What’s hot?
- Not only does the new engine bring with it reduced running costs, its arrival has also slashed £8,000 from the price of the Q70 over the 3.0-litre diesel engine it replaces. Starting at £32,650, our more luxurious Sport Tech model comes in at £38,200 but is packed with kit.
- It has all the goodies execs could ask for, including 20-inch alloys, heated seats, full leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, sun roof, Bluetooth, 16 speaker surround sound and multimedia pack featuring nav.
- The facelift may be subtle but it’s a handsome looking saloon, with slick LED headlamps and more aggressive bumpers.
- We’d even go so far as saying the interior is possibly the finest in class. Lashings of leather and a wrap-around cockpit radiate that premium feel, while the beautifully contoured front seats provide great levels of comfort.
- It’s an exceeding comfortable cruiser; being paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox makes it effortless when it comes to covering ground.
- Throttle response isn’t as sharp or responsive as you’ll find in the equivalent BMW or Audi, but there’s ample power to keep you on the move. 0-62mph takes just 8.9 seconds.
- At £1,541 and £3,082 for the 20% and 40% tax payer per year respectively, the Q70 is also on par with its German rivals when it comes to company car tax running costs.
- At speed its incredibly refined, control body movements well and soaking up the worst of British roads. You couldn’t ask for a more lavishly equipped and comfortable mobile office.
What’s not?
While the new 2.2-litre engine minimizes costs, on the whole it isn’t the most accomplished of engines. On start up its intrusive and loud and even when it’s up to temperature, the drone of the engine is ever-present in the cabin.
- If you’re after a car which is as sporty as it is comfortable the BMW 5 Series will be more to your liking. The Q70 is an effortlessly capable cruiser but its softer setup doesn’t manage more enthusiastic driving as well as the BMW.
- The standard seven-speed gearbox is also a little lethargic with its changes. Especially in automatic mode it feels reluctant to change up a gear, creating a raucous engine note in the process.
