Introduction
INFINITI has been in the UK for almost 10 years now. Largely appealing to US buyers, the Nissan-owned luxury car brand decided to spread its wings in 2009 by launching in the UK.
Here is the Q60 - a coupe based on the Q50 saloon - and it certainly looks the part. INFINITI is one to stick to the designs of its concept cars, and this model is no different – looking noticeably similar to the Infiniti Q60 Coupe Concept.
It receives athletic looks, smart headlights, as well as an active grille shutter to aid aerodynamics.
Performance
INFINITI offers the choice of two petrol engines in the Q60 – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6.
The four-cylinder produces 208bhp and 350Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60mph and onto a top speed of 146mph.
We got behind the wheel of the V6, which produces 399bhp and 475Nm of torque. It’s certainly quick, and is able to accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in under four seconds and keep going to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
The latter engine was what the Q60 really was designed for, and it works well.
Both engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 employing all-wheel-drive and the lower-powered version using rear-wheel-drive.
Enquire now on a new Infiniti Q60Ride and handling
The steering of the Q60 is quite different to rivals. We’ll try to keep this brief, but the Q60’s steering wheel isn’t actually connected to the steering. Instead it uses a ‘drive-by-wire’ system that is more accustomed to those used in some aircraft. All this means is that inputs are sent electronically to the steering rack, rather than mechanically.
While it allows for a relaxed, more responsive and fully-customisable drive, it provides very little in the way of feedback and can take time to get used to. On the plus side, there is hardly any body lean in the corners and there is plenty of grip, too.
The ride is a little bit firm and on roads that aren't silky smooth it tends to feel restless, although admittedly it’s not too noticeable.
Interior and equipment
The cabin feels well-made, utilises plush materials to its advantage and also feels very modern thanks to the two touchscreens (one seven-inch, the other eight) you get as standard. The seats also feel comfortable and supportive, too.
It's not particularly practical, but that’s not to be expected from a two-door coupe. A low roofline and cramped rear seats means it’s a two-seater for adults, while two children could fit in the rear at a push.
INFINITI has been very generous on the equipment front on the Q60. Standard equipment includes auto-levelling LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, the aforementioned dual touchscreen setup, leather seats and keyless entry and go. Upgrade to the Premium Tech model and you get the full Safety Pack (adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and blindspot warning with associated accident prevention) along with the Visibility Pack (adaptive headlights, 360-degree camera, automatic high beam lights), the Multimedia Pack (Bose hi-fi with 13 speakers) and the Ambient Pack (ambient lighting, electrically adjustable steering column, folding door mirrors that point down to the kerb when reversing and a memory function for driver’s seat, steering wheel position and mirrors).
The top-of-the-range model adds an Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, INFINITI Navigation System and even more safety features such as the Blind Sport Intervention System.
Cost
The Q60 is keenly priced, particularly when you consider how expensive some of the offerings are in this class. Prices start from £34,300, which gets you the good 2.0-litre engine with lots of standard equipment. The V6 model costs from £43,575, which is still great value when you consider you would have to look at spending £50,000 to get a BMW, Audi or Mercedes with similar performance.
Running costs do let the Q60 down. The thirsty V6 returns a claimed 30.1mpg (low twenties in the real world), with high emissions of 210g/km.
Verdict
The Q60 might not be the most popular choice in the premium coupe class which is dominated by German manufacturers, but it’s a big step up from INFINITI models of old.
It is a well-made, powerful and luxurious coupe. You’re almost guaranteed to never see another one, too, which can’t really be said about cars such as the Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class Coupe. In this case, exclusivity is a great thing.
Test drive a new Infiniti Q60
The Stats
Model: INFINITI Q60 3.0t AT AWD Sport
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
Transmission: Seven-speed Auto
Power: 399bhp
Torque: 575Nm
0-60mph: 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155mph
MPG: 31.0mpg
Emissions: 210g/km