Infiniti QX70 EXCELLENCE

Highlights

• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating
• Lowest depreciation in class

Summary

This Infiniti QX70 Excellence presents a unique opportunity in the UAE market, balancing its iconic sports-crossover silhouette with a level of mechanical reliability that is becoming increasingly rare. With its mileage currently sitting below the typical GCC average of 25,000 km per year, this vehicle remains in its prime phase for a long-distance commuter or a spirited daily driver. The Excellence trim specifically offers a blend of performance and luxury that stands out from more utilitarian rivals, making it a favorite for those who value driving dynamics alongside SUV practicality. Finished in a high-resale White exterior, it is perfectly suited for the intense Gulf summer, reflecting heat more effectively than darker alternatives. For a GCC buyer, the most important consideration is the legendary VQ37VHR engine under the hood, widely regarded as one of the most durable naturally aspirated V6 engines ever produced. This specific listing is a strong choice for anyone seeking a premium Japanese crossover that holds its value better than European counterparts while providing a far more engaging drive than standard family SUVs.

This Car vs Other 2018 QX70s

When comparing this vehicle to other 2018 QX70 models currently available in the GCC, the mileage is a standout factor. Given that the regional average for SUVs of this age typically exceeds 120,000 km, this unit has been driven conservatively, preserving the integrity of its suspension and drivetrain components for several more years of high-performance use. The White exterior is arguably the most sensible and profitable color choice for the UAE, as it significantly aids in cabin cooling and consistently fetches a higher price on the secondary market compared to niche shades. Most competing listings from this year may show signs of heavy wear on the leather or sun-damaged interiors, but this example maintains the crisp tactile feel expected of the Excellence trim. This car represents a middle-ground of sorts, offering better mechanical peace of mind than high-mileage examples while being priced much more attractively than the few ultra-low mileage collector units. It is the ideal specimen for a driver who intends to add significant highway kilometers while maintaining a strong future resale profile.

EXCELLENCE vs Lower Trims

The Excellence trim is the sweet spot of the QX70 lineup, adding significant premium features that lower trims like the S-Premium or standard grades often lack. Most notably, this trim incorporates the Bose Premium Audio system, which features 11 speakers strategically placed to provide a concert-like experience, a feature that GCC buyers prioritize for those long highway stretches between emirates. Unlike base models, the Excellence often includes enhanced interior materials, such as maple wood accents and higher-grade leather upholstery, which feel significantly more premium during daily use. You also benefit from the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, a 360-degree camera system that is essential for maneuvering this wide-bodied SUV into tight parking spots in Dubai or Abu Dhabi mall parking lots. Furthermore, the Excellence trim features advanced seat climate controls—ventilated seats are a critical upgrade over base trims, ensuring comfort during the peak of the Gulf summer. The inclusion of these luxury-oriented features ensures that the vehicle feels like a true premium product rather than just a basic crossover.

QX70 vs Segment Rivals

In the highly competitive premium SUV segment, the QX70 differentiates itself from rivals like the Lexus RX and the BMW X5 through its distinctive performance-first architecture. While the Lexus RX focuses heavily on soft comfort, the QX70 utilizes a front-midship platform shared with the 370Z sports car, giving it superior handling and balance that is immediately noticeable on winding roads or high-speed bypasses. Against the BMW X5, the Infiniti offers a much more straightforward ownership experience with its naturally aspirated V6, avoiding the complex turbocharging systems that can become expensive to maintain in extreme heat. The QX70 also boasts one of the most generous fuel tanks in its class, which is a major advantage for those traveling across the GCC, such as the Dubai to Riyadh route, where fewer stops are a blessing. While some rivals have moved toward smaller, four-cylinder engines, the 3.7L engine in this car provides a linear power delivery and a characteristic exhaust note that competitors simply cannot replicate. Its aggressive, swooping roofline also ensures it looks modern and sporty even years after its production, whereas many older SUVs begin to look dated quite quickly.

Running Costs & Resale

The running costs of the QX70 are surprisingly manageable for a performance-oriented SUV in the GCC context. The 3.7L V6 is designed to run on Super 98 fuel to maximize its 329 hp, but it is known for its robustness against varying fuel qualities across the region. In stop-start Sharjah or Dubai traffic, you can expect a fuel consumption of roughly 13.5L per 100km, while on the highway to Al Ain or Fujairah, this drops significantly, making it an efficient long-distance cruiser. Infiniti maintains a massive service network across the UAE (through Al Masaood and Arabian Automobiles) as well as extensive coverage in Saudi Arabia and Oman, ensuring that parts and expertise are never far away. Historically, the QX70 has shown incredible value retention, depreciating at a much slower rate of roughly 9-11% annually, compared to the 15% seen in European rivals. At the five-year mark, a well-maintained GCC-spec QX70 remains a hot commodity on the used market, often selling within days of being listed. This makes the cost of ownership, when factoring in the eventually high resale price, very competitive for the luxury segment.

Performance & Capability

Performance is where this vehicle truly shines, powered by the award-winning 3.7L VQ-series engine that produces a stout 329 hp. This power is sent through a 7-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching, a feature usually reserved for sports cars. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.8 seconds, it provides plenty of punch for merging onto fast-moving UAE highways like the E11 or E311. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is predominantly rear-biased for a sporty feel but can divert up to 50% of power to the front wheels when it detects slippery conditions or gravel paths. While it is not a dedicated off-roader like a Patrol, its 184 mm ground clearance and AWD system make it perfectly capable of handling light sand dunes and gravel access roads for weekend camping trips. The vehicle's wide track provides immense stability at high speeds, and the speed-sensitive power steering ensures that the car feels light in the city but weighted and secure at 120 km/h. This is an SUV built for those who love to drive, offering a level of tactile feedback that is missing from modern electric power steering systems.

Comfort & Cabin

Stepping inside the QX70 Excellence reveals a driver-centric cockpit that feels more like a grand tourer than a traditional SUV. The five-seat layout is upholstered in premium leather, with the front seats offering multiple power adjustments and memory functions for both the driver and the passenger. For the GCC climate, the dual-zone automatic temperature control is exceptionally powerful, capable of cooling the cabin rapidly after the car has been parked in the sun. Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and their own dedicated cooling vents, ensuring everyone stays comfortable during family road trips. The cabin insulation is top-tier, utilizing acoustic glass and extensive sound-deadening to keep the roar of the desert wind out of the interior. The Bose audio system provides a rich, immersive sound that can be enjoyed even at high speeds. Trunk space is versatile, and while the swooping roofline limits height, the flat load floor makes it easy to slide in suitcases or shopping bags for a weekend getaway. The overall interior ambiance is one of timeless luxury, utilizing physical buttons that are easy to operate even while wearing sunglasses or driving at night.

Safety

Safety is a hallmark of the Infiniti brand, and the QX70 Excellence is packed with technology designed to protect its occupants. It carries a 5-Star NCAP safety rating, bolstered by the Infiniti Advanced Airbag System which includes dual-stage front airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags. For GCC highway driving, the Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems are indispensable, providing alerts when cars approach at high speeds in your peripheral vision. The vehicle also features Zone Body Construction with reinforced passenger compartments and front/rear crumple zones to absorb impact energy. Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist come standard, ensuring that the 5-door crossover can stop quickly and safely even when fully loaded with passengers. The Intelligent Brake Assist system can even help mitigate collisions by applying the brakes if a front-end impact is imminent. These systems work together silently to provide a safety net that is often an expensive optional extra on comparable European SUVs, making the Excellence trim a superior value proposition for safety-conscious families.

The bottom line

This 2018 Infiniti QX70 Excellence is the perfect choice for a buyer who wants a reliable, high-performance Japanese SUV that looks and feels premium without the high maintenance costs of a turbo-European rival. Its GCC-spec status, low-for-age mileage, and highly desirable white color make it a secure investment for both personal enjoyment and future resale.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.