- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
155kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 7.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
4 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0 GT review
What is it?
It's Nissan's luxury brand's answer to the likes of the BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Audi A5; a sleek two-door machine that mixes style with a degree of performance.
The 2.0 GT we're driving is the entry-level model fitted with an optional Enhancement Pack that brings some extra tech and luxury conveniences.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
The Q60 is offered across a three-model range with the entry-level GT starting at $62,900 (plus on-roads), making it slightly cheaper than its European rivals. Similarly, the mid-range Sport Premium (at $70,900 plus on-roads) and the flagship Q60 Red Sport (at $88,900 plus on-roads) undercut their similarly-specced German equivalents.
Even in its most basic form, the Q60 has a cockpit lined with good quality imitation leather, power adjustment for the front seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, keyless entry and push button start, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting and Infiniti's unique dual-screen infotainment with sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity and apps – although it does miss out on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
The Enhancement Pack fitted on our test car costs an additional $3000 and brings a higher-grade Bose audio system with noise cancelling technology, 360-degree camera, a sunroof and adaptive LED headlights.
All Infiniti models are covered by a four-year/100,000km warranty with 12-month/10,000km service intervals that range in cost between $353 and $757.
What's under the bonnet?
The entry-level Q60 2.0 GT is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder engine that is borrowed from Mercedes-Benz, and identical to the one that powers the C250 Coupe it lines up against.
There's no change to its power outputs of 155kW and 350Nm but the Infiniti weighs slightly more than the equivalent Benz and, as a result, drinks a little more premium unleaded with a claimed average of 7.7L/100km.
It drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.
What's it like to drive?
It's a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. I love the way it looks, and think this is the best interpretation of Infiniti's design language, but the driving experience doesn't quite live up to how dynamic it appears.
For starters, Infiniti has stuck with its unique by-wire electric steering system which feels numb and completely unnatural in the way it is weighted. The engine is great at loping around at a leisurely pace but doesn't feel as spritely as it should when you tap into its performance, even though it's generating maximum pulling power from just 1370rpm.
As for how it handles, it is reasonably compliant around town and there's a decent amount of grip from its well-balanced rear-drive chassis when you get stuck into it on a twisty road.
But everything feels a bit isolated from the driver, partly because of artificial influences from technologies like the steering and the noise-cancelling audio system (which ensures occupants are caccooned from a lot of the cacophony going on around them when driving in a busy city) but also because its general on-road character isn't all that engaging.
What's it like inside?
The cabin is also a blend of brilliance and blah. The overall design takes a nice twist on the classic separate driver-and-passenger theme, the quality of materials is mostly top notch, the ergonomics and adjustability in the driving position are spot-on, the front seats are among the comfiest in the class and the idea of having two digital screens in the centre seems like a great idea in today's highly connected world.
But the two displays – a high-res one at the bottom and low-res one at the top – combine to offer the same level of functionality offered by others in just one screen. Even less actually, when you consider it doesn't come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
While there is no denying the Q60 ticks plenty of boxes in terms of luxury credentials, the cabin doesn't feel as special or have as much cutting-edge connectivity as its more established rivals.
Is it safe?
The Q60 is fitted with six airbags to protect all four occupants in the event of an accident and also has a pop-up bonnet to lessen injuries to pedestrians. There's also adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking and a 360-degree camera.
Would I buy it?
The Q60 is the most convincing model from Infiniti yet, but its gorgeous body and slightly cheaper price tag isn't enough temptation to turn away from the established German triumvirate.
In four-cylinder form, the Q60 isn't as exciting to drive as it looks either, but the twin-turbo V6 Red Sport model (which we will test soon) could be a different kettle of fish.
What else should I consider?
There is quite the variety of sporty, two-door coupes from Infiniti's luxury brand rivals, such as the BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Audi A5 mentioned at the beginning.
Then there's the Lexus RC350, which doesn't cost that much more for a V6-powered model.
2017 Infiniti Q60 GT+ price and specifications
Price: From $65,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 155kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1250-3500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.7L/100km