Back when it was the FX, the Infiniti QX70 was one of the first crossovers and that, along with unusual styling, made it distinctive. Now, it’s just one of many, so Infiniti has to find new ways to distinguish this model from the rest. The Nissan luxury brand’s latest attempt involves a special trim package.
The 2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited debuts this week at the 2016 New York Auto Show. It follows the previous QX80 Limited with higher-end exterior and interior trim, but nothing too substantial. Will that be enough to help the QX70 stand out from the crowd?
On the outside, the Limited gets a revised front fascia, with LED daytime running lights replacing the fog lights, a new grille design that will eventually proliferate to all QX70 models, and some detail changes like body-color side vents, a stainless steel rear bumper protector, and darkened exterior mirror housings. There’s also a bit of bling in the form of model-specific painted 21-inch alloy wheels. The basic QX70 styling is still somewhat coupe-like, just as it was long before any heard the words “BMW X6” or “Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.”
The interior has a Graphite and Stone two-tone theme, with a dark-colored headliner. The two colors appear on large swathes of leather, and the stitching that holds them together. The QX70 Limited also features open-pore wood trim with aluminum flakes brushed in, an interesting aesthetic flourish previously seen in other Infiniti models. Heated and cooled front seats are standard as well.
Like all other QX70 models, the Limited is offered only with a 3.7-liter V6. While this engines does produce a healthy 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, it’s a shame Infiniti no longer offers a V8 option on this model. The V6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The 2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited goes on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch.
