Hybrid-powered cars have had a back-and-forth history lately, with popularity often ebbing and flowing in accord with fuel prices. To attract a steadier stream of buyers, auto companies have tried to develop benefits that reach beyond gas mileage. In the case of the gasoline/electric Q70 and its M35 Hybrid predecessor, that bonus consists of an athletic road behavior, coupled with tasteful design. Promising class-leading fuel-efficiency also helps maintain interest in the Q70 Hybrid.
What's New for 2017
Little has changed on the Hybrid sedan.
Choosing Your INFINITI Q70h
The Q70 Hybrid uses 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, performance is not a concern. Acceleration to 60 miles per hour takes a mere 5.5 seconds – actually faster than the gas-powered V6 version of the Q70, and barely slower than the V8 model. Like the standard Q70, the Hybrid uses a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, the foremost benefit of the hybrid setup is its estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon in combined driving – an exceptional figure for a luxury sedan with the Q70's capabilities. The EPA estimates 28 mpg city and 33 highway, versus 18 and 25 mpg for the thriftiest gas-engine version.
The automatic transmission offers four shift modes: Standard, Sport, Snow and Eco. Although INFINITI sells its gas-only Q70s with all-wheel drive, the Hybrid is rear-drive only (Snow Belt drivers, you've been warned). The lithium-ion battery pack is mounted near the trunk, slightly reducing cargo space.
The Q70 Hybrid adds a few hybrid-specific features, including special instrumentation and shock absorbers. Otherwise, it's equipped much like the gasoline models, including a leather/wood interior, heated power front seats with driver’s memory, a moonroof, power soft-close trunk lid, keyless ignition, automatic LED headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Dual-zone automatic climate control, an Intelligent Key with push-button start, and a 7-inch information display screen are also standard. Tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone, and satellite radio. Standard equipment includes Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians.
While technically an option rather than standard, the Premium package is available at no cost and adds navigation with real-time traffic/weather data, a Bose 10-speaker stereo heated steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera system.
For even greater interior luxury, customers can add the $3,900 Deluxe Touring Package with semi-aniline leather-upholstered seats with a quilted pattern, 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 also offer a $3,300 Technology Package that adds adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a frontal-collision mitigation system with automatic braking. An “eco” gas pedal provides feedback to the driver’s right foot, to encourage fuel-efficient driving.
Because the Premium package is essentially standard (INFINITI calls it complimentary), the base price brings an impressively-equipped luxury sedan. Although the Technology Package offers some valuable safety features, it's not available without the Deluxe Touring Package. That's a total of $7,200 in extras – a substantial add-on even in the Q70's segment of the luxury-sedan league.