60 Infiniti Q2017 Red Sport Review: Weekend Test

Infiniti are a bit like politicians. Not everyone likes them, many people aren't quite sure what they're supposed to mean, and even though you know they exist, you don't see them in the flesh very often.

The early wave Infinitis (well, not so much a "wave" as a dribble) was also the subject of unkind ridicule for their offbeat, Americanized looks, especially the Bullwinkle-like QX SUV. But this Q60, especially in its top Red Sport trim (above GT and Sport Premium specs), looks like a really nice car. But then it has to be, because it competes with some very handsome premium competitors in the Audi S5, BMW 440i, Lexus RC350 and Mercedes-Benz C43.

The Red Sport costs $88,900, which is just $620 more than the RC350 but $18 more than the Sport Premium. It's also significantly cheaper than the $105,800 Audi S5 Coupe and the $99,900 BMWi, a figure that looks even more appealing when you look at Infiniti's list of standard features. Value for money is pretty much Infiniti's selling point because brand value and heritage don't exist, or at least not outside of the US (the market for which Nissan invented its Lexus-like premium brand).

The only exterior styling feature that separates the Red Sport from the Sport Premium is the twin tailpipes with a matte finish. Luckily, the name and aggressive sporty styling is anything but superficial skin, as this Q60 is powered by a new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

When I get home on a Friday night, I wonder if the Q60 drives as well as it looks?

Saturday cruise

It's a handsome, attention-grabbing ("what the hell is that?") car with exceptional appeal, as evidenced by the number of people craning their necks to take a look as I drove by. Similarly, I found myself sneaking a peek at the car at every opportunity.

The front has an angular grille with smaller, sleeker headlights that catch the eye in the rear-view mirrors of cars ahead of you. The 19 x 9.0 inch dark chrome alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 94W run-flat tires are another standout design feature. You definitely won't lose your Infiniti in the crowd.

The front end draws attention.

Interestingly, in the 22-page press release of the car, the word "practical" does not occur exactly once. And should not be in this review.

Keep in mind that I use this car as a family weekend getaway. The design of the Q60 is unabashedly driver-centric, and while it has four seats, I realize the passenger benches are just token offerings.

The front seats are supremely comfortable and provide support in all the right places. The rear seats, with two cup holders in the center armrest, are cozy but not pleasant for someone over 5 feet tall. To provide decent legroom, my driver's seat had to be positioned closer to the steering wheel than usual with my knees high.

Getting kids in and out of the back seat, however, was surprisingly seamless with a fold lever and an electronic seat adjustment button located on top of each front seat for easy access.

Boot space is advertised at 341 liters, and while smaller than its competitors (350 litres) the RC423, it did fit our luggage of small weekend overnight bags, but no more.

We just managed to fit our luggage into the 341 liter trunk.

Back in the cockpit, storage space is limited to a small box under the center armrest and a hidden opening in front of the shifter, as well as a meager sized glove compartment. The two cup holders in the center console provide convenient storage for your mobile phone, sunglasses and keys. Until I wanted to drink anything.

The interior styling makes a decent first impression with tasteful leather-wrapped comfy seats and doors, and a great-looking 13-speaker Bose surround sound system (quite similar to an Audi). The cab does a good job of reducing engine and road noise to an almost inaudible hum.

However, further inspection reveals a couple of questionable design choices. Of particular note is the use of carbon fiber-style plastic silver trim and cheap plastic rings around the speedometer and tachometer. Dual touchscreens, one slightly larger than the other, are another decidedly odd touch for a luxury sports car.

A dedicated satellite navigation touchscreen is located above the media screen below.

The Q60 has been blessed with an extensive list of standard features, including automatic LED headlights and DRLs, a power moonroof, dual touchscreens (8.0-inch and 7.0-inch display), sat-nav, and a surround-view camera. 

There's also touchless unlocking, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable and heated driver and passenger seats, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Sunday sports

On paper, the Q60 Red Sport's 298kW/475Nm power output from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine gives it a significant lead over the 350kW/233Nm V378 RC6 engine and promises some serious fun. Sport Plus has been selected from six driving modes and offers the most appeal in terms of performance and handling. Overtaking in this car is seriously addictive and painfully easy.

The Q60 is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that develops 298 kW/475 Nm of power.

However, despite the sharp acceleration, I felt a bit cheated. For all its engineering cunning, the Red Sport failed to truly excite or elicit that idiotic smirk I was expecting.

I felt that pure driving pleasure had given way to a more luxurious setup, especially the exhaust system. Driving in Sport Plus mode with the window down gave less than satisfactory hearing. The barking and exciting C43 is not.

My Q60 Red Sport came with (optional) direct adaptive steering (DAS) using electronic control technology. The simulated feedback is designed to respond instantly to actions and works best in Sport Plus mode, where increased steering feel and response is more noticeable. However, it lacks the connection and feel of a mechanical setting to outperform the German EPS units and takes some getting used to. 

The Q60 Red Sport has yet to receive an ANCAP crash rating, but the Q50 has received the highest possible five stars. It comes with an outstanding level of advanced safety equipment including AEB, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Assisted Steering. There are two ISOFIX anchorages on the back and two top cable attachment points.

The back seat is comfortable for children, but not for adults.

After driving about 300 km in two days on an open road, city and city, the car's on-board computer showed an average consumption of 11.4 l / 100 km. Slightly higher than Infiniti's claimed 8.9 l/100 km (combined driving). 

This car has a beautifully sculpted profile that screams sporty performance, with a clear desire to be innovative and eye-catching. While acceleration is smooth and endlessly exciting, the overall driving experience does not elicit an exciting response. This is not a German sports car. On the other hand, its less-than-flexible ride makes it hard to call it a luxury coupe, so it's not a Lexus.

If sporty performance doesn't get you to hit harder, the Q60's distinctive and eye-popping good looks can help. At this price point, it matches most high-end two-door coupes, but not all.

Is the S5 right for your family? If it wasn't, would you care? Tell us what you think in the comments below.