Introduction

The 2019 Infiniti Q60 is a lovely luxury sport coupe that makes a delectable alternative to more staid competitive models. Powered by a twin-turbo V-6 that's distantly related to Nissan's ferocious GT-R performance coupe, the Q60 promises a flurry of power, particularly suitable for long cruises.

For the 2019 model year, Infiniti has dropped the previous turbo-4 engine in favor of the twin-turbo V-6, which comes in a choice of two potent tuning levels. The former 3.0t Sport edition also is gone.

More features have been made standard, while fewer option packages are offered, helping to simplify the lineup. Luxe trim level gains Bose 13-speaker audio and an auto-dimming inside mirror with a compass. The previous Sensory package has been renamed “Essential,” and some of its content is now standard on the Red Sport 400. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward-collision warnings are newly standard on Luxe and Red Sport models.

Pure, Luxe, and Red Sport 400 trim levels are available for 2019. The stronger engine is reserved for Red Sport models. 

Depending on trim level, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 generates either 300 or 400 horsepower. The latter version is installed in Red Sport coupes. The capable 7-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a manual-shift mode.

Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available for $2,000 additional, at every trim level. Red Sport 400 models include a Dynamic Digital Suspension, with normal and sport modes.

Infiniti's Q60 coupe has not yet been crash-tested by either federal government or independent testing agencies. Because of its comparatively high price and modest sales, crash-testing may not take place for some time.

Unlike other luxury automakers, Infiniti does not include automatic emergency braking with all Q60 coupes, but the system is standard on Luxe and higher trim levels. Additional active-active safety features are grouped into costly option packages. Available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, a surround-view camera system, rear collision warnings, adaptive headlights, and lane-departure warning.. 

Lineup

Prices do not include $995 destination charge.

3.0t Pure ($40,850 with rear-drive, $42,850 with all-wheel drive), the base model, is equipped with the twin-turbo 300-horsepower engine, 19-inch wheels, eight-way power seats, synthetic leather upholstery, keyless start, dual touchscreens for infotainment (7.0- and 8.0-inch), two USB charge ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED headlights.

3.0t Luxe ($45,000 with RWD, $47,000 with AWD) adds automatic emergency braking, a moonroof, and upgraded leather. New features for 2019 also include Bose 13-speaker audio and an auto-dimming inside mirror with compass.

Such conveniences as heated seats come in an option package that costs $3,200.

Red Sport 400 ($55,000 with RWD, $57,000 with AWD) upgrades to the 400-horsepower V-6 engine, adding 20-inch wheels, softer leather, carbon fiber trim accents, heated front seats, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, Bose premium audio, navigation, and uprated brakes.

Safety features, including adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control are included in a ProActive option package that costs $2,850.. 

Walkaround

Rather than fitting neatly into its category, Infiniti's Q60 stands apart in appearance. An elegant coupe profile melds with chromed accents to highlight the coupe's proportions. A prominent hood helps enhance its appeal.

An open glass layout creates an airier cabin, while intensifying the coupe's visual charm outside. Graceful body lines, largely devoid of right angles, permit it to virtually command attention. A chromed kink around each window emphasizes the coupe's separation from competitors. At the rear, a short decklid spoiler hangs over the Infiniti badge.. 

Interior

Almost as elegant as the Q60's body is its carefully-appointed cabin. Despite a wealth of touchscreens and electronic controls, the dashboard does not seem cluttered.

Just about every surface that's likely to be touched is covered with high-quality material. Only in a few areas that are seldom seen or touched is there any evidence of clutter or budget-grade surfaces. Otherwise, the Q60 is finished as well as, or better than, many luxury-level rivals.

Lighter interior colors can give the cabin an airier feel, as well as dressier look. Those hues help make the already-spacious cabin seem even larger.

Front-seat occupants can anticipate exceptional comfort, as well as attractive seating materials. Those seats are not only sufficiently supportive, but accommodating for nearly any body type. Slimmer folks might feel a bit pinched by the seats' lateral bolstering.

For shorter jaunts, at least, the back seat can seat two adult occupants, but larger folks might balk at longer journeys. Rear seats aren't as cramped as those in many sport coupes.

Infiniti's dual-touchscreen infotainment system is on the finicky side. Though the hardware involved is impressive, the operational software disappoints. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are not available, and the system is cluttered with menus. Functions sometimes overlap, too.

Trunk space is minimal, at 8.7 cubic feet, but in-cabin storage possibilities are good.. 

Driving Impression

Not only is the Q60 impressively quick, it behaves admirably as a highway cruiser. Power output from this remarkable V-6, even in regular 300-horsepower form, backstops the coupe's overall appeal.

In Red Sport models, the V-6 gets busier, force-feeding more air into each cylinder in its bid to extract 400 horsepower. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about six seconds with the base engine, or about a second swifter with the 400-hp Red Sport.

Although the 7-speed automatic transmission can be clumsy at lower speeds, it bursts into life at highway velocities. Paddle shifters are included in Red Sport coupes.

Red Sport models also benefit from an adaptive suspension system, ready to boost ride quality. Each Q60 handles well, at least to a point. Infiniti's coupe serves best in relatively straight-line motoring, rather than on challenging back roads. 

Direct Adaptive Steering (a 'steer by wire'? setup) is available, accompanied by such safety features as active lane control and adaptive cruise control. Only when using the stiffest (Sport+) setting does steering weight feel natural and accurate.

Measured against high-performance coupes, the Q60 is relatively fuel-efficient. Fuel economy of the high-power Red Sport 400 with rear-drive is EPA-rated at 20/27 mpg City/Highway, 22 Combined. All-wheel drive lowers the estimate by 1 mpg, to 19/26/21 mpg.

The 300-hp version isn't much different, EPA-rated at 19/28 mpg City/Highway 22 Combined with rear-drive. All-wheel drive is estimated at 19/27/22 mpg. Premium gasoline is recommended for both engines.. 

Summary

The 2019 Infiniti Q60 has luscious styling and energetic performance. The Luxe version, which includes automatic emergency braking and offers many options, promises the greatest value.

 

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report..