2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0t Review

The Malaysian sports coupe market has long been dominated by German brands, with most models priced on the higher side, leaving budget-conscious consumers who pursue sporty vibes out of reach. The 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0t enters the luxury sports coupe segment at a price of less than RM300,000. It not only continues the brand's family design language but also features a 2.0T turbo engine and rich configurations. This test drive will focus on its exterior distinctiveness, daily practicality, and whether its sporty performance aligns with its "coupe" positioning, providing realistic references for potential buyers.

At first glance, the most eye-catching feature of the Q60 2.0t is Infiniti's iconic "double arch" front grille, complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving the front a highly aggressive appearance. The side of the body adopts a sleek, fastback silhouette, with a line seamlessly extending from the A-pillar to the rear, while the 19-inch alloy wheels further enhance its sporty posture. The rear design is relatively simplistic, with LED taillights connected by a chrome trim and a dual exhaust layout hinting at its performance orientation. The lighting system comes standard with LED light sources across the board. The inclusion of automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhances everyday usability, making its recognisability one of the best in its class.

Opening the door reveals a predominantly dark-colored interior, accentuated with silver trims. The materials extensively use soft leather, providing a delicate touch. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly. The 8-inch touch screen, though not particularly large, is responsive and supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions. The driver's seat is equipped with a 10-way power adjustment with memory functionality, offering an adjustment range suitable for drivers of different body types. The rear seats support folding backrests; although the space feels slightly cramped for adults, it is adequate for short trips. In terms of configurations, features such as keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Bose 13-speaker audio system come as standard. The addition of a 220V power outlet also caters to the charging needs of rear passengers, achieving a good balance between luxury and practicality.

In terms of power, the Q60 2.0t is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 214PS and a peak torque of 350N·m, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The power response during takeoff is not particularly aggressive, but when the accelerator is pressed harder, the turbo kicks in notably, providing strong mid-range acceleration and confidence during overtakes. The transmission has a clear shift logic, and its shift speed increases in sport mode, offering a more direct driving experience. The steering feel is on the heavier side and very precise, keeping the vehicle stable during cornering. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned towards sportiness; while it doesn't entirely filter out road bumps, it delivers a clear sense of road feedback, suitable for driving enthusiasts. The officially stated combined fuel consumption is 6.8L/100km, with real-world urban driving consuming about 8.5L and highway consumption dropping to below 6L, making its fuel efficiency fairly average.

During everyday driving, the Q60 2.0t's NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control is commendable. Wind and tire noise are well suppressed during high-speed travel, and the Bose audio system adds to the noise-canceling effect impressively. The seats offer strong support, making long drives less tiring. The engine's start-stop technology is well-calibrated and avoids frequent restarts that may cause awkward moments. Notably, it has a minimum ground clearance of 125mm, which is standard for coupe models, allowing it to handle urban speed bumps without difficulty or requiring extra caution.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0t lies in its "value for money" – for a price of less than RM 300,000, you can get a luxury brand coupe that comes standard with features such as Bose sound system, LED headlights, and power memory seats, which is almost impossible to achieve with German competitors. Compared to similarly priced BMW 4 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupés, the Q60 offers richer configurations while being approximately RM 50,000 to 80,000 cheaper. However, its rear space is indeed a downside, making it more suitable for personal use or small families.

If you are a young consumer pursuing sporty looks and driving enjoyment, while not wanting to compromise too much on daily practicality, the Q60 2.0t would be a good choice. However, if you often need to carry your family, it might not be the optimal solution. All in all, this is a "well-balanced" luxury sports coupe. Within a limited budget, it offers the brand, design, and features you desire, making it a dark horse in the Malaysian market that cannot be overlooked.