Car and Driver: 2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited: It’s Limited and Stuff!

The way Infiniti spins it, the QX70 has historically been a popular model in the greater New York area, so it only made sense to introduce the 2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited at the 2016 New York auto show. Essentially a gussied up version of the same mid-sized crossover that company once likened to “bionic cheetah” and a “giant scarab,” the new top-of-line QX70 Limited focuses on enhanced interior comfort and unique styling that sets it apart from lesser QX70s.

Stylistically speaking, while the regular QX70 continues virtually unchanged from the 2015 QX70—officially, the vehicle sat out the 2016 model year—the new Limited adopts a new mesh grille that eventually will be used on all 2017 QX70 trims. It also adds a two-tone lower bumper and a strip of LED foglamps that replace the round units of lesser QX70s. The side-mirror housings and rear combination lamps get a dark-finish treatment, while the vents in the front fenders are painted body color instead of the usual black. Unique 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with a painted finish wear 265/45 all-season V-rated tires, and the rear hatch gets a “Limited” badge to let fellow motorists know you roll fancy.

A graphite and stone interior treatment sets the Limited apart from more pedestrian QX70 trims. The graphite seats (with standard heating and cooling) feature contrasting pillow-quilted inserts; the graphite shifter boot and steering wheel have contrasting stitching. Special open-pore wood teams with aluminum-flake trim on the console and aluminum-trimmed pedals to complete the look.

The Limited trim upgrades do not extend to the powertrain, instead relying on the same 325-hp 3.7-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission as the rest of the QX70 lineup. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available.

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Essentially just a maker-curated collection of features and color treatments, the QX70 Limited nonetheless offers a smidge of exclusivity for an as-yet-unspecified premium. Despite its decision to let the Big Apple have the first gander at the 2017 QX70 Limited, Infiniti assures us that the model will be available nationwide when it goes on sale this summer.

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