A long-awaited coupe
The INFINITI Q50 is a competent luxury sports sedan, but for the past few years, it has been in need of a partner. Most other manufacturers offer coupe companions to their volume sedans, but the aging previous-generation INFINITI Q60 coupe wasn’t really up to the job. For the 2017 model year, INFINITI finally launched a new Q60 based on the Q50, adopting much of its styling and technology. They should make for a dynamic duo.
Performance
The 2017 INFINITI Q60 is a clean-sheet design, and that includes the powertrains. Whereas the old model relied on the stalwart “VQ” series naturally aspirated V6, the new Q60 gets turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 powertrains, offering performance to match the coupe’s sporty styling.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s available with a seven-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as are the V6 models. Four-cylinder models get an EPA-estimated 22/30 city/highway mpg,* while V6 models are rated at 19/28 city/highway mpg.*
The Q60 is also available with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with two states of tune. One version produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, but buyers can also opt for a 400-hp version with 350 lb-ft of torque. Despite the tremendous power, the V6 engine still returns decent fuel economy of 20/27 city/highway mpg with front-wheel drive and 19/26 city/highway mpg with all-wheel drive,* meaning it improves on the old naturally-aspirated V6 in both areas.
INFINITI also applied plenty of technology to maximize the Q60’s performance. It features the Direct Adaptive Steering system from the Q50, which replaces the mechanical connection between the steering rack and wheels with a steer-by-wire setup. INFINITI claims this quickens response while requiring fewer steering connections. The Q60 is also available with Digital Dynamic Suspension with electronically adjustable shock absorbers. Both Direct Adaptive Steering and Digital Dynamic Suspension can be adjusted using the Drive Mode Selector knob on the center console.
Features
The 2017 INFINITI Q60 is a two-door, four-seat luxury coupe. Pricing starts at $38,950.** The Q60 is available in base and Premium trim levels with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 3.0-liter V6 will be available in the Premium trim only.
Standard equipment on the base model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights and taillights, eight-way power front seats, Bluetooth® streaming audio, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, INFINITI InTouch™ infotainment system with dual display screens, voice control, and more.
In addition to the applicable standard features from the base model, Premium models get a Bose® Performance Series audio system, moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and a Homelink® Universal Transceiver as standard equipment.
An optional Premium Plus Package adds auto-dimming exterior mirrors, navigation, INFINITI InTouch™ concierge services, heated steering wheel and front seats, a memory system for the driver’s seat, SiriusXM® real-time traffic information, and other features. Semi-aniline leather seating is available on Premium models as well.
Design
A coupe has to look good in order to justify the sacrifice in practicality that comes with this body style. Styling is probably the main reason why buyers choose coupes over sedans, actually. Luckily, the 2017 INFINITI Q60 is quite a looker.
The production model remains faithful to the original Q60 concept that debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. It combines styling elements from the Q50 sedan with some more expressive features. The “double arch” grille, crescent-shaped C-pillars, and LED headlights all tie the Q60 to the Q50, which it shares a platform with. But the more aggressive stance and low roofline set the coupe apart.
INFINITI claims the Q60’s design emphasizes function as well as form. It has a fairly low drag coefficient of 0.28, thanks to vents in the front fenders that direct air out of the engine bay while providing some extra visual flair. The hood was also designed to minimize drag, and the Q60 features active grille shutters that close when extra air isn’t needed to cool the engine, further cutting drag.
The interior was designed with a focus on the driver. A three-spoke steering wheel and heavily bolstered front seats are the perfect accouterments for spirited driving. Naturally, for a modern luxury car, the Q60 also features a digital dashboard display, which INFINITI splits between two screens. Base models get an aluminum trim, with wood and carbon fiber available on higher-level models.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 INFINITI Q60 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. The available Driver Assistance Package adds Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, Around View Monitor camera system, blind spot monitoring, and Backup Collision Intervention.
The Technology Package offered on V6 models also includes adaptive front lighting, adaptive cruise control, front-seat Pre-Crash Seatbelts, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
Verdict
With sleek styling and powerful engines, the 2017 INFINITI Q60 checks all of the sport coupe boxes.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to test-drive the all-new INFINITI Q60.
*2018 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
**Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excluding destination charge, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
Image Credit: INFINITI
