Infiniti Q60 Coupe (2009 – 2015) Review

September 2009

The Infiniti G Coupe was launched in the UK and shares its mechanical base with the G37 Saloon but is far from being just a two-door version of it. Infiniti's trademark long bonnet mated to the dramatically raked roofline endow the Coupe with a character all its own. It's a dynamic elegance that belies the spacious four-seat accommodation within.

The Coupe is available in entry, GT and S versions at a premium over the Saloon of just £1650 - with standard electric sunroof (optional on the Saloon). Powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 engine, the high performance credentials of all versions are guaranteed. The Coupe's exhaust has even been specially tuned for a more sporting sound while brake pedal feel, too, has been altered to suit more demanding drivers.

The top speed is limited to 155mph while 0-62mph takes 5.8 seconds (manual version). The high efficiency of the V6, which is fitted with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, means combined cycle fuel consumption is 26.9mpg with CO2 emissions, Euro 5 standard, of 248g/km. The seven-speed automatic betters this with 26.9mpg and 246g/km; acceleration to 62mph changes only marginally to 5.9 seconds.

All the Coupés are exceptionally well equipped as standard with the GT adding even more luxury features and the S, complete with chassis changes including 4-Wheel Active Steer, offering the most focused driver involvement. Standard features are as for the G37 Saloon range with the exception of the reclining rear seat and the addition of a folding rear seat back rest, an electric glass sunroof (delete option) and 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels standard on S.

February 2010

The G Coupe was enhanced for 2010 bringing the V6-powered performance cars into line with the third G Line member, the saloon, which benefits from the same package of interior revisions for 2010 as well as exterior enhancements. In addition, Infiniti introduced a new all-inclusive specification called Premium for the G and G Coupe in response to customer demand.

The new interior look centres on a redesigned console, based on that of the EX and FX crossovers. The revised console builds on Infiniti's individual interior character, with its emphasis on natural materials and Japanese craftsmanship, while retaining all the ergonomic excellence of before. The cabin's aluminium highlights now feature a new pattern, inspired by traditional Japanese calligraphy. In addition, across all models, there's a new, optional high-gloss Maple wood trim and the dials and instrument display now use white as background colour.

Infiniti's hard disk drive (HDD) information and entertainment platform, Connectiviti, is fitted to the G Coupe for the first time, while the innovative navigation version, Connectiviti+, is standard-fit on new Premium models. Connectiviti+ brings with it far more functionality than the previous navigation system, such as 3D graphics and exclusive access to Michelin's Green Guide tourist information and gastronomical Red Guide. It's also four times faster at route calculation than the previous DVD-based set-up.

A revised exterior colour, in a shade of dark grey, is added to the paint palette for 2010 Coupe. It features Infiniti's Scratch-shield technology which magics away fine scratches. In all other ways both two-door models are unchanged on the outside. The revised models form part of an expanded G Line for 2010 with new Premium editions slotting in at the top of the range. Developed in response to customers mainly ordering the G fully-optioned, the Premium versions include all the most popular features as standard, taking "top spec" to a higher new level - no mean feat for a marque already known for its comprehensive specification and short options list.

In other changes for 2010, the success of the all-wheel drive option for the Infiniti G saloon means it now ranks as a model in its own right. Across Europe, 44 per cent of saloons have been the x model with its winter-defying intelligent torque control drive to all four wheels. Automatic Gs - featuring a seven-speed Adaptive Shift Control transmission with steering wheel paddles - are now also listed as separate models.

December 2012

Infiniti changed its naming system. So out go G, M, EX and FX replaced by a simpler line-up of Q for saloons and convertibles with QX used for SUVs.

The firm is hoping a move to a new naming structure will reinvigorate interest with the whole product range getting the new names starting by the 2014 model year. The first new model launched will be the Q50, a sports saloon that replaces the current G37. Whereas the 37 signifies the engine size - a 3.7 litre petrol - the new system abandons that and instead the number represents the steps up in the range. So largers saloons will be called the Q60 and Q70.