Used 2019 INFINITI Q60

As Infiniti’s only coupe, the 2019 Q60 has the unenviable task of being many things to many people. Up against cars like the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, it must be a potent performer with agile moves and powerful engine. Against the Lexus RC, it must also be technologically advanced, and when placed next to the Jaguar F-Type, both luxurious and stylistically stunning. Given its age, the Q60 achieves all of these goals to some degree, although some interior bits and pieces have fallen behind the competition. Still, with a set of 300- and 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines, the option of all-wheel drive and a sleek, contemporary exterior, the 2019 Q60 coupe can still scratch that personal luxury-car itch.

Despite being larger and a bit heavier than some competitors, the 2019 Infiniti Q60 is nevertheless an agile and exciting performer. At 300 horsepower, the base engine in the 3.0t models has plenty of guts and turns in respectable passing and acceleration times. But it’s the 400-horsepower version in the Red Sport 400 that really brings the Q60 to life, with a zero-to-60-mph run in under five seconds and a sweet-sounding exhaust note that will have you anxious to find a flat stretch of road at every opportunity. The 7-speed automatic works pretty well here, although even with its paddle shifters and rev-matching technology, just isn’t as satisfying as a traditional manual transmission (we’re looking at you, 370Z). The Red Sport 400 is a bit stiff as a daily driver, so if that’s a concern we think the Luxe may be a better choice. The ride isn’t as soft or compliant as in an Audi A5, but it’s not harsh in any way. The Q60’s cabin can be snug, and its rear seat practically useless, but at least it’s quiet and well equipped. We just think at this price point leather shouldn’t be optional, nor should the advanced driver-assist systems be available only on the most expensive trim.

Attractive, comfortable and finely crafted, the interior of the 2019 Infiniti Q60 is a pleasing mix of technology, design and strong ergonomics. Control placement is excellent, and the two touch screens that control the navigation and infotainment systems are well placed; unfortunately, they feel small compared to others in the class. Also, the mapping interface and graphics are a bit outdated. Seat comfort is among the best in the segment, however, and sightlines are surprisingly good for such an aggressively styled coupe. Though rear headroom is not suitable for adults, legroom out back is a bit more acceptable providing the driver isn’t too tall. The trunk can swallow a pair of small carry-ons.

On the road, the Q60 looks long, low and wide with a hunkered-down stance over its sizable wheels and tires. Only a handful of production models can wear a concept-car exterior and get away with it, and the 2019 Infiniti Q60 is one of them. Bucking the “good from afar, but far from good” designs of late, a closer look reveals intricate touches and careful attention to detail ranging from drilled exhaust tips, to a 3D grille badge, to a unique aero bulge that begins in the grille and extends to the hood. Overall, it’s more interesting than the Mercedes C-Class Coupe, more voluptuous than the BMW 4 Series and Audi A4, and less cartoonish than the Lexus RC.

Activated by the key fob in the driver’s pocket, part of the InTouch system’s chore list includes remembering every single setting associated with the fob’s owner. That includes seating and steering-wheel position, mirrors plus climate control, stereo, navigation and suspension settings.

FORWARD EMERGENCY BRAKING
While not standard on the base Pure trim, the Luxe and Red Sport do offer this advanced safety feature. Forward emergency braking can alert the driver to objects, vehicles or pedestrians in the car’s path, and should the driver fail to take action, the system can actually bring the car to a complete stop all on its own.

Impressively well-equipped in base form, the 2019 Infiniti Q60 comes with key standards like 19-inch wheels, keyless access with push-button start, a dizzying array of drive settings, LED headlights and taillights, an 8-way-power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker sound system tied to a dual-screen infotainment center. Sadly, onboard Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available on any trim level. Also, standard are a folding rear seat, faux-leather seat covering, dual-zone climate controls, brushed-aluminum interior trim, and two USB ports. A tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel is also standard.

With no physical connection between the wheel in your hand and the wheels on the road, arguably the biggest story here is the Q60’s optional steer-by-wire system. An engineering marvel it may be, but in a sports-car context, Adaptive Direct Steering (as it’s known) leaves a lot to be desired in terms of feedback and predictability. As a result, we recommend pocketing that extra $1,000 and sticking to the conventional steering unit. Options we do recommend include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, semi-aniline leather, navigation and a low-resolution 360-degree camera system. If active safety is on your mind, there are lane-keeping assist, blind-spot intervention, adaptive cruise control, and predictive-forward collision.

The 2019 Infiniti Q60 offers two engine choices, both twin-turbocharged V6 units displacing 3.0 liters. In the 3.0t Pure and Luxe trims, this engine produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In the Red Sport 400, those figures jump to 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All Q60 models are paired with a 7-speed automatic with manual shift mode and rev-matching technology, and all are powered by their rear wheels, although all-wheel drive is optional across the line.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Pure, Luxe)
300 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg (RWD), 19/27 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Red Sport 400)
400 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)