2017 Infiniti Q60

After taking a one-year hiatus, Infiniti’s Q60 Coupe returns riding on a new platform and wrapped in jaw-dropping styling.

Spawned from a lineage that started with the iconic G35 Coupe, the latest Q60 brings Infiniti up to speed against rivals like the Lexus RC, BMW 4 Series, as well as the also-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

The Q60 rides on a platform shared with the Infiniti Q50, but features completely unique sheet metal with muscular yet graceful curves. The body features several styling flourishes to help the coupe stand out including a pinched line just above the oversized grille, front fender vents, and curve-hugging hips. 19 and 20-inch wheels are fitted, depending on trim level. Despite its beauty, the Q60 is one of Infiniti’s most aerodynamic models with a drag rating of 0.28.

Inside, the Q60 shares much of its cabin with the Q50 including the deeply scalloped dashboard design, and dual touch-screen display setup. The graceful waterfall console is trimmed in metal, while the dash and door trims include double stitched accents. Well-bolstered sport seats are standard.

Three different engines are available to Q60 customers. The base Q60 comes powered by a 208-hp, 258 lb-ft of torque 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor that was developed by Mercedes-Benz. It’s the same unit found in a bunch of products including the CLA 250, and is the result of a number of brand synergies between parent company Nissan and Benz.

Move up a trim level to Q60 Sport and the car benefits from Infiniti power – a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that develops 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The range-topper is the Red Sport trim, which uses the same engine as the Q60 Sport with more punch: 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Red Sport is Infiniti’s most powerful coupe to date, and should fare well against the likes of the Benz C450 AMG and BMW 440i which produce 362 hp and 320 hp, respectively.

Regardless of which engine is selected, the Q60 comes equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Said all-wheel drive system has a default torque split that sends 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels, but can shift up to 50 percent to the front two wheels when needed.

Other noteworthy points include a uniquely tuned version of Infiniti’s steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system for V6 versions. Six driver-selectable modes are offered. Also on offer is an adaptive damping system which can be set to one of three levels of firmness.

As with the Q50, the Q60 can be had with plenty of active safety technology including radar cruise control that can “see” in front of vehicles, lane-keeping assist, and more.