r/infiniti • u/BooBooBlue-2022 • 16h ago
Other QX65 not for me... Over-priced Murano/Pathfinder... Still a fwd van.
Looked at the new QX65. Not impressed with it at all. Disappointed should sum it up.
So I went looking for alternatives more in the spirit of the FXs and the Qx70. So the AI features came shining throuh:
If you want an SUV that captures the unique spirit of the original INFINITI QX70 (FX), you need a vehicle built on a longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture with an aggressive, coupe-like silhouette and sports-car-tuned handling. [1]
The vehicles on the market that best recreate that raw, athletic, rear-biased QX70 experience include:
- BMW X6 (or BMW X5)
The QX70 Connection: The BMW X6 is widely considered the closest modern spiritual sibling to the QX70. It explicitly sacrifices rear cargo space for a radical fastback roofline and a low, planted stance. [2, 3]
Performance: Built on a stellar RWD platform, it is highly road-biased with incredibly sharp steering, minimal body roll, and powerful inline-6 or twin-turbo V6/V8 powertrains. If you want the performance but prefer a slightly more traditional body shape, the BMW X5 uses the same mechanical skeleton. [2, 4]
- Porsche Cayenne Coupe
The QX70 Connection: When INFINITI originally built the FX/QX70, they benchmarked Porsche. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe perfectly replicates that mission, blending sports-car physics into a sloping-roof utility body.
Performance: It features heavily rear-biased all-wheel drive, lightning-fast transmission response, and unparalleled cornering precision. It is widely considered by auto experts at iSeeCars to be the best-handling midsize performance SUV on the market. [5]
- Genesis GV80 Coupe
The QX70 Connection: This is a great choice if you want the visual drama of a fastback roof paired with a highly premium, modern cabin.
Performance: Unlike the front-biased QX65, the Genesis GV80 Coupe is underpinned by a proper RWD layout. It handles with an athletic, rear-driven power delivery and offers a stout twin-turbocharged V6 engine option. [2]
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The QX70 Connection: If what you miss most about the QX70 is its compact, nimble, aggressive sports-sedan feel, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio hits closest to the mark. [6]
Performance: Built on Alfa's lightweight "Giorgio" RWD platform, it turns in with razor-sharp speed and offers an visceral driving engagement that front-wheel-drive platforms simply cannot copy. [6]
Core Architecture Comparison
Feature [2, 5] 2017 INFINITI QX70Modern BMW X6Porsche Cayenne CoupeGenesis GV80 CoupePlatform BasisRear-Wheel Drive [1]Rear-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel DriveHandling ProfileTail-happy, firm, heavy steeringBalanced, very flat, athleticExquisite grip, sports-car agilitySmooth, swift, grand-tourerRoof SilhouetteRounded Bionic CheetahSharp Fastback SlopingSweeping FastbackPlunging Sportback
If you want a vehicle that matches the mechanical layout and attitude of your old QX70, avoid the INFINITI QX65 and cross-shop the BMW X6 or Porsche Cayenne Coupe. [4]
To help narrow this down, let me know:
What is your ideal target budget?
Do you prioritize maximum track-like handling or cabin luxury and tech?
Do you prefer a brand-new vehicle or are you open to a slightly used model?
So... Will check out the Alfa and Genesis.
Have a good day all!
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u/Czeching 16h ago
The Alfa wasn't our cup of tea, felt very cramped. Still haven't found our QX70 replacement.