Feb. 16--It rides like a roller skate.
Dusting off that old phrase and slapping it on a sleek sport crossover may not seem to fit, but neither does the Infiniti QX70.
The QX70 and competitors like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 i50 have no pretense to off-roading, instead shouldering their way into the lane of muscular coupes but with greater cabin space and ride height.
In trying to do both, they don't do either well. But people like it.
There is no shortage of sport-tuned crossovers, and the QX70, formerly known as the FX, was at the vanguard of it a decade ago. The QX70 squats more to the sports side than similar crossovers, even more so with the 21-inch wheels in the sports package, which are a big reason for the stiff rocking ride. But it would be a challenge to find a better-looking crossover.
It has swimmer lines -- sleek, broad-shouldered, smooth, flowing -- all the adjectives you want for a luxury sport coupe. It looks good as a crossover too, refined yet nasty. The stretched wheelbase and low roofline make it seem more like a beefed-up sports sedan with inflated suspension than a sport utility vehicle. The long nose and short rounded rear feel more Mazda than Nissan, and the side vents behind the front wheels give it a subtle bit of sports sophistication that reduces front-end lift and maintains that aggressive forward stance.
The sports package earns its $3,550 tag with the distinctive 6-spoke black alloy wheels wrapped in 21 inchers. On a "moonlight white" body, the black elements, from the grille to the vents, moldings and roof rails, distinguish it even more.
It carries over to the inside, with a dark headliner and dark leather-appointed seats stitched in purple. From the driver's seat, the broad shoulders make the hood melt into an "M." It looks good, it feels good on first sit -- I would expect the majority of its sales were made on these first impressions.
Behind the wheel the sport crossover becomes more singular.
The 2015 model did away with the FX and the 5.0-liter V-8 in favor of the 3.7-liter V-6 with variable valve timing for better efficiency. The V-6 makes 325 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque instead of the V-8's 390 and 367. Acceleration is swift, with a nice rumble, but there's an awareness of the car's hefty weight, especially with the optional all-wheel drive, as in the test model. The handling is enjoyable only for the driver; it stays lower than other SUVs, enabling more aggressive turning, but the large tires and rigid ride turns passengers into a jar of marbles. Road tripping a roller skate is not advisable, and the arching roofline tapers into a cramped cargo area that might accommodate four carry-ons, as long as the pets stay home. Even if the trip is short, the handling is stiff. The suspension responds to every contour of the road, without much cushion between the gravel and the seats. This is a bonus for performance seekers, and turning and braking are sharper than any other car this size. Credit the platform shared with the 370Z sport coupe.
The wide center console creates a more truck-like feel, while the finest finishes reinforce the luxury coupe tag.
One exception is the console-based controller knobs for the heated and ventilated seats, which feel cheaper than the surrounding brushed aluminum accents and wood trim. The design of the center stack, topped with the touch screen and flanked with Vulcan-size paddle shifters for the 7-speed override, is visually striking but not optimized for functionality. The paddle shifters are mounted to the steering column, and long fingers are helpful.
The 7-inch vehicle information display does the job, but it's limited compared to other luxury makes. Redundant steering wheel controls augment the touch screen in the center stack, and the console dials almost function like a keyboard for the touch screen. Of the three elements of user interface, the controls are the easiest to use. Voice commands were in the lower half of what we tested.
Packages abound for the QX70, and ours came with a reasonably priced Tech package ($2,950) with a host of advanced safety features, from brake assist to lane departure and rain-sensing wipers.
The stunning looks and impressive performance will outweigh its limited capabilities for many buyers, and the QX70 still stands up against the Cayenne and X5, for a whole lot less money.
rduffer@tribpub.com
2015 Infiniti QX70 3.7 AWD at a glance
Sport crossover
Price as tested: $58,530
Base: $47,300
MPG: 16 city/22 highway
Engine: 3.7-liter V-6
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Parting shot: Sharp-looking sport crossover leans more toward sport than crossover, compromising both.
