Infiniti Q60 2.0T GT 2017 review
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 5/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 6/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- Verdict
- Would you buy a Q60 GT or pay a few thousand more for a Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Nissan's luxury sub-brand, Infiniti, may one day grow to be as popular as Toyota's Lexus, but it will take more than time and brand awareness - it will have to create outstanding cars that will also impress us.
When I drove the top-of-the-line Q60 Red Sport at its launch a few months ago, I called it Infiniti's breakthrough car. Now we're testing the lineup's entry point, the GT, which likes to pretend it's keeping the BMW 420i and Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe up at night, but is actually competing with the Lexus RC 200t.
So, is the Q60 GT a standout or should you ignore it and go straight to Red Sport with its more powerful engine and Sport+ driving mode if you want to impress? And what's it like to live when you've taken off your racing face and have to pick up your little one from kindergarten and then do a bunch of shopping on your way home?
We learned this pretty quickly after living with the Q60 GT for a week.
| Infiniti Q60 2017: 2.0 GT | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 7.7l / 100km |
| Landing | 4 Places |
| Price from | $32,800 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
Q60 GT literally attracts attention. Whenever I drove slow enough to notice, people stared hungrily at the long, low-slung coupe. I'm sure most of them had no idea what brand of car it was, but in Iridium Blue, the Q60 looked stunning with its curvy, sleek profile.
There is only one small problem - the RC 200t and Q60 GT are too similar to each other, right down to the “signature” shaped C-pillars. I prefer the Lexus grille, but the rear of the Q60. While there may be a bit of imitation, both are prettier than their BMW or Benz rivals.
Sure, the cockpit is bold and expressive, but the two-tiered screens are confusing. (Image credit: Richard Berry)
The Q60 GT feels pretty big to drive, and the dimensions don't lie - 4690mm end to end, 2052mm across with the rearview mirrors deployed, but 1395mm.
The interior treatment is just as emotional as the exterior, with dual screens, a curved instrument panel and separate driver and passenger compartments.
The interior treatment is as emotional as the exterior. (Image credit: Richard Berry)
How practical is the interior space? 5/10
The short answer is not very practical, but a two-door sports car really isn't. So while the two front seats are spacious (although the optional sunroof limits headroom), the same cannot be said for the rear seats - at 191cm, not only can I not sit upright (due to the sloping roofline), I can't fit my feet behind my driving position.
While those big doors open the roofline wide and the lack of rear doors means trying to put a toddler in his car seat was painful and required kneeling in the street, there were days when we took our much less fancy SUV just because it was easier.
It's not very practical - but in reality, a two-door sports car isn't. (Image credit: Richard Berry)
This is a four-seat car with two cup holders between the rear seats and two more cup holders in the front. Storage space elsewhere is limited, with tiny pockets in the front doors and a small drawer on the center console to hide your phone and wallet.
The trunk is also small at 341 liters - don't compare that to the RC 423t's 200 liters of cargo volume, which is measured in VDA liters. However, there was more than enough space for our weekly store, which fit in snugly, although you do need to lift your bags up high to clear that trunk lip.
There was more than enough space for our weekly shop. (Image credit: Richard Berry)
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
The list price of the Q60 GT is $62,900, which is $200 less than the Lexus RC 2000t, but you might be surprised to learn that the Benz C200 coupe only costs $3500 more than the Infiniti, while the Luxury BMW 420i costs $69,900. Depending on how you look at it, either the Germans are available or the Japanese are expensive. Perhaps a little of both.
It's not bad value for money, but it would be nice to see other features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What's for sure is that the Q60 GT's list of standard features is quite substantial. There are 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch "double-deck" screens, sat-nav, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a six-speaker stereo system, LED head and fog lights, proximity unlock, heated and power front seats, and leather. upholstery.
It's not bad value for money, but it would be nice to see other features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added along with adaptive cruise control.
The Q60 Sport Premium is next class up from the GT and costs $70,900, while the Red Sport is $88,900.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
The Q60 GT is powered by a 155-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 350 kW/2.0 Nm, driven to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The same engine is used in the Q60 Sport Premium, while the Red Sport is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6.
The Q60 GT is powered by a 155-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 350 kW/2.0 Nm. (Image credit: Richard Berry)
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
The official combined fuel consumption figure of 7.7 l/100 km is pretty optimistic, and our combination of city, city and highway trips showed that the onboard computer told us 9.1 l/100 km. However, it's not too bad considering how much time we spent in city traffic.
What is it like to drive? 6/10
I had a hunch this was coming - the GT was frustrating to drive after the Red Sport with its twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, improved steering and excellent Sport+ drive mode. However, there's a lot to like about the GT - great grip thanks to the wide Dunlop SP tires (235 40 R19 front and 255 40 R19 rear), the chassis feels learned, acceleration is good and it's a great looking car.
But there is a sense of detachment from driving that I couldn't get rid of, like a numb steering wheel that required constant readjustment. I also think the suspension felt too springy and lacked composure over small bumps in the road.
The GT and all Q60s don't have the same level of sophistication as the C200 Coupe or 420i, as evidenced by the clunky door handles and road noise creeping into the cabin.
This 2.0-liter engine is great, but the transmission kills the mood as it wants to shift gears quickly to save fuel.
I'm not a cockpit fan. Sure, it's a bold and expressive design, but the double-decker screens are confusing, one for navigation and one for media... I guess. Also, there are things you don't need, like a digital compass - there are actually two, one in the display and one in the instrument cluster, but no digital speedometer.
That 2.0-litre engine is great, but the transmission kills the mood as it wants to shift quickly to save fuel, even in Sport mode.
Here's an urgent call for you - I just got off the Alfa Giulia Super. It's close to the price of an Infiniti, the same size engine but much more useful and fun to drive, plus you get two extra doors.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
4 years / 100,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
The Q60 hasn't received an ANCAP rating yet, though it's good to see AEB with pedestrian detection is standard, even on the base GT trim. However, it would be nice to see blind spot warning and lane keeping assist come as standard (as you'll find on the Benz C200 Coupe). That's not a lot considering they come standard on the higher grade Nissan X-Trails.
There are two ISOFIX anchorages on the back and two top cable attachment points.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
The Q60 GT is covered by Infiniti's four-year or 100,000 km warranty.
Service is recommended every 12 months/25,000 km. The cost of service is capped at $538 for the first, then $643, and then $849 for the third.
Verdict
Beautiful looks, good handling, but the driving experience of the Q60 GT leaves you numb and out of touch with what's going on underneath you. Finesse isn't on the same level as its BMW and Benz rivals, but the GT fits the RC 200t perfectly while still being good value for money. If you're in the mood for an Infiniti Q60, I'd jump straight to the start and pick the Red Sport.
Would you buy a Q60 GT or pay a few thousand more for a Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
