straightforward menu structure and responsive controls make daily operation intuitive. Navigation menus navigate logically, and essential functions remain easily accessible without requiring extended periods of screen menu exploration.

Optional enhancements like the 360-degree surround camera system provide valuable assistance during parking maneuvers, though image resolution doesn’t match the crispness delivered by newer technology implementations from competing manufacturers. The camera imagery proves functional for practical parking purposes but lacks the visual clarity that newer systems now routinely provide.

Comparative Performance Assessment

Ownership Considerations and Value Proposition

Prospective QX70 buyers should approach their purchasing decision with realistic expectations regarding the vehicle’s strengths and compromises. This machine appeals specifically to drivers who prioritize dynamic performance and distinctive styling over maximum practicality and ride comfort. The QX70 represents an excellent choice for those seeking a vehicle that handles like a sports car while providing the elevated seating position and weather protection of a crossover utility vehicle.

Conversely, buyers expecting a typical luxury crossover experience—characterized by plush suspension tuning, abundant interior space, and convenient cargo accommodation—may find the QX70’s execution frustrating. The compromises inherent in achieving the vehicle’s performance characteristics mean that traditional crossover advantages are sometimes sacrificed in pursuit of dynamic goals.

From an exclusivity perspective, owning a QX70 Ultimate ensures that your vehicle will generate conversation and attention. The combination of uncommon Infiniti branding with distinctive design language virtually guarantees that your machine will stand apart from the automotive commonality surrounding it on typical British roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the QX70’s performance compare to the Audi Q5?

While the QX70 generates comparable horsepower figures to certain Q5 configurations, real-world acceleration proves marginally slower due to the Infiniti’s transmission characteristics. The Audi typically feels quicker off-the-line and during highway passing scenarios, though the QX70 matches or exceeds Q5 handling responsiveness.

Is the QX70 comfortable for daily commuting?

The suspension tuning prioritizes handling over comfort, resulting in a firmer ride than typical luxury crossovers. Drivers sensitive to road imperfections may find extended commutes fatiguing, particularly on rougher road surfaces.

What is the cargo capacity realistically?

With rear seats up, expect approximately 24.8 cubic feet of usable trunk space. Folding the rear seats expands capacity to around 62 cubic feet, though this remains modest compared to most competitors.

Does the QX70 justify its price premium?

The premium pricing reflects Infiniti’s reputation, distinctive design, and performance-oriented engineering. However, buyers should ensure they value these characteristics sufficiently, as raw practicality comparisons may not favor the QX70 against mainstream alternatives.

Final Assessment

The 2016 Infiniti QX70 Ultimate represents a specialized automotive proposition that demands buyer self-awareness. This machine excels at delivering performance dynamics and distinctive styling that resonate with enthusiasts prioritizing handling responsiveness and visual distinction. The premium material quality and thoughtful design details reinforce the vehicle’s quality impression, while the sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering provide engaging driving experiences.

However, potential owners must accept that these strengths arrive coupled with trade-offs including harsh ride quality, limited cargo space, and modest practical advantages over mainstream competitors. The QX70 appeals to a specific buyer profile: individuals who view their vehicle as a personal statement, value driving engagement above all other considerations, and appreciate mechanical sophistication combined with visual distinctiveness.

For those matching this profile, the QX70 Ultimate delivers genuine satisfaction. For buyers seeking traditional luxury crossover attributes emphasized by mainstream brands, alternative options may better serve practical needs and comfort expectations.