Infiniti replaced the FX35 with the QX70 in 2013, keeping the same FM platform and VQ35HR V6 while giving the crossover a sharper look and updated tech. Buyers kept the familiar rear-drive character, double-wishbone front suspension, and available all-wheel drive for better grip. The QX70 added a wider grille, 20-inch wheels, adaptive lighting, and new driver aids for confidence. Scroll on to examine detailed specs, performance numbers, and trim choices.
The Transition From FX35 to QX70: What Changed
At the time Infiniti decided to rename the FX35 to the QX70 in 2013, it was more than a new badge; it was a careful rebranding meant to align the model with a clearer, more modern lineup.
The change kept familiar mechanical roots while refining design philosophy to welcome drivers who wanted identity and belonging.
Styling cues tightened, influenced from earlier concept work, and interiors stayed driver focused so owners would feel at home.
Mechanicals like the V6 and suspension remained, so performance comparison with prior FX35 models showed continuity rather than sacrifice.
Buyers who loved the older model found reassurance in the unchanged engine feel and improved presentation.
This approach connected legacy and fresh direction with gentle confidence.
Timeline: When the FX35 Became the QX70
In 2013 Infiniti officially changed the FX35 nameplate to QX70, and the model continued on the same production run that dated from 2009 through 2017.
The vehicle kept its core mechanical identity, including the FM platform and the VQ35HR V6, so owners found familiar performance and handling under a new badge.
This name change links closely to model continuity, so it helps to compare specifications and styling before and after to see what truly changed.
Nameplate Change Year
At the time Infiniti decided to streamline its model names for global markets, the FX35 officially became the QX70 in 2013. The change was meant to make the lineup easier to understand and shop.
The nameplate significance reached beyond a simple badge swap. It showed brand evolution and a shift toward a unified global identity that owners could recognize no matter where they traveled.
Readers who care about belonging felt connected to a company that listened and acted. The change preserved familiar engineering and character while giving buyers a clearer path through the showroom.
Transformational details highlighted continuity in build and performance, and the new designation invited long term owners to stay engaged with the brand as it progressed forward.
Model Continuity Details
A clear name change made it easier for owners to follow the vehicle they loved as it moved from FX35 to QX70.
The alteration kept the mechanical heart and driving feel intact while giving the model a new global identity. The conversion in 2013 kept model continuity through preserving the FM platform, VQ35HR V6, double-wishbone front suspension, and familiar transmission choices.
Fans found comfort in the legacy comparison between old badges and new, noticing that handling, power delivery, and design cues stayed loyal to the original spirit.
This steady evolution welcomed longtime owners into a broader Infiniti family. It connected past and present with respect, offering reassurance that change did not mean losing the car they trusted.
Platform and Chassis: Shared FM Architecture Explained
The FM framework underpinned both the FX35 and its QX70 successor, giving the model a strong rear-drive character that many drivers still praise.
It kept the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension layout, so ride comfort and handling stayed familiar even as the name changed.
This shared structure explains why the car felt more like a sporty coupe on stilts than a typical SUV and why performance remained a key selling point.
FM Platform Origins
Platform sharing often feels like a friendly hand guiding different vehicles down the same road, and that is exactly what happened with the FM chassis used under the FX35 and later QX70.
The FM platform arrived as a flexible base that linked sporty cars and luxury crossovers. It gave engineers room to tune weight distribution and rigidity while keeping components common.
Design benefits showed in shared mounts, drivetrains, and a rear wheel drive bias that drivers loved. People who cared about spirited driving found comfort in familiar parts and service networks.
The shared design helped the brand stay cohesive yet varied. It allowed a sense of belonging among owners who recognized the same engineering DNA across models.
Suspension Layout Carryover
One clear reason the suspension layout stayed the same as the FX35 became the QX70 was to keep driving feel familiar and reassuring for owners.
The FM framework carried forward the double wishbone advantages at the front and a multi link rear setup. This choice kept suspension performance predictable and confidence inspiring for loyal drivers.
It also helped buyers feel part of a community that values balanced handling and comfort. The shared design made repairs and tuning easier for owners who already knew the chassis. The shift felt like an update rather than a break.
The following points illustrate a clear image for readers who want belonging and trust in the model lineage.
- Retained geometry for steady turn in and grip
- Known spring and damping response for comfort
- Easier parts and tuning continuity for owners
Rear-Drive Performance Bias
Although it kept the same FM design, the car leaned into a rear-drive performance bias that made drivers feel connected and confident behind the wheel.
The shared platform with sportier models gave it rear drive characteristics that favor balance and predictable handling. This setup placed weight toward the rear, improving turn-in and inspiring trust on winding roads.
Performance profiling let drivers choose sharper throttle response or a softer, relaxed mode. That choice helped owners feel part of a driving community that values control and comfort.
Suspension tuning and a firm multi link rear kept body roll in check while preserving ride comfort. Steering feedback was tuned to be honest and clear, so drivers sensed the road and enjoyed a confident, friendly ride.
Engine Lineup: VQ35HR V6 and Performance Specs
At such times drivers look for a blend of smooth power and confident handling. The VQ35HR V6 stands out as the heart of the FX35 and its later QX70 identity, giving a reassuring balance between everyday comfort and lively performance.
It shares clear VQ35HR performance traits and precise engine specifications that owners appreciate. The 3.5 liter V6 delivered strong midrange torque and free revving power, helping families and enthusiasts feel connected on each drive. It offered about 303 horsepower and a healthy torque curve that made merging and passing easy without strain.
This engine fit the rear drive platform and comfort goals, while still inviting spirited driving as desired, creating a sense of belonging for devoted Infiniti drivers.
- 303 horsepower, responsive throttle
- 355 N·m torque, usable midrange
- Top speed governed, confident highway cruising
Transmission and Drivetrain Options Across Models
Each time drivers choose between smoothness and sporty feel, the FX35 and its later QX70 identity offered clear drivetrain choices that match different needs and moods.
The line presented transmission options that aim to please. A 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control provided smooth, confident shifts for everyday comfort. For those who wanted livelier response, rear-wheel drive configuration kept feel tight and engaging.
At the same time, all-wheel drive arrived on higher performance variants to give more grip and confidence in poor weather.
These drivetrain configurations work together. The suspension and chassis tuning echoed choices drivers made about transmission options.
People could pick a setup that felt like theirs, realizing the car was designed to welcome different driving styles and to keep them connected to the road.
Design Evolution: From FX35 Styling to QX70 Look
The FX35’s shift into the QX70 brought a bolder front fascia that aimed to project greater confidence on the road, with a larger grille and reshaped bumper that echoed Infiniti’s concept cues.
Wheel and lighting updates supported that stance, introducing new 20-inch designs and darker adaptive headlamps that sharpened the vehicle’s profile.
Together these changes linked the older FX styling to the QX70 look, making the evolution feel purposeful and familiar for owners.
Front Fascia Redesign
A refreshed front fascia gently shifted the FX35’s bold personality toward the more refined QX70 identity.
It did so with careful changes that feel familiar yet fresh. The design kept owners in mind, so the car still feels like home while moving toward a sleeker presence.
Front grille adjustments and subtle fascia updates smoothed aggressive angles and welcomed a softer, more confident face. The changes invite belonging through keeping recognizable cues and adding a quieter confidence.
- Wider front grille with refined bars that echo the Essence concept.
- Lower fascia updates that tuck the bumper for a cleaner stance.
- Subtle chrome accents that connect old and new styling for loyal drivers.
Wheel and Lighting Updates
Wheel and lighting updates gave the FX35 a more modern and confident look as it moved toward the QX70 identity.
The new wheel design featured 20-inch rims that felt bold yet familiar to owners who wanted to belong to a spirited community. Those wheels matched a wider track, which improved stance and invited satisfaction while parked among friends.
Lighting technology advanced with dark tinted headlights and an Adaptive Front lighting System that turned with the steering. These lights made night driving feel safer and more connected to the road.
Together, wheel and lighting changes created a cohesive appearance. They linked form and function, so drivers experienced both visual flair and practical gains without losing the model family character.
Suspension and Handling: Double-Wishbone Front Details
Because precise handling helps drivers feel confident, the double-wishbone front suspension on the FX35 and its QX70 successor is built to balance comfort and control. It gives a sense of shared purpose to owners who value smooth rides and corner confidence.
The design aids suspension performance and lets handling qualities feel deliberate, not harsh. The structure isolates bumps, while springs and dampers smooth travel. The setup links to multi link rear geometry, so the whole chassis responds as one.
- Strong arms and precise joints reduce unwanted movement and keep tires planted.
- Tuned springs and dampers absorb road shocks and maintain ride comfort.
- Steering feel stays direct, helping drivers feel included in the driving experience.
Technology Upgrades: Navigation, AVM and Driver Aids
Moving from how the FX35 and QX70 feel on the road, the next area that often reassures drivers is the technology that helps them steer and stay safe.
The cabin welcomed routing advancements that put clear maps and route options within easy reach. People felt connected as the hard drive system and updated screens guided them without fuss.
Around View Monitor AVM brought confidence in tight spaces. It showed surroundings in simple views so drivers could trust what they saw.
At the same time, driver aids worked quietly to support judgment. Systems like DCA and adaptive cruise stepped in at necessary moments, and alerts nudged attention back to the road.
Together, these features created a friendly, reliable tech layer that invited drivers to belong.
Safety Systems: LDW, LDP, IBA and Advanced Features
While drivers may not notice these systems until they are needed, the suite of safety features on the FX35 and its QX70 successor works quietly to keep people calm and confident on the road.
The cars blend safety innovations with familiar comfort so owners feel part of a caring community. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention watch lane markers and nudge corrections as attention drifts.
Intelligent Brake Assist pairs with Forward Collision Warning to reduce crash risk and keep passengers reassured. These driver assistance systems support everyday driving and long trips.
- LDW and LDP gently steer and alert before mistakes grow.
- IBA and FCW apply brakes and warn as closing too fast.
- Integrated sensors link systems for smooth, cooperative responses.
Special Editions and Cosmetic Enhancements
The FX35 and its QX70 successor found extra personality through special editions and cosmetic upgrades that made owners feel seen and proud.
Buyers often chose limited edition packages that added unique paint, trim and wheel choices to signal membership in a small group of enthusiasts. These selections paired well with cosmetic upgrades such as darker headlight treatments, exclusive badging and interior stitching that created a shared identity.
Owners liked how small visual changes brought comfort and recognition at gatherings and on daily drives. The special editions linked styling updates with available tech and comfort features so people felt included without sacrificing function.
That blend of appearance and thoughtful detail kept communities connected and conversations flowing.
Performance Variants: 0–60 Times and Top Speed Figures
As readers seek a quick sense of how fast the FX35 and its performance siblings feel on the road, a few clear numbers help build trust and excitement without confusion.
The piece connects enthusiasts who want to belong to a group that values real world numbers and thoughtful upgrades. It emphasizes how performance upgrades tuned engines and gearing to sharpen response and delivers accessible acceleration metrics that matter.
- FX35 base and tuned variants reached 0–60 mph in about 6.1 seconds, showing lively everyday performance.
- Improved models with sport calibration trimmed shift times and lifted throttle response for crisper launches.
- Top speed was governed at 155 mph, keeping drivers confident while respecting safety and engineering limits.
Market Shift: How the QX50 and New Crossovers Changed Strategy
Market changes reshaped Infiniti’s choices and gave buyers new ways to contemplate luxury crossovers. The brand listened to market fluctuations and shifted from raw performance to refined comfort.
The QX50 and newer crossovers answered changing consumer preferences with smaller turbo engines, smarter safety, and more efficient layouts. Buyers who wanted status and community found models that felt modern and welcoming.
Infiniti kept sporty handling but added quiet cabins, tech that helps rather than intrudes, and designs that invite satisfaction. This move connected product to people, and the company adjusted pricing and trim choices to include more entry points.
Through blending familiar strengths with contemporary needs, Infiniti created crossovers that feel like they belong in more lives.
Buyer’s Perspective: Choosing Between FX35, QX70 and Successors
A careful buyer will weigh practical needs, driving feel, and long term value during the process of choosing between the FX35, QX70, and newer Infiniti crossovers. A shopper feels part of a community as choices match lifestyle, and buyer preferences guide model comparisons that matter most.
- Reliability and service: older FX35 and QX70 offer proven V6 durability while newer models trade engine feel for fuel savings and tech.
- Driving character and comfort: the FX35 and QX70 reward drivers who want sporty response; successors favor quiet, refined ride and advanced safety.
- Ownership cost and resale: consider maintenance history, features, and perceived modernity to fit budget and identity.
Transitional cues link past thrills with present needs so readers choose confidently.
