Infiniti Q70L :: long-wheelbase variant headlines updated range

The Q70L has been developed primarily for the rear legroom-loving Chinese market where rivals Audi and BMW also offer stretched versions of their cars, though unlike the German duo Infiniti will also sell the LWB Q70 in North America.

The Infiniti Q70L’s wheelbase measures 3050mm, up 150mm compared with the standard Q70, while the car’s overall length increases 185mm to 5130mm, making it 14mm longer than the standard-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Most of the growth transfers directly to rear-seat legroom, which is up 142mm to what Infiniti says is now a class-leading 823mm.

Infiniti Australia corporate communications manager Peter Fadeyev confirmed the LWB variant would not form part of the updated Q70 range (previously badged Infiniti M) when it reaches local showrooms in either the second or third quarter of 2015.

The 2015 Infiniti Q70 takes design cues from the smaller Q50, featuring fresh front-end styling with revised LED headlights and fog lights and a new mesh grille pattern. The tail-lights adopt a unique LED signature while the boot lid has been flattened and the rear bumper slimmed down.

Infiniti claims to have made the facelifted Q70 quieter than its predecessor by adding insulation materials, increasing the sealing and stiffening the wheels. Interior changes are limited to new trim colours and upholstery materials.

Four new technologies join the Q70’s safety and security suite, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Around View Monitor, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The Infiniti Q70 starts at $76,400 in Australia. The local division sold just four examples of the flagship sedan across the first three months of this year.