- Doors and Seats
NA
- Engine
NA
- Engine Power
155kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol 7.7L/100KM
- Transmission
NA
- Warranty
NA
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe first drive review
Infiniti's boldest style statement has arrived in Australia with the second-generation Q60 coupe. A full range will launch locally from March 2017 but before more luxurious or more powerful variants arrive, the stylish two-door kicks off with the entry-level Q60 2.0t GT.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that puts out a respectable 155kW it is not quite as scorching as some rivals and its more sportier siblings still to come, but the way it looks, on the other hand, is what will really sell it to potential owners, with a dramatic style that sets the template for Infiniti's future range.
Eventually the Q60 range will grow to include a Sport Premium model powered by the same four-cylinder engine as the GT, and a flagship Q60 Red Sport variant with a 298kW twin-turbo V6 engine.
For this new generation no convertible is planned, so it's a coupe only proposition at this stage.
With pricing that will open from $62,900 for the GT or $65,900 for the GT Enhancement Pack, the range will expand in March 2017 with the addition of the four-cylinder Sport Premium from $70,900 and the range-topping twin-turbocharged V6 Red Sport from $88,900.
All Q60 variants are covered by a four-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty with a six-year capped price servicing scheme.
While the more expensive variants will offer more kit, the GT isn't short on standard equipment, making it appear anything but a base model with features such as real leather trim, powered seats and steering column with memory function, and keyless entry and start, plus LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels.
There's also a decent spread of safety functions built around its six airbags, including the usual array of electronic driver aids as well as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. A reverse camera is standard while a 360-degree unit comes with the Enhancement Pack.
The dash itself is the same as you'll find in the related Q50 sedan, with a double-cowl design and dual touchscreen system, but a few differences highlights its sportier character, including the aluminium decor trim, double-stitching for the dash and doors and a unique sports steering wheel.
Front seat space is every bit as roomy as you'll find in the sedan with the exception of headroom, thanks to a lower roof. Opt for the Enhancement Pack and the included sunroof further eats into overhead space even more. Put into context, the Q60 feels no tighter than its competitors.
Rear seat space is generous enough to slot in adult passengers up to 180cm, but the rear window stretches well above the rear seats making it a warm place to be in the harsh light of an Aussie summer.
The 342L boot falls on the small end of the scale, but Infiniti claims there's more than enough space for two sets of golf clubs - although you'll be lifting them a long way up to clear the high loading lip, which sits just a few centimetres below the top of the bootlid.
With style as the Q60 2.0t's driving force, the 155kW 2.0 litre turbo engine isn't the fastest you'll find, so buyers seeking more urge would be encouraged to wait for the high-powered Red Sport arriving next year.
From behind the wheel the Q60 GT is authoritative enough when you plant the foot, and even musters a sporty sound at high revs, with a claimed 7.3 second 0-100 km/h time.
Around-town acceleration is where the Q60 GT is at its happiest though, utilising its low-rev urgency - with 350Nm of torque on tap from just 1500rpm - to make for an effortless cruiser.
The engine itself is provided by Mercedes-Benz as part of an alliance between the two companies, and not only matches the outputs of the Benz C 250 sedan but also its level of refinement.
Unlike the Q50 sedan on which it is based, the Q60 range won't add the diesel, hybrid, or low-output V6 engines available. Interestingly it also ditches the controversial Direct Adaptive Steering (a by-wire system) of the Q50 and runs a more traditional electrically assisted power steering system, which results in a more natural feel - though the Q60 is hardly a benchmark for feedback through the wheel.
Even on big 19-inch wheels and low-profile 255/40 R19 run-flat tyres the Q60 GT rides with surprising absorbency. With fixed rate dampers in lieu of any kind of adaptive suspension the ride stays the same no matter which drive mode. With a comfort-biased tune, long trips behind the wheel shouldn't be a problem, although one the of the bigger hits we encountered during our first drive revealed a soft rebound rate that made the rear-end feel a little floaty.
While the Q60 doesn't exactly wilt under pressure, it is most comfortable at a leisurely pace, feeling more like a composed luxury coupe than an outright sports car.
With unique and premium styling the Infiniti Q60 is sure to lure buyers looking for something that stands apart.
The full range is still some months off, but when it arrives Infiniti should have a broad spread of variants to tackle its more established competition. Right now, even at base level, it is the most convincing model so far from the Japanese luxury brand.
Infiniti Q60 Price and Specifications
Price: From $62,900 GT, $65,900 GT with Enhancement Pack before on-roads costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 155kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.7L/100km