Revised Infiniti Q70 set for Paris debut

Infiniti’s M saloon was rebadged as the Q70 for 2014, and to follow the nomenclature shake up, Nissan’s luxury arm has also introduced a minor facelift.

Set to make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show this October, the revised Q70 will arrive in UK showrooms from December, featuring a new-look engine range and styling cues taken from the Q50.

From the front this means a chunkier, more angular bumper, redesigned grille and standard-fit LED headlights. The rear has also been sculpted for a sharper look, backed up by new LED-infused taillights. 

Aside from these visual tweaks, Infiniti will now offer the Q70 with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, which develops 170bhp and 400Nm of torque – giving customers a choice of four powertrains.

This includes the revised Hybrid variant: its 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is apparently smoother, and the 67bhp electric motor’s potential EV range has increased slightly, aided by a prolonged engine decoupling function for when cruising on the motorway.

There’s a new suspension setup, too, using an improved seal for the Q70’s telescoping dampers to minimise the impact of rough road surfaces, and there are now different driving modes to choose from: Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow. Helping improve comfort, Infiniti claims modifications to the body and chassis have reduced wind, tyre, road and engine noise in the cabin - and active noise cancellation helps to deaden anything the new soundproofing can't stop.

Elsewhere, new 18-inch wheels come as standard, and the Hong Kong-based manufacturer has fitted an Around View Monitor (AVM) that uses cameras, sensors and lasers to help at blind junctions and when moving around town. Parking should be easier as well, as the in-car display can switch between a 150 and 180 degree wide view. The car also gets Lane Departure Warning, active cruise control and a Blind Spot Warning. This is all part of the Infiniti Safety Shield - the sister brand's version of the Nissan Safety Shield.

Rounding off the changes, Infiniti has kitted the Q70 out with additional 12V outlets, some nifty smartphone storage spaces and improved connectivity for these devices. 

Will the Q70's name change and package of tweaks be enough to propel it into contention with the German class leaders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...