Infiniti QX70S Showroom- 31

At yesterday's launch of the new Infiniti Q50, we saw a QX70 (formerly and more popularly known as the FX) with different wheels sitting outside the showroom and enquired about it. Turns out that the QX70 is now available with a sport package, with an S badge added.

The QX70S is basically the regular crossover with the GT Premium optional package and Sport bits thrown in. It is priced at RM500,000 on-the-road without insurance, RM30k costlier than the RM470k QX70 GT Premium. The standard QX70 is priced at RM435k.

Let's go step by step with this new kid on the block. The QX70 is powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine with 320 hp and 360 Nm. The naturally-aspirated VVEL engine is paired to a seven-speed auto and there's AWD. It's a big machine, and 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds is respectable. Top speed is 235 km/h.

Sport seats with adjustable side/thigh support and active dampers are part of the Sport pack

The GT Premium package adds on maple interior accents, an 11-speaker Bose stereo with 10GB Music Box, HDD navi with eight-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Prevention and Intelligent Brake Assist with collision warning.

The QX70S further adds on mega six-spoke 21-inch wheels (20-inch standard) with 265/45 rubber, black headlamp housing and dark chrome trim on the side profile.

Inside, a dark cabin greets you - trim, leather and headlining are all in black for the S. Things that actually contribute to sporty driving are active dampers (Infiniti calls it Continuous Damping Control) with Auto/Sport modes and sport seats with adjustable side bolsters and thigh support.

Six years on and the "370Z SUV" still looks like nothing else on the road. You'll stand out in this, for sure.

Infiniti QX70S

Infiniti QX70 GT Premium