Infiniti Q70L 2015

A mid-cycle refresh imparts a new level of premium appeal to the 2015 Infiniti Q70 which matches revised styling with new tech touches and also introduces a long-wheelbase Q70L variant to the model mix. Making its world debut in New York, Infiniti's updated mid-size sport-luxury sedan is poised to mount an even stronger challenge to key rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Focused on its nose and tail, the Q70's subtle but effective visual makeover adds a more elegantly upscale flourish to the basic design. Up front, the edgier fascia brings redesigned signature LED headlamps, a new double-arch grille treatment and integrated fog lamps. The Q70's rear revamp includes new LED taillamps, a re-contoured decklid, redrawn lower valance panel and new chrome finisher trim. In the case of the Q70L, the long, low look gets even more pronounced thanks to its additional 5.9 inches of wheelbase

While the richly appointed and well-finished cabin of the 2015 Infiniti Q70 is largely carryover, the general ambiance has been enhanced. Additional sound attenuation material and better sealing join the active noise cancelling system to make this elegant inner sanctum even quieter and improve road-isolation noise levels on the Q70L to a class-leading 77 percent. Given its likely role in other markets as a chauffeured ride for executives, the long-wheelbase model also offers additional features like auto rear-door closure, heated rear seats, reading lights and a 12V powerpoint to complement its 5.6 inches of added rear leg room and 5.9 inches of extra knee room. Infiniti engineers also tweaked the shock tuning on all models to further refine the ride smoothness on uneven surfaces

As with the current Q70 lineup, the 2015 Q70 and Q70L will be available with the carryover 330-horsepower/3.7-liter V6 as well as the 5.6-liter V8 that makes 420 horses in the Q70 and 416 in the Q70. Only the standard wheelbase Q70 will offer the gas/electric hybrid option that continues to match a 3.5-liter V6 with a supplemental motor in a package that makes 360 total horsepower. Sole transmission is a 7-speed automatic that offers available magnesium shift paddles on the steering wheel. Operating parameters can be fine tuned using the Drive Mode Selector that remaps throttle and transmission programming into Standard/Eco/Sport/Snow settings while Infiniti's Eco Pedal accelerator that provides direct feedback to encourage even more efficient driving remains an option

On the tech front, four new features join the roster of series-specific standard or available driver assists on the 2015 Q70 line. They include Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Forward Emergency Braking and Backup Collision Intervention

The 2015 Infiniti Q70 and Q70L will arrive in dealers here later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual on-sale date