We first saw the bold Infiniti Q60 Concept back in 2015, while the production-ready version was featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 2016. The production car followed the concept incredibly close, mimicking most of the same lines and creases, which is surprising since manufacturers tend to “overdo”, or overhype concepts in an effort to raise excitement levels and popularity about their upcoming model. What usually ends up happening is mild disappointment from consumers, since production cars differ greatly from their concept counterparts. The reason for this is simple – concept cars don’t have to adhere to any laws and regulations while production cars do.
The new 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe is much more efficient than the outgoing model it replaces, not to mention more powerful. The interior resembles the more luxurious German brands and it gets revised drivetrain options. The suspension system has been revised too. In fact, almost every single component of the 2017 Q60 Coupe has been tweaked or adjusted, even if just slightly.
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe borrows its design from the concept, which in turn borrows styling cues heavily from the Q80 Inspiration concept and the amazing Q50 Eau Rouge prototype. The obvious result is a jaw-dropping, bold and beautiful exterior design and without a doubt one of the most stylish coupes currently on the market. The front fascia with a large engine grille and point headlights make an aggressive statement, while a chrome grille surround giving it a high-end, premium appearance. It’s like an extremely fit athlete wearing an expensive suit. You can tell it’s formal and elegant, but it packs serious punch underneath.
The back fascia of the 2017 Q60 retains the concept version’s sinusoid taillights, along with the slightly invasive trunk-lid spoiler. The most notable difference between the production version and the concept can be seen on the lower bumper. Instead of having enormous exhaust, the production car uses much more traditional round pipes. It still looks mean, even with that minor change.
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe is wider and lower than the outgoing model, by a significant amount, giving it a much more planted stance, a bolder presence and more importantly lowering its center of gravity. The 2017 Q60 also gets a brand new wheel design with 20 inch rims.
One big different is the redesigned steering wheel for the 2017 model. The updated steering wheel showcases more pronounced stitching, bolder chrome highlights and an overall cleaner more elegant shape, which in the end brings the interior into a modern design versus the previously blander steering wheel design.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe comes with three different engine choices. The smallest being a 2.0L four cylinder turbocharged engine outputting 208hp. The midrange option is a 3.0L six cylinder producing 300hp, while the Red Sport model tweaks this engine to output 400hp!
It is a bit of a disappointment for the purists that there is no manual transmission option. However, the manual mode of the 7 speed automatic transmission does offer a nice compromise. Add to this the various drive modes (Sport and Sport+ for the performance oriented) and the 2017 Q60 can satisfy a large spectrum of drivers.
Having had the pleasure of testing the Red Sport model with 400hp, I can tell you that there is no shortage of power! At the same time, Infiniti did a great job of harnessing this raw power into a civilized but exhilarating drive. For the sportiest experience I recommend the Sport+ mode which keeps the engine revving high for instant responsiveness.
While our 200km test drive led to a combined city and highway fuel economy of 11.1 L/100km, it was to be expected from a 400hp sports coupe that we drove very passionately!
FINAL THOUGHTS
While the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe used to be a great alternative to the luxury options in the segment such as the C-Class or the 3-Series, it has now become a full on contender! Blending performance, luxury and style into a drive that’s sure to inspire even the most passionate drivers, the 2017 Q60 Coupe offers an exhilarating driving experience and a head turning design.
