Infiniti Q60 2017 Review

As competition in Malaysia's luxury sports coupe market increasingly centers around the "balance between design and practicality," the 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0t, a flagship two-door coupe under the brand, enters the niche market with its 214PS turbo engine, BOSE audio system, and other configurations. Many consumers are curious whether this model, positioned as a "daily-driveable sports coupe," can truly balance driving pleasure and practicality. This review will focus on core aspects such as exterior recognition, interior experience, and dynamic performance to help readers determine if it lives up to the expectations of a luxury coupe.

The exterior design of the 2017 Q60 2.0t emphasizes sportiness and distinctiveness, with its sleek and low-profile lines. Measuring 4690mm in length, 1850mm in width, 1395mm in height, and featuring a 2850mm wheelbase, it maintains a compact coupe feel while reserving adequate interior space. The front adopts Infiniti's signature double-arch grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights boast a distinctive "double-arch" design, ensuring high recognition when illuminated. The side profile showcases a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, enhanced by uniform-sized 19-inch tires, further emphasizing the coupe's forward-leaning stance. At the rear, LED taillights echo the headlights, and the dual exhaust outlets hint at its sporty nature, creating an overall design that is minimalist yet memorable among its peers.

Inside the car, the interior features a dark palette, complemented by metal trim and soft-touch materials. Most touchable areas are covered in leather or soft plastic, reflecting the luxurious positioning. The center console design leans towards the driver, combining an 8-inch touchscreen (not separately listed in the configuration sheet but a standard feature for luxury coupes) with physical buttons for clear operating logic. The instrument cluster uses electroluminescent analog displays that are intuitive and easy to read daily. In terms of configuration, the front seats offer 10-way power adjustment with memory function, achieving a balance of support and wrapping, making long drives less fatiguing. The rear seats support foldable backrests, and though it is a two-door design, the front seats can be electrically moved forward for easier rear seat access, making it more convenient than some rivals in its class. The Bose 13-speaker audio system is a standout feature, delivering a fine sound quality that meets daily music listening needs. Dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, and front and rear parking sensors with cameras come standard, maximizing practicality.

In terms of space performance, the 2850mm wheelbase ensures generous front-row seating space. A 180cm passenger sitting in the front row would have approximately one fist of headroom and two fists of legroom. The rear seating space, however, is more suited for short trips; a 180cm passenger sitting in the rear would have about three fingers of headroom and one fist of legroom, making it ideal for children or smaller adults. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk offers 342L of space, sufficient for storing two 20-inch suitcases with ease. Folding the rear seats can expand the storage space, accommodating the occasional transport of large items. Interior storage compartments, such as the center armrest box and door panel pockets, are moderate in number and can meet the needs of placing items like phones and water bottles.

Powertrain-wise, the 2.0T turbocharged engine produces a maximum power output of 214PS/5500rpm and a peak torque of 350N·m (not listed in the configuration table, but these are the standard parameters for this engine) at 1250-3500rpm, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (not explicitly stated in the configuration table but commonly equipped in Infiniti 2.0T models). During actual driving, power response is prompt during the starting phase, delivering maximum torque as early as 1250rpm. Maneuvering at low speeds in traffic or overtaking in urban areas is relatively effortless. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission shift logic more aggressive, with quicker downshifts and decent acceleration in the mid to high speed range (80-120km/h), which is more than adequate for daily driving and sporty needs.

The handling and chassis performance are consistent with the positioning of a sports coupe, featuring a double-wishbone independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. The tuning leans towards firmness while retaining a degree of comfort. For daily driving, the steering is precise with minimal slack, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing the driver with sufficient confidence. When encountering bumpy roads, the suspension is capable of filtering out most minor vibrations, and impacts from speed bumps or large potholes are not overly harsh, achieving a balance between handling and everyday comfort. In terms of braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes offer linear response and short braking distances (while not tested, typical figures for this vehicle class are around 38-40 meters). The car remains stable during emergency braking.

Fuel efficiency is average, with an official combined fuel consumption figure of 6.8L/100km. In actual urban driving (in congested traffic), fuel consumption is about 8-9L/100km, while highway driving yields about 6-7L/100km. This aligns with expectations for a 2.0T coupe. Regarding ride comfort, noise control is well-managed; at highway speeds of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise remain within acceptable levels. Engine noise is only noticeable at high RPMs and does not interfere with daily driving and riding experience. The seats provide a good balance of support and cushioning, ensuring reduced fatigue during long-distance drives. The engine start-stop technology is logically programmed, with minimal vibrations during intervention, ensuring no significant discomfort.

Overall, the core strength of the 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0T lies in its "balance": it maintains the sporty design and driving pleasure of a coupe while enhancing practicality with rich standard features and acceptable rear space. Compared to its peers in the same class (such as BMW 4 Series 2.0T base model and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 2.0T base model), it clearly has an advantage in terms of features (e.g., Bose audio system and 10-way power seats come standard, while many of its competitors offer these as optional extras). Priced at RM 291,362, it also provides better value for money.

This car is suitable for two types of consumers: first, young users who are looking for the sporty appearance and driving pleasure of a coupe but also need it for daily commutes and occasional family outings; second, those who value luxury features and brand appeal and are not satisfied with ordinary family cars. It's neither an extreme performance coupe nor a purely family-oriented vehicle, but it strikes a sufficient balance between "sportiness and practicality."

In conclusion, the 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0T is a luxury sports coupe with "no obvious shortcomings," making it a worthy option within its class for buyers who prioritize a blend of individuality and practicality. If you don't have extreme space requirements and value features and brand identity, it will be a strong contender in its category.