- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
3.0TT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
298kW, 475Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
4 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport quick spin review
What is it?
This is Infiniti's vision for a modern performance coupe. Positioned at the top of the new Q60 range, the Red Sport features a powerful turbocharged engine, plenty of technology and an eye-catching look.
It's the successor to the previous-generation Q60, which was originally solid in Australia as the G37 coupe.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Priced from $88,900 plus on-road costs, the Red Sport offers little change from $100,000 on the road. As Infiniti's flagship performance car, the coupe is loaded up with plenty of toys.
You get a full suite of driver aids including autonomous emergency braking and active lane keeping assistance, a 13-speaker Bose stereo 360-degree camera and more. The main selling point might surround its styling – the Q60 has classic coupe proportions with elegant lines that combine nicely with its low stance and charcoal-coloured 19-inch wheels.
It looks great to our eyes both inside and out.
What's under the bonnet?
Unlike lesser models that make do with four-cylinder engines, the Red Sport packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with grunt to spare. Offering peak outputs of 298kW and 475Nm, the Q60 is the most powerful car in its class while undercutting European rivals on price.
Able to reach 100km/h in five seconds, the V6 offers effortless momentum once you push through an initial moment of turbo lag.
While there is no shortage of shove, the V6 lacks a little charm – it doesn't match the creamy smoothness of an equivalent BMW or the pyrotechnics of Mercedes-AMG's latest six.
Infiniti's motor plays a synthesised, none-too-convincing exhaust note through cabin speakers in its sports modes. Its seven-speed automatic transmission can also be caught napping, leading to hastily shuffled gears and belated acceleration accompanied by a shimmy from the rear end – it is, after all, rear-wheel-drive.
This is a good motor, but not a great one.
What's it like to drive?
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport deliver a fragmented, incohesive driving experience. Billed as a performance car to rival the likes of Audi's S5, the Q60 is short on driver engagement thanks to a "Direct Adaptive Steering" system that does away with mechanical links between the steering wheel and front tyres. The result is an aloof front-end that offers precious little feedback, making it hard to be confident in the car when pressing on. Pop it in the "Sport +" driving mode and the tail will snap out of line under heavy throttle inputs before being reined in by a jarring stability control system.
We found the car easily upset by bumps, flaring into wheelspin at inopportune moments that can be tricky to correct due to the numb nature of its steering. Even if you don't push its limits, the Infiniti still fails to deliver driving pleasure – its nanny-like driver aids nibble at the steering and throttle regardless of your intention, leaving us less than satisfied by its experience.
What's it like inside?
It's frustrating that a car that turns to digital solutions for its steering and suspension does not offer a digital speedo in today's policing climate. Thankfully, the Q60's cabin is far better than its handling traits, offering sleek design and premium materials that make it a lovely place to be. Our test example featured silver optic fibre trim – think chrome meets carbon fibre – with red semi-aniline leather. The coupe's high-backed seats offer excellent support and the Bose stereo has plenty of grunt, though the operation of its infotainment system is more than a little clunky. Stacked 6-inch and 7-inch central displays look cluttered inside the busy cabin, and getting used to their functions requires more patience than most luxury cars.
Is it safe?
The Q60 has plenty of airbags to protect occupnats and electronic driver aids to rein in its flawed dynamics. Putting our financial caps on, it's hardly a safer bet in the long run as Infiniti's resale values fall short of class leaders.
Would I buy it?
No. The Q60's on-paper appeal and dashing looks are indelibly compromised by its on-road manners. Putting our financial cap on, its sticker price might be appealing at first but Infiniti's resale values fall short of class leaders
It's a car that looks great in the showroom, but isn't as cohesive as any of its European rivals.
What else should I consider?
Lexus' less potent RC350 is arguably this car's natural enemy, though you would do well to consider Audi's S5, BMW's 440i and the Mercedes-AMG C43 as potential options. Nissan fans with a need for speed (and solid cash reserves) could buy a second-hand GT-R with no factory warranty, or consider the upcoming Nismo 370Z as a less luxurious, more driver-focused coupe.
Infiniti Q60 Red Sport pricing and specifications:
Price: From $88,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 298kW at 6400rpm
Torque: 475Nm at 1600-5200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 8.9L/100km