Infiniti Q60 Coupe 2016 Review: Stylish 400bhp GT Alternative

The 2016 Infiniti Q60 Coupe arrives as Nissan’s premium brand’s ambitious entry into the competitive luxury coupe market, aiming to rival established names like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. With its striking aesthetics, powerful engine options, and array of tech features, it promises an enticing package for enthusiasts seeking something different. However, while it scores high on visual appeal and refinement, questions linger about its dynamic prowess and value proposition.

Striking Exterior Design That Turns Heads

Infiniti’s designers crafted the Q60 with a low-slung profile that emphasizes its sporty character. Measuring slightly longer, wider, and lower than predecessors, it adopts a conventional four-seater coupe silhouette enhanced by unique flourishes. Prominent elements include an expansive front grille, sculpted side panels, and a dramatic C-pillar treatment that sets it apart from more conservative competitors.

The aerodynamic body, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28, incorporates active grille shutters and fender vents for optimized airflow and cooling. Paired with 19-inch alloy wheels, this creates an aggressive stance capable of higher lateral G-forces. Available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations, the Q60’s platform builds on the Nissan 370Z chassis, promising enhanced handling potential.

• Bold grille and sculpted flanks for instant brand recognition.
• Lower roofline and wider track improve stability and aesthetics.
• Aero enhancements like shutters reduce drag without compromising style.

Luxurious Yet Busy Interior Environment

Step inside, and the Q60 greets occupants with high-quality materials, including supple leather upholstery in multiple colors, accented by aluminum, carbon-fiber, or timber trim. Seats offer excellent support, bolstering, and adjustability, making it easy to dial in a comfortable driving position. Thicker glass, additional bracing, and suspension insulation contribute to one of the quietest cabins in its class, minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness.

However, the cockpit can feel cluttered. Dual touchscreen displays handle infotainment and navigation, but a proliferation of buttons and a central dial for map control demands a learning curve. Despite this, build quality shines, with plush touches that rival pricier Germans. Rear seating accommodates adults reasonably, though headroom is tight due to the coupe shape.

Powertrain Options: From Efficient to Thrilling

Buyers have choices: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder delivering around 211hp and better economy at 41.5mpg, or the star attraction—a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. In top Q60S guise, it pumps out 400bhp and 413lb ft of torque, achieving 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. This outpowers rivals like the Mercedes C43 AMG (362bhp) and BMW 440i (322bhp), paired with a smooth seven-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive.

The V6 revs cleanly with a synthetic yet tuneful note, free of artificial pops. Turbo lag is minimal thanks to sequential turbos, ensuring linear response. Fuel economy lags at 31mpg combined, with CO2 at 208g/km—penalizing for high performance. The base turbo is thriftier but less exhilarating.

Driving Experience: Refined But Detached

Behind the wheel, the Q60 prioritizes composure over raw excitement. Adaptive dampers in seven selectable modes adjust ride and handling, keeping body roll in check while absorbing bumps—mostly. It builds speed stealthily in a hushed cabin, surprising with velocity before you notice. The transmission shifts deliberately, sometimes sluggishly, and electronic aids like adaptive steering filter feedback, creating a relaxed but uninvolving feel.

Steering morphs from light city gearing to heavier highway settings, aiding straight-line stability and subtle lane-keeping. Sport modes unlock mild wheelspin and oversteer, with gentle stability control. Braking is strong, but the ride firms up on imperfect roads, lacking the plushness of rivals. It’s competent for grand touring, less so for twisty thrills.

• Quiet acceleration: Power surges discreetly without drama.
• Adaptive systems: Dampers and steering tailor to preferences.
• GT focus: Excels on motorways, middling in corners.

Advanced Safety and Technology Suite

Infiniti loads the Q60 with cutting-edge aids. Standard fare includes adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, blind-spot monitoring with intervention, autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian-capable), 360-degree cameras, and reverse collision alerts. These enhance safety without overwhelming the driver.

Drive Mode Selector tweaks throttle, steering, and dampers. The serene cabin supports long hauls, with connectivity via touchscreens. While not flawless ergonomically, it’s well-equipped for 2016 standards.

Performance and Efficiency Breakdown

Figures highlight the V6’s punch at efficiency’s expense.

Rivals and Market Positioning

The Q60 targets the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes C-Class Coupe, and Audi A5. It undercuts some on price (starting ~£40k, top ~£50k in 2016), offers rarity, and matches power. Yet, higher running costs, no diesel, and less engaging dynamics keep it niche. Germans win on driver involvement and resale.

• Vs BMW 440i: More power, quieter, but less feedback.
• Vs Mercedes C43: Similar speed, harsher ride.
• Vs Audi S5: Bolder looks, comparable performance.

Ownership Considerations: Costs and Practicality

Running expenses sting: premium fuel, 208g/km emissions hike taxes. Reliability from Nissan roots is solid, but Infiniti’s dealer network is sparse. Boot space suits weekends; rear seats fold for versatility. Warranty covers 4 years/60k miles.

FAQs

Is the 2016 Infiniti Q60 reliable?

Built on proven Nissan tech, it offers good dependability, though service networks are limited.

How does the Q60 compare to the BMW 4 Series?

Q60 boasts more power and unique style but trails in handling feel and efficiency.

What’s the top speed of the Q60S?

Limited to 155mph electronically, with strong mid-range pull.

Does it have Apple CarPlay?

2016 models lack it standard; later updates added compatibility.

Is all-wheel drive available?

Yes, on V6 models for better traction.

Final Verdict: Niche Appeal for Discerning Buyers

The Infiniti Q60 Coupe captivates with design and power, delivering refined cruising in a package few match visually. Yet, its detached dynamics, firm ride, and thirsty engine prevent it from toppling segment leaders. Ideal for those prioritizing style and serenity over thrills— a stylish footnote in luxury coupes.