2017 Infiniti Q60 Luxury Coupe: Performance and Style Review

The automotive landscape of 2016 welcomed a fresh contender to the premium coupe segment with the arrival of the redesigned Infiniti Q60. Standing as a distinctive choice amid the dominance of German manufacturers, this two-door pursues an alternative philosophy that emphasizes refinement, technological advancement, and aesthetic appeal. Rather than competing solely on raw sportiness, the Q60 carves its own niche by prioritizing passenger comfort, interior sophistication, and a comprehensive suite of contemporary amenities.

Visual Identity and Design Philosophy

The Q60 presents a visually compelling proposition that immediately captures attention from multiple viewing angles. The design evolution represents more than a superficial refresh—it demonstrates Infiniti’s commitment to establishing a distinctive visual language in an increasingly homogeneous market segment. The vehicle sits lower and wider than its predecessor, contributing to an athletic stance that belies its substantial curb weight.

The exterior treatment emphasizes what Infiniti terms “powerful elegance,” a design ethos that manifests through flowing lines and precisely proportioned surfaces. The LED headlight architecture deserves particular attention, as engineers crafted them to emulate the natural characteristics of the human eye, creating an organic appearance that distinguishes the Q60 from competitors relying on more geometric lighting signatures. The front grille communicates visual connection to the engine compartment while maintaining design coherence with the broader Infiniti portfolio.

Body panel integration contributes substantially to the overall visual refinement, with minimal gaps between fenders and tires creating an impression of lower ride height and enhanced ground-hugging stability. This attention to detail extends throughout the vehicle’s exterior surfaces, where every crease and contour serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The overall composition successfully bridges the gap between aggressive sportiness and understated luxury—a challenging balance that many competitors struggle to achieve.

Engine Options and Performance Characteristics

Infiniti equipped the Q60 lineup with multiple powerplant options designed to address diverse buyer preferences and driving philosophies. The base configuration features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz, producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While this specification delivers adequate performance for relaxed cruising and moderate acceleration demands, the modest output becomes constrained when the vehicle’s substantial 1,750-kilogram mass enters the equation, limiting acceleration figures to levels comparable with mainstream performance hatchbacks.

The significantly more compelling option arrives in the form of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which generates 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant demonstrates substantially greater capability, propelling the three-ton vehicle to 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.6 seconds during testing, with quarter-mile times reaching 13.0 seconds at 110 miles-per-hour. The turbocharged architecture benefits from responsive throttle mapping and demonstrates notable smoothness characteristics at highway cruising speeds, accompanied by an engaging induction note when drivers access higher engine speeds.

Both engines channel their output through a seven-speed automatic transmission that maintains near-seamless operation during normal driving conditions. The gearbox occasionally exhibits perceptible shift events during spirited acceleration, though these moments remain relatively subtle compared to competitors offering sportier transmission calibrations. Both engines demonstrate refinement characteristics that contribute substantially to the Q60’s identity as a touring coupe rather than an outright performance machine.

Interior Environment and Creature Comforts

The cabin environment establishes the Q60 as a genuinely premium proposition, employing multiple strategies to create an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. High-quality materials predominate throughout the passenger compartment, with semi-aniline leather upholstery representing the touchstone of interior luxury. Infiniti applied soft-touch materials to all primary contact surfaces, creating a cohesive tactile experience that reinforces the vehicle’s premium positioning.

The driver-oriented seating arrangement prioritizes ergonomic support, with bolstered seats that rise progressively up the occupant’s back, providing lateral guidance during cornering maneuvers. Memory functions preserve the preferred positions for multiple drivers, while heated seating augments comfort during cold-weather operation. Front-row passengers benefit from a commanding perspective facilitated by the vehicle’s bunker-like high-waist design, which simultaneously contributes to a sense of enclosure and security within the cabin.

The technological interface centers on Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system, which features enhanced processing capabilities compared to earlier iterations. Dual display screens—including a prominent 7-inch touchscreen positioned prominently within the dashboard—provide intuitive access to navigation, climate control, and audio system functionality. The 13-speaker Bose audio system delivers commendable acoustic quality throughout the listening environment, while active noise cancellation technology significantly reduces intrusive external sounds during highway travel.

Advanced Technology and Safety Architecture

Infiniti integrated an expansive technology portfolio across the Q60 lineup, positioning each trim level with progressively sophisticated systems and capabilities. The Standard Technology Package introduces navigation guidance paired with navigation-synchronized adaptive shift control, SiriusXM Traffic integration, and automated headlight leveling with adaptive cornering functions that adjust cutting patterns based on steering angle inputs.

The comprehensive Driver Assistance Package encompasses an array of protective systems designed to prevent or mitigate accident scenarios. Forward collision detection capable of identifying both stationary vehicles and pedestrians precedes automatic emergency braking deployment. Blind-spot monitoring extends warnings across the lateral visual blind zones, while automatic steering intervention prevents unintended lane departures when the vehicle detects crossing road markings without deliberate driver input.

Additional safety enhancements include distance control assistance that maintains specified following intervals during highway travel, the Eco Pedal system that encourages efficient throttle modulation, and pre-crash front seatbelts that tighten in anticipation of impact events. The comprehensive integration of these systems positions the Q60 competitively within the luxury coupe segment for accident prevention and mitigation.

Direct Adaptive Steering: Innovation and Practical Application

The Q60 features Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering system, which represents a departure from traditional mechanical steering linkages. Rather than employing a direct physical connection between the steering column and front wheels, engineers implemented an electronic steering angle actuator that continuously calculates optimal front-wheel positioning based on steering input measurements. This innovative system automatically adjusts effort levels and steering ratios according to driving circumstances, theoretically reducing vibration transmission to the driver’s hands while enabling customized response characteristics.

Infiniti recalibrated the system for the Q60 generation, implementing modifications intended to deliver a more natural and communicative feel compared to earlier applications. The steering response ranges across multiple modes including Standard, Sport, and Sport Plus configurations, with Dynamic response settings providing additional personalization options. During initial evaluation, the standard mode configuration demonstrated precise and natural characteristics, though some evaluators noted the absence of tactile road feedback that traditional hydraulic systems naturally provide.

The steering innovation generates mixed responses among automotive reviewers, with some appreciating its precision and reduced driver fatigue characteristics while others cite an artificial quality that diminishes connection between driver inputs and vehicle response. Nonetheless, the system contributes to the Q60’s distinctive character and provides capability unattainable through conventional steering arrangements.

Ride Dynamics and Handling Balance

The Q60 emphasizes ride comfort and refinement rather than pursuing aggressive sporting characteristics that appeal to drivers prioritizing track-oriented performance. The suspension geometry and damping calibration generally deliver smooth operation across varied road surfaces, though the substantial vehicle mass occasionally creates a sensation of uncontrolled motion over isolated road imperfections. Optional adaptive suspension technology addresses these shortcomings more effectively than the standard passive system, providing drivers with enhanced capability to tailor suspension behavior according to driving preferences.

Body control during cornering maneuvers remains respectable, with the vehicle maintaining a generally level posture through sweeping curves. However, the considerable curb weight generates notable understeer characteristics when drivers push aggressively through corners, with the heavy front end requiring significant steering angle adjustments to maintain intended trajectories. This handling personality reflects the Q60’s fundamental character as a touring coupe rather than a driver-focused performance machine—a positioning that Infiniti clearly and deliberately embraced.

Wind and road noise isolation achieves commendable standards, with the cabin remaining remarkably tranquil during sustained highway travel. This refinement characteristic particularly enhances the Q60’s suitability for long-distance journeys, where passengers can maintain comfortable conversations without elevating vocal volume.

Practical Considerations and Space Limitations

The Q60’s two-door configuration and compact proportions inevitably impose certain constraints upon passenger accommodation and cargo versatility. The rear seating arrangement provides adequate space for occasional adult passengers during city driving, though extended journeys would likely generate discomfort due to limited legroom and headroom provisions. Rear seatbacks fold forward to expand cargo capacity, transforming the confined trunk into a more spacious storage area suitable for luggage and sporting equipment.

The absence of a diesel engine option represents another constraint for fuel economy-conscious buyers operating in markets where diesel technology maintains prevalence. Real-world fuel consumption measurements in mixed driving conditions typically register around 18.7 miles-per-gallon in standard form, with turbocharged models achieving variable efficiency depending upon throttle application patterns and driving circumstances. This efficiency positioning trails competitors from BMW and Mercedes, a deficit attributable partly to the vehicle’s substantial mass and partly to transmission tuning prioritizing performance over economy.

Premium Equipment and Pricing Structure

The Q60 Premium Tech designation indicates a well-equipped specification tier that bundles numerous luxury features typically available as separate options on competitor vehicles. Standard equipment across the lineup includes satellite navigation, heated leather seating surfaces, full-range adaptive cruise control, and an extensive suite of active safety systems. This comprehensive approach toward standard equipment reduces the financial burden on buyers seeking fundamental luxury amenities without pursuing additional personalization.

The pricing structure reflects the vehicle’s positioning within the premium segment, with base pricing commencing around $46,300 before destination charges. The tested example accumulated $57,255 through the addition of multiple option packages including the premium technology bundle, driver assistance systems, and interior trim personalization. Buyers should recognize that achieving the comprehensive feature set represented in premium configurations requires substantial supplementary investment beyond base pricing.

Comparative Market Position

Within the luxury coupe marketplace, the Q60 establishes itself as a distinctive alternative to more commonly selected German competitors from BMW and Audi. While machines like the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 may project slightly greater athleticism in certain driving conditions and command comparable price positioning, the Q60 distinguishes itself through superior refinement characteristics, distinctive aesthetic appeal, and comprehensive standard equipment provisions. The vehicle succeeds primarily through its refined demeanor, luxury cabin execution, and powerful engine options rather than through pursuit of raw driving excitement or track-oriented capability.

Conclusion: The Refined Alternative

The 2017 Infiniti Q60 represents a thoughtfully conceived entry into the premium coupe segment that appeals primarily to buyers prioritizing refined comfort, technological sophistication, and distinctive styling over pursuit of maximum performance or minimal price positioning. The comprehensive equipment provisions, powerful engine alternatives, and carefully executed interior environment create a compelling ownership proposition for drivers who value long-distance capability, passenger refinement, and contemporary luxury amenities. While the Q60 may not satisfy buyers seeking maximum driving engagement or superior handling dynamics, it succeeds admirably as a stylish, comfortable, and well-appointed luxury coupe that charts its own course within an increasingly crowded market segment.