In a world where the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6 dominate luxury car conversations, there was one contender that quietly punched above its weight. It had the size, the comfort, and the power to stand toe-to-toe with the Europeans, yet this particular Infiniti sadly never quite got the recognition it deserved. Buyers overlooked it back then, and now, years later, that works out perfectly for anyone who wants big power without breaking the bank.This was more than just some floaty status symbol built just for the badge. Beneath the luxury styling sat a powerhouse of an engine that gave it real performance chops. Today, the car flies completely under the radar, making it one of the most overlooked sleeper sedans you can scoop up for a fraction of its original sticker price. The Infiniti Q70 V8 Packed A Monster Under The Hood Cars & BidsInfiniti gave the Q70 a serious weapon with its optional 5.6-liter V8 engine. This naturally aspirated unit pumped out 420 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, figures that were good enough to put it right in the mix with German rivals. Unlike turbocharged competitors that needed a spool to get going, the Q70’s V8 delivered instant shove with a deep, old-school character that has become increasingly rare.This VK56VD V8 wasn’t some leftover lump either. It featured direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and was derived from the same engine family that powered Nissan’s Armada SUV and even performance applications like the Nissan Patrol. In sedan form, it had been tuned for refinement, but it still kept a rowdy edge that made the car feel muscular in ways a turbocharged six-cylinder never could. The throttle response was reportedly crisp, and the soundtrack was an unapologetic reminder of the big-displacement era. The Q70 More Than Held Its Own Against The Germans Cars & BidsThe engine came paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that offered a manual shift mode, sending power to either the rear wheels or all four with optional AWD. That meant you could spec the car as a highway bruiser or as a surefooted all-weather sleeper car capable of handling snow and rain. Zero to sixty took just over five seconds, which was faster than many European six-cylinder rivals of the day. Top speed hovered around 155 mph, electronically limited, putting it firmly in luxury performance territory.Against rivals like the BMW 550i, which made 400 horsepower from a turbo V8, or the Mercedes E550, which made 402 horsepower, the Infiniti more than held its own. The difference was that while those cars shouted 'performance' with their badges, the Q70 slipped into the background. You had to know what you were looking at to realize just how much engine sat under the hood. Depreciation Hit The Q70 Hard Cars & BidsBack when it was new, a loaded Q70 V8 could push close to $70,000. That put it right in the firing line of the big German sedans. The problem was brand perception. Infiniti just didn’t carry the same prestige as BMW or Mercedes, which meant buyers often skipped it in the showroom. As a result, sales were low, and resale values dropped like a rock.Fast-forward to today, and that is exactly why the Q70 is such a bargain sleeper. You can now find clean, low-mileage examples for between $15,000 and $20,000, sometimes even less if you’re patient. That is an absurd deal for a luxury sedan with over 400 horsepower and a naturally aspirated V8. Try finding that level of performance from a German brand at the same price point. Chances are, you'll come up empty. The Upside Of Not Being The Default Choice Cars & BidsDepreciation hit Infiniti harder than the competition for a few reasons. The badge didn’t carry the same cachet, leasing deals were less aggressive, and buyers who wanted to flaunt success often gravitated toward German cars. On top of that, Infiniti pulled the plug on the Q70 entirely in 2019, which only added to its obscurity. For enthusiasts today, that means a big performance car that nobody remembers is sitting there for used Honda Accord money.Ownership costs also favor the Q70. Insurance is typically lower than a German V8 sedan since the Infiniti doesn’t carry the same replacement cost stigma. Servicing is more straightforward, too, with parts generally cheaper and easier to source. Yes, fuel economy is thirsty at around 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, but that’s the price of entry for sleeper V8 performance. When you balance everything out, the car’s total cost of ownership makes it even more appealing as a used buy. A Sleeper Wrapped In Luxury Cars & BidsPart of what makes the Q70 such a compelling sleeper is how unassuming it looks. On the outside, the styling was conservative. Sure, it had Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille and flowing body lines, but parked next to a 5 Series or E-Class, it blended right in. No flared arches, no oversized exhaust tips, no glaring design language to announce what was lurking under the hood. To the average person, it looked like just another executive sedan. Quick Or Calm: It's Up To You Cars & BidsInside, Infiniti gave the Q70 a plush and roomy cabin. High-quality leather, real wood trim, and a quiet ride made it every bit the luxury cruiser it was meant to be. Front seats were reportedly wide and supportive, rear passengers had generous legroom, and the trunk was large enough to handle family road trips with ease. Tech-wise, it wasn’t as cutting-edge as the Germans, but it offered everything you needed at the time: navigation, a strong Bose audio system, and a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.That balance between comfort and raw power is exactly what makes the Q70 a sleeper. As per numerous tests, it could glide silently through traffic all day, and then, at the tap of your right foot, unleash V8 anger that would surprise anyone riding along. Why The Q70 V8 Makes The Perfect Sleeper Today Cars & BidsIn today’s market, turbocharged four-cylinders and six-cylinders dominate luxury sedans. Even V6 engines are becoming rare, with electrification starting to take over. That makes the Q70’s naturally aspirated V8 even more special. It delivers power in a way that modern engines just don’t, with a linear surge and a proper soundtrack that builds with every rpm.Beyond the performance, owning a Q70 means you have something different from the usual suspects. At a car meet, nobody will expect much when you pull up in what looks like an ordinary Infiniti sedan. But drop the hammer, and you’ll shock people in cars that were supposed to be faster. That’s the sleeper experience in its purest form. Exclusivity Comes Standard With The Q70 Cars & BidsIt also makes sense as a long-term buy. The V8 engine is known for being stout if you keep up with oil changes and routine servicing. Infiniti’s reliability reputation has always been stronger than many European brands, and that extends to the Q70. Owners regularly report putting huge mileage on these cars with nothing more than standard maintenance.Another perk is exclusivity. Because the Q70 didn’t sell in big numbers, you’re unlikely to run into another one at the local Cars and Coffee. That gives it a subtle rarity factor without inflating the price. For anyone who wants to stand out without being flashy, that’s a huge part of the sleeper appeal.Sources: Infiniti, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Repairpal