Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) Review

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Infiniti Q60 was yet another miss from Nissan’s upmarket brand. It looks good, but the interior is disappointing, and it offers little for enthusiastic drivers to get excited about.

+Relative rarity. Strong performance from 3.0-litre V6. Four-wheel drive available.

-Interior not up to scratch for a premium car. Over-assisted, artificial steering. Not great to drive.

On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

The Infiniti Q60 was a classic case of a car having plenty of style, but not enough substance. Against the likes of the Audi A5, or another German contender, the BMW 4 Series – or even the Lexus RC – the Infiniti simply didn’t drive with sufficient verve or polish, which was a fundamental problem for an upmarket coupe. Read on for our full Infiniti Q60 review.

If you want a sleek-looking premium coupe, but fancy something a bit different, then how about this?

The Infiniti Q60 is a leftfield used choice in a market dominated by the likes of the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5.

Infiniti was the premium brand from Nissan, in a similar way that Toyota and Lexus co-exist.

But unlike Lexus, Infiniti struggled to make an impact in the UK, ensuring that its models were a rare sight on our roads. 

The sporty Infiniti Q60 is one of its better-looking offerings, but sadly the inside doesn’t live up to the outside.

Even when new, the interior felt dated and a generation behind the competition. The switches and steering column stalks shared with cheaper Nissan models didn’t help.

On the plus side, the Infiniti Q60 does come well equipped, with kit such as LED headlights, a rear view camera, heated and electric seats and navigation. 

But there is no diesel model. Nor is there a hybrid. Instead there are just two petrol engines – a 2.0-litre with 211PS and a 3.0-litre V6 with an impressive 405PS, both of which have a seven-speed automatic as standard. Neither is great on fuel.

Despite the power from the V6, the Infiniti Q60 is no sports car. It handles well enough, but the steering feels very artificial, the gearbox can be slow to respond and there’s little in the way of character. 

Overall, the Infiniti Q60 isn’t a bad car. Indeed, on paper it looks good value given the standard equipment available. Plus being built by Nissan, it's likely to prove reliable and robust.

But there really is nothing compelling about it as a used car – and judged against the competition it’s very hard to make a case for the Infiniti.

Looking for a coupe? Read our Best Coupe guide here.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) handling and engines

Driving Rating
Despite boasting an abundance of advanced tech, the Infiniti Q60 is not an enjoyable car to drive, with artificial steering, a hesitant automatic gearbox and an unsettled ride its chief flaws.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Handling and ride quality

As well as looking great, a premium coupe has to be good to drive. In short, the Infiniti Q60 falls flat here.

There’s lots of clever technology on board, particularly when it comes to the steering. Go for a Sport model, and you get the second generation of what Infiniti calls Direct Adaptive Steering.

This is a steer-by-wire system - in other words, there’s no actual mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels on the road. Instead, it’s controlled by electronics.

We criticised the Direct Adaptive Steering system in the Infiniti Q50, but the brand said this second-generation system underwent “significant re-tuning to enhance steering feel and feedback without compromising comfort.”

There are no fewer than seven steering set-up modes. The problem is, despite all those settings, not one of them actually feels natural.

The steering is always over-assisted and artificial, which is a shame as the Infiniti Q60 actually handles well enough in terms of grip and body control.

However, it never feels particularly at home when driven with gusto or pushed into a corner, and is far happier at a more sedate pace.

Or it would be, were it not for the ride. The suspension is very busy, and the Infiniti Q60 is seemingly unable to settle down on anything except a perfectly smooth surface.

On 3.0 Sport models, you get an electronic suspension system, called Dynamic Digital Suspension. It’s designed to monitor the vehicle’s body roll, pitch and bounce rate and help reduce unwanted steering feel and vibrations.

It’s an improvement on the standard set-up, but still doesn’t solve the problem of the unsettled ride.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Engines

The Infiniti Q60 can move along at a fair old lick. The top 3.0-litre engine has more than 400PS and will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds.

It also sounds good with a nice, if not overly loud, exhaust note.

While it’s decent in a straight line, what hampers the Infiniti Q60 is the seven-speed automatic gearbox.

It’s standard with both engines, but is hesitant to change down and never seems to be in the correct gear.

That lack of response makes the Infiniti Q60 frustrating if you’re trying to drive it quickly. However, the changes are smooth enough when not rushed.

If you don't need all the power of the V6 engine, Infiniti also offered a slightly more sensible four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine with 211PS.

Borrowed from Mercedes, this is rear-wheel drive (unlike the four-wheel-drive 3.0) and provides better economy. But that’s about the extent of its appeal.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Safety

There was no Euro NCAP rating for the Infiniti Q60 but it does come with six airbags, ESP stability and traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

You also get automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a bonnet that pops up in a collision to better protect passers-by.

And Infiniti offered a Technology pack with adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Towing

The Infiniti Q60 is not rated to tow either a braked or unbraked trailer.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
2.0T Automatic 42 mpg - 156 g/km
3.0T Automatic 30–31 mpg - 208 g/km

Real MPG average for the Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

38–40 mpg

MPGs submitted

2

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) interior

Interior Rating
The Infiniti Q60 cabin is particularly disappointing. It felt dated when new, and simply isn’t good enough for a car designed to compete with premium rivals. It’s well constructed, though.
Dimensions
Length 4690 mm
Width -
Height 1395 mm
Wheelbase 2850 mm

Full specifications

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Practicality

The seats in the front of the Infiniti Q60 are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment. There’s also a decent amount of room, even for six-footers.

Sadly the same can’t be said of the back two seats which are really cramped, although that’s par for the course in many coupes.

The boot is a good size with a wide opening, so can carry a surprising amount with a reasonable 342-litre capacity.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Quality and finish

There was much made by the brand of the modern technology in the Infiniti Q60 at its launch, but the reality is that even then the interior felt a generation behind the competition.

The cabin is solidly constructed, but was very dated compared with the likes of the Audi A5.

Small details also let the car down. Simple things like the exterior mirror controls and electric window switches feel cheap, and not what you’d expect of a supposedly premium model.

Picky? Yes, but the quality of cars that rival the Infiniti Q60 is so high that elements like this really stand out.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Infotainment

Infiniti upped its game with a system called InTouch, which is a neat touchscreen system that works pretty well, although it’s not the most intuitive to use.

It looks good, though, with a high-resolution display and a black gloss surround in the dash.

However, InTouch just highlights how dated the second screen is. For some reason, two screens were fitted in the Infiniti Q60, with the one at the top displaying navigation.

It looks like it’s from an aged Nissan, and does nothing to make you think you’re in a so-called premium model.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Used prices for the Infiniti Q60 are genuinely tempting, assuming you can hunt one down. But heavy fuel consumption means that running one is likely to be an expensive business.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Prices

Finding an Infiniti Q60 for sale will be the biggest hurdle you face, as so few were sold new. There are not many on the used market.

Should you track one down, reckon on spending around £14,000 for a Premium trim model with the 2.0T engine.

This will net you a seven-year-old car with 50,000 miles on the clock and a fully stamped service book.

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018): Running Costs

With no diesel or hybrid models in the Infiniti Q60 line-up, you’re looking at a choice between 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

The smaller unit promised 41.5mpg combined economy, but the reality is nearer 30mpg, while the larger V6 claimed 31mpg and delivers 26mpg in normal driving.

That’s going to hurt your wallet when you fill up.

Carbon dioxide emissions of 208g/km mean a road tax payment of £395 for 12 months in the V6 if you choose an early example. With the 2.0T, it works out to £240 thanks to 158g/km emissions.

Cars registered after 1 April 2017 all pay the same flat rate of £180 for yearly road tax.

You can have an Infiniti serviced at a Nissan dealer, so maintenance won’t be overly pricey, and independents will save you a bit on labour rates.

Most Infiniti parts are still easily available.

Insurance for the Infiniti Q60 is based on groups ranging from 31 for the entry-level 2.0T to 39 for the top spec 3.0T V6.

This is broadly on a par with equivalent models from rivals.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Infiniti Q60 (2016 – 2018) models and specs

Two trims were offered for the Infiniti Q60, with each available with a Tech upgrade.

The range begins with the Infiniti Q60 Premium, which has 19-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav, DAB, leather power-adjustable seats, manual steering wheel adjustment, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, heated front seats and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

It comes with a Care Pack consisting of cruise control, speed limiter, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, I-key with enhanced memory function, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

There’s also USB, Bluetooth and Voice Recognition, Drive Mode Selector, InTouch, dual touchscreens, fine vision meter with five-inch TFT colour display, six speakers and air-conditioning.

The Infiniti Q60 Premium Tech adds the Safety Pack, Visibility Pack, Smart Beam, Active Front Lighting System, Multimedia Pack, Ambient Pack, electric adjustment to the steering wheel, electric folding door mirrors with reverse synchronisation, and a memory function for the driver’s seat, steering and door mirrors position.

The Infiniti Q60 Sport gets aluminium pedals and footrests, magnesium paddle shifters, unique 19-inch wheel design, Active Lane Control, opposed caliper sport brakes, silver ‘S’ in the Q60S rear badge, Multimedia Pack and an Ambient Pack.

The 3.0 has red brake callipers, Dynamic Digital Suspension, perforated double exhaust pipes, Sport + mode and a red ‘S’ in the Q60S rear and S 3.0t side badges

Sport Tech adds the Safety Pack, Visibility Pack, Smart Beam, Active Front Lighting System, and an Eco pedal with the 3.0 V6 model.

Dimensions
Length 4690 mm
Width -
Height 1395 mm
Wheelbase 2850 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1722–1892 kg
Boot Space -
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 15500 miles
Costs
List Price £33,985–£47,275
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands G–K
Official MPG 30.1–41.5 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2019

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Coupe 2.0t Premium Auto 2dr £34,315 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t Premium Tech Auto 2dr £38,015 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t S Sport Auto 2dr £35,315 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t S Sport Tech Auto 2dr £39,015 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 3.0t S Sport AWD Auto 2dr £43,575 30.1 mpg -
Coupe 3.0t S Sport Tech AWD Auto 2dr £47,275 30.1 mpg -

On sale until April 2017

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Coupe 2.0t Premium Auto 2dr £33,985 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t Premium Tech Auto 2dr £37,685 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t S Sport Auto 2dr £34,985 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 2.0t S Sport Tech Auto 2dr £38,685 41.5 mpg -
Coupe 3.0t S Sport AWD Auto 2dr £42,985 31.0 mpg -
Coupe 3.0t S Sport Tech AWD Auto 2dr £46,685 31.0 mpg -

Model History

January 2016

Infiniti Q60 revealed

Alongside a high performance 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with 400PS, a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine, turbocharged to produce 208PS is also available on the Q60. As standard for this version, power is channelled through the Q60’s rear wheels for optimal dynamic response and to benefit steering feel.

The Q60 features newly-designed 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels as standard, and, for the first time on an Infiniti sports coupe, optional 20-inch wheels are also available in some markets, further referencing the Q60’s performance promise. The wheel gaps are tighter than ever, further lowering the visual volume of the car and giving it a low, powerful stance.

Q60 models with the new V6 engine feature an Active Grille Shutter to balance the engine’s cooling requirements with the desire to enhance aerodynamics. Under normal use, the shutter remains closed, opening when greater performance is required. Relatively narrow door-mounted side mirrors accentuate the Q60’s low stance and sleek coupe looks, and are designed to improve the flow of air down the flanks of the vehicle, while maintaining a wide angle of rear visibility for the driver.

The driver-centric approach continues inside the Q60, with all-new interior trims featuring high-end accents and modern-looking materials. High-contrast stitching throughout the cabin increase the premium ambience and feeling of quality in the Q60’s interior.

The all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, from the new ‘VR’ powertrain family, has been developed to deliver optimal power and torque for an engine of its size, alongside greater fuel efficiency, delivering 400PS at 6400rpm and 475Nm maximum torque at 1600-5200rpm.

A four-cylinder turbo-charged 2.0-litre petrol engine is also available on the Q60, with enhanced fuel injection for efficiency in all conditions. This engine delivers 211PS at 5500rpm and 350Nm maximum torque at 1,500rpm.

The wide range of steering customisation within Direct Adaptive Steering is accessed through the Drive Mode Selector. Located via menus displayed in the centre console, Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: ‘Customise’, ‘Standard’, ‘Snow’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, and – new for certain models – ‘Sport+’.

The Sport mode enhances the response of Direct Adaptive Steering, elevating the steering effort required while reducing the required steering movement from lock to lock. In the new Sport+ mode, steering effort remains the same as Sport mode, but the response of the steering is further increased, with an even quicker steering ratio for precise performance.

Two choices of suspension system allow the driver to tailor a dynamic response from the Q60 that best suits their personal driving style. The standard suspension set-up, shared with the Q50 sports saloon, ensures a low level of road noise and minimal intrusion of unwanted vibrations, while allowing for more direct and linear handling responses. Suspension link layouts and bushings have been modified specifically for their application in the Q60, while shock absorbers are relocated for optimised sports coupe ride and handling.

Making its world debut in a production vehicle, the Q60 will be fitted with an all-new 13-speaker, Bose Performance Series sound system, a class-leading audio set-up which has been tailored to the acoustics of the Q60’s cabin. Matched with Q60’s acoustic glass and noise cancelling technology, the fully-immersive Bose audio system transforms the cabin into the driver’s very own audio haven.

September 2016

Prices for new Q60 announced

The Q60 starts from £33,990. As entry-level option, the Q60 will be available with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine turbocharged to produce 208PS. The Q60 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo version of the premium sports coupe, which produces 400PS, will arrive at a later stage in all showrooms across Europe.