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Infiniti Q70 needs to update more than just legroom (pictures)

Infiniti's Q70 sedan attempts flagship status with a stretched wheelbase, but lacks the amenities to compete with big luxury rollers.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The Infiniti Q70 is essentially a renamed M model, given some small updates for the 2015 model year.

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The largest literal change is the addition of this long-wheelbase version, which adds 6 inches to the overall length.

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This 5.6-liter V-8 engine carries over from the M56 model, making 416 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque.

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An all-wheel-drive option, included on this example, is available. The system is completely automatic and designed to enhance traction.

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Infiniti retains a fixed suspension, which lacks the ride quality of luxury competitors.

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The trunk if of moderate size for a big sedan, with 14.9 cubic feet of space.

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As Infiniti's biggest sedan, the cabin is designed for comfort and style.

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Rear-seat passengers gain 5.5 inches of legroom in the long-wheelbase version.

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This cabin design carries over from its M model predecessor.

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The Q7o's steering system features enough boost to make maneuvering this big sedan easy.

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A button on the right steering wheel spoke enables Distance Control Assist, a feature which automatically applies the brake when there is stopped traffic ahead.

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Infiniti's instrument cluster only offers a very small information display.

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The seven-speed transmission features a manual shift position.

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The head unit software is a bit dated, first appearing five years ago.

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A new destination feature is Connected Search, using the car's data connection to look for local businesses.

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The Q70 L also features a telematics system, letting drivers access car functions from a smartphone app.

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The hands-free phone system includes phone book synchronization.

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The music library screen is functional, if not stylish.

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Audio sources for the Q70 L include Bluetooth streaming, iOS integration and USB drive.

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The 16-speaker Bose audio system comes with four speakers mounted on the shoulders of the front seats.

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