To be successful, contemporary hybrid cars need to provide something more than thrifty fuel economy. That’s what helps make the INFINITI Q70h a worthy contender toward the luxury end of the battery/gasoline spectrum. Ask Q70 owners what they like best about their car, and most will probably note its overall athleticism and tastefully restrained styling -- two factors not always found in midsize luxury sedans. Introduced for 2012, when INFINITI still used the M35 designation, the Q70 Hybrid retains those tempting qualities, but adds a helping of class-leading efficiency. INFINITI continues to offer a gas-engine Q70 and an extended-length Q70L.
What's New for 2016
Little has changed on the Hybrid sedan, following a light refresh last year for each Q70 model.
Choosing Your INFINITI Q70h
The Q70 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine working in concert with a 50-kilowatt electric motor. Together, the system produces 360 horsepower. With that kind of output, you needn't worry about performance in this hybrid. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.5 seconds -- actually faster than the gasoline V6 version of the Q70, and barely slower than the V8 model.
Of course, the foremost benefit of the hybrid setup is its 31-mpg fuel economy in combined driving -- an exceptional figure for a luxury sedan of this ability. The Q70h is EPA-estimated at 29 mpg in city driving and 34 on the highway, versus 18/26 mpg for the thriftiest gas-engine version.
The standard seven-speed automatic transmission offers four shift modes: Standard, Sport, Snow and Eco. Although other Q70s can be fitted with all-wheel drive, the Hybrid is rear-drive only. The lithium-ion battery pack is mounted near the trunk, slightly reducing cargo space.
The Q70h gets a few hybrid-specific features, including special instrumentation and shock absorbers. Otherwise, it's equipped much like the gas models with a leather/wood interior, heated power front seats with driver’s memory, a sunroof, power soft-close trunk lid, keyless ignition, automatic bi-xenon headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, an Intelligent Key, and 7-inch information display screen. Tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone, and satellite radio.
While technically an option rather than standard, the Premium package can be added at no cost. Who could turn down such a choice? That means you get free upgrades like navigation with real-time traffic/weather data, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, heated steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera system.
For even greater interior luxury, you can add the $3,900 Deluxe Touring package with semi-aniline leather seats, silver-powdered wood trim, simulated suede headliner, a power rear sunshade, and a Bose surround-sound audio system.
Models equipped with the Deluxe Touring package are eligible for the $3,300 Technology package. That one adds such driving aids as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, a frontal collision mitigation system with automatic braking, and an "eco" gas pedal that provides feedback to your right foot to encourage fuel-efficient driving.
Individual options are limited to accessories, including a rear spoiler, lighted stainless steel door sill plates, and trunk dress-up package.
Because the Premium package is essentially standard (INFINITI calls it complimentary), you don't have to spend more than the base price to get an impressively-equipped luxury sedan. Although the Technology package offers some valuable safety features, it must be bundled with the Deluxe Touring package. That's a total of $7,200 in extras, which is a substantial add-on even in the Q70's segment of the luxury-sedan league.