Over the past decade, the European new car market has changed in an interesting, somewhat snobbish way. People have largely replaced practical but unattractive MPVs with more expensive and often less practical crossovers. A similar shift has taken place in the D-segment, where sensible cars like the Ford Mondeo have gradually given way to more image-driven, tighter and pricier “compact executive” models such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
I know, I’m starting from afar, but the point is simple – Europeans increasingly want to feel special, important and different. And what easier way to achieve that (at a relatively reasonable price) than a two-door coupe version of a premium D-segment model? Coupes have always symbolised prestige, individuality, style and independence.
In a territory largely dominated by the Germans – BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – Infiniti entered rather unexpectedly about a year ago with the Infiniti Q60. In essence, it is the coupe version of the Infiniti Q50, but unlike its German rivals, it features a completely different design compared to its four-door sibling, which only adds to its exclusivity.
Design
I’ll keep this short and clear – this is the best-looking car in its class right now. That’s it. If you disagree, book an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
In most of its models, Infiniti leans towards a rather expressive design language, which some might consider a step away from good taste. With the Q60, however, there is a remarkable sense of harmony. The proportions, the curves, the detailing – everything feels right and well judged. The end result is a design that perfectly blends elegance with aggression.
Personally, I really like the front end. It carries the familiar Infiniti design DNA, but here it feels more refined and cleaner. Combined with the low-positioned grille and aggressive bumper, the overall look immediately reminded me of something more exotic – almost Maserati-like.
The side profile follows classic coupe proportions, with a distinctive window line, wide chrome trim and slim C-pillars. Altogether, it creates the impression that you’re looking at a concept car rather than something you can actually buy.
At the rear, things are more restrained and elegant, with pronounced wheel arches and a slightly unconventional layout. The only design element that genuinely annoys me is the fake vents in the rear bumper. What’s the point?
Interior
Step inside the Q60 and you enter a completely different world. While the exterior is modern and striking, the cabin feels like a step back in time – especially if you ignore the presence of the two displays on the centre console. The overall design is classic, if not slightly dated. This impression comes from the layout, the shapes and certain details, most notably the instrument cluster.
On the positive side, build quality is solid and materials are of a high standard. Yes, there is some harder plastic here and there, but mostly in areas you neither see nor touch. Some buttons also feel a bit retro, but they are still a step above what we usually see in many Japanese cars.
Interestingly, I actually like the atmosphere. It feels cosy and reminds me of the golden era of Japanese coupes from the 1990s.
The seats are excellent – both comfortable and supportive. The driving position is relatively low, which suits the car’s character, yet visibility in all directions is surprisingly good (those slim C-pillars help). The rear seats offer decent legroom, but headroom is clearly not a priority. At 178 cm, I lightly touch the rear glass. I could probably survive a 30-minute trip like that, but on Bulgarian roads, it might end with either a cracked window or a cracked skull.
As for the infotainment system and the dual-screen setup, the idea is innovative, but the execution falls short. The screens have different resolutions, which is slightly annoying, the graphics feel outdated and the lower screen’s controls are unnecessarily complicated. The same goes for the onboard computer – it’s slower to operate than it should be.
Let’s end on a positive note – I absolutely loved the decorative trim in the test car. It featured fibre-optic elements that look fantastic in person, even if they don’t photograph particularly well.
On the Road
This is where the Q60 truly shines. The engine is outstanding, delivering power smoothly, accompanied by a distinctive V6 soundtrack and a strong sense of effortless performance.
The Q60 is offered with just two engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 211 hp and the star of the show, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 405 hp. Official figures claim 0–100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited), with combined fuel consumption rated at 9.4 l/100 km.
On a cold winter day, I picked up the blue coupe from Infiniti’s Sofia showroom – a place staffed by genuinely friendly people, just as advertised. I set off on a familiarisation drive through the city, immediately activating the suite of active safety systems via a convenient steering wheel button. A clever solution, as it allows you to quickly adjust your preferences depending on how you intend to drive. In the city, I prefer having them on, especially the smooth automatic braking system.
Another interesting feature is the so-called Eco Pedal. In eco mode, the accelerator becomes progressively harder to press beyond a certain point. It sounds odd, but it actually helps you modulate the throttle more precisely and drive smoothly – which is no small challenge with 405 horsepower under your right foot.
Even in the city, the adaptive suspension impressed me with its comfort. The car is quiet, well insulated and refined at low speeds. The engine is the main source of noise, but being a V6, that’s hardly a complaint.
The real fun began once I left Sofia and headed towards Sapareva Banya via Zheleznitsa. Before reaching it, I made a detour onto a snowy, deserted road leading to a rather mysterious military site. But let’s stay on topic.
Switching to Sport+ mode sharpens the throttle, relaxes stability control, adjusts the exhaust note, stiffens the dampers and… introduces a certain level of fear in your passenger. With moderate throttle input, I started attacking the snow-covered corners. The acceleration is addictive, and while the gearbox isn’t the fastest by modern standards, it never feels lacking. Seven gears are perfectly sufficient when you have this much torque.
The all-wheel-drive system plays a key role here, sending between 50% and 100% of power to the rear wheels. The result is a car that feels planted yet playful, with controllable and predictable oversteer.
Now, let’s talk about the steering – Direct Adaptive Steering. Many reviewers dislike it, calling it unnatural. I, however, have liked it ever since I first drove the Infiniti Q50S. It is incredibly quick and precise, and to me, it doesn’t feel disconnected. Technically, it is – it’s a steer-by-wire system with no physical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Everything is controlled electronically. Fascinating engineering.
One of the highlights of my route was an abandoned airstrip near Sapareva Banya, which allowed me to properly test acceleration.
0–200 km/h in under 15 seconds? No problem. In fact, the Q60S outperformed its official 0–100 km/h time, recording 4.6 seconds. That’s what I call a proper driver’s car.
Conclusion
I was genuinely impressed by the Infiniti Q60S because it delivers exactly what a slightly irrational D-segment coupe should – individuality, striking design, engaging driving dynamics, a quality interior and plenty of horsepower.
It is also extremely exclusive – perhaps more than Nissan would like. In 2017, fewer than 50 units per month were sold across Europe. Why? In my opinion, it comes down to limited brand awareness, a narrow engine lineup and a lack of extensive customisation options. The competition is strong and offers far more flexibility.
For example, a base Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe starts at around €32,000, while the Q60 starts at roughly €43,000. Yes, you get more power and better equipment, but less freedom in configuring your car.
Still, the Q60 is worth considering because it follows the right formula for a car of this type and looks absolutely stunning. The downsides are manageable – a slow infotainment system, slightly high fuel consumption and perhaps the biggest concern, depreciation and resale value.
This is a car for people who want to stand out, who enjoy being noticed and who will turn around for one last look every time they walk away from it.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
