Infiniti QX70S | the X6 antithesis women will drive
We’re not sure about you, but we aren’t exactly fans of the BMW X6. Don’t get us wrong, it’s an upscale SUV from a fan favorite. But in reality, it’s a fast, pricey, slightly more aerodynamic Pontiac Aztek. Somehow, BMW miraculously can put its badge on any nonsense these days and automatically create a new segment in the industry. It’s insane. And now, other manufacturers are copying them.
Not Infiniti. For a brand that’s been a bit hum-drum for the past several years, Infiniti is back with a vengeance. We can’t believe how different Infiniti’s QX70 is. It’s better, stronger, faster than the FX it replaces. Did we mention how good it looks?
2014 Infiniti QX70S | Photo credit: Melanie Batenchuk
This crossover ute’s super svelte body is matched in appeal by its aggressive stance, efficient 3.7L V6 engine and sub $50,000 base price tag. We think the new-for-2015 Infiniti QX70S is perfectly suited for the woman who appreciates both aggressive styling and power under the hood without sacrificing functionality.
What makes the QX70S unique? For starters, women everywhere stopped us to compliment its styling.
Our loaner showed up in a steel gray metallic (officially called Graphite Shadow), paired with glossy black 21-inch wheels and pops of black chrome around the exterior. The interior gave off an urban luxury vibe with its supple black leather stitched in a quilted pattern and accented with vibrant purple piping.
Photo credit: Melanie Batenchuk
Upon entering the QX70S, you sense that it’s going to be fast. Nuzzle yourself behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel and suddenly you’re manning a cockpit. Nissan and Infiniti have mastered the feeling of having full control from the driver’s seat in their performance vehicles.
This Infiniti is incredibly powerful. The exhaust note has a throaty sound, but not so obnoxious that your neighbors will hate the fact that you leave for work before sunrise each morning.
There are few crossovers (mommy-mobiles, grocery haulers – whatever unflattering name you want to give this segment) that make you want to tear it up off-the-line. The 3.7L V6 pushes this Infiniti forward with ease, sending plenty of excitement back to the driver. The crossover is well balanced, taking turns with ease, even taunting you to push it a little harder.
Photo credit: Melanie Batenchuk
The low-slung roof curves at an almost generous angle, giving taller drivers just enough headroom to not feel claustrophobic. Visibility is better than expected; it’s still not great but it’s livable and better than the QX’s predecessor.
The seating position also provides good visibility over the hood. Admittedly, it takes some time to navigate the four corners of the car and their limitations. Thankfully, technology is there to help with backup cameras and a birds-eye view to ensure those pretty black rims don’t get scratched.
Overall, this crossover is the right pick for the career woman who has a flare for masculine design but not at the cost of it being attractive. The price is well positioned among its competitors, especially for the performance it packs. The QX70S is comparable to its German rivals in handling, sportiness, but we’d pick this over the BMW X6 any day.
