Years ago, Infiniti gained popularity in Bulgaria with its SUV models, most notably the FX35, which at the time looked incredibly dynamic and striking. So much so that even 17 years later, its successor, the QX70, still relies on the same lines and proportions—and continues to look актуално.
Today, however, we’re not talking about the sporty member of Infiniti’s SUV family, which is about to be replaced anyway. Instead, the focus is on the largest and most practical model in the range—the seven-seat QX60. A model that only recently arrived on our market and, considering those who’ve been waiting for it have already waited long enough, let’s skip the long intro and move on.
Design
The design of the QX60 is instantly recognisable as Infiniti, with the brand’s signature elements—large front grille, the distinctive kink in the window line at the D-pillar (particularly pronounced here), and generously sized headlights and taillights.
The front reminds me of the Q50, but on steroids… or perhaps burgers, because it’s clearly much larger and noticeably more rounded. And that word—rounded—defines the QX60’s overall design. Compared to other models in the lineup, it lacks sharpness, and this is precisely what reveals its age.
Because although it’s new to the Bulgarian market, the QX60 itself debuted in the US around seven years ago, and even the 2016 facelift doesn’t fully hide that fact.
Still, I find the overall design successful and reasonably up to date. The only part I genuinely don’t like is the rear. It lacks a strong brand identity and character. The taillights also seem positioned too low, creating the illusion that the rear sits lower than it should.
Ultimately, the QX60 impresses more with its sheer size and road presence than with its design, which fades in comparison to newer Infiniti models.
Interior
Open the door, and you step into a world of classic, slightly old-school luxury—polished wood, relatively small screens by modern standards, a BOSE sound system, leather, and lots of buttons.
There’s no sign of the newer dual-screen infotainment system found in the Q50 and Q60. The system here looks dated, but it’s easy to use and can be controlled both via the touchscreen and a rotary controller on the centre console—which, as you know, I consider a definite plus.
There’s also no digital instrument cluster—neither standard nor optional. Personally, I don’t insist on one, but even traditional dials should be more refined in design. Other questionable elements include the round air vents, which feel out of place and somewhat cheap, and the steering wheel, which is unnecessarily large.
The Japanese character of the car is also evident in the panel to the left of the steering wheel, filled with simple, square buttons that seem randomly placed. One of them controls the heated steering wheel—which should obviously be on the wheel itself.
What I do like are the seats, with their contrasting piping, and the centre console with its flowing lines and wood trim, which reminds me of finely crafted furniture—classic, heavy luxury. Beyond design, the interior offers generous space and practicality. The front door pockets can hold 1.5-litre bottles, and there are plenty of storage areas throughout.
In the rear, the seats are slightly lower than ideal, and there’s limited space to slide your feet under the front seats. Still, overall space is good, the backrests are adjustable, and the relatively low window line improves outward visibility.
Access to the third row is easy, thanks to a clever folding mechanism, and the third row itself is quite usable by segment standards.
Build quality is solid overall, but there’s more hard plastic than I would like—or expect at this price point.
The atmosphere is pleasant and уютна, but those looking for a more modern and luxurious interior will likely prefer rivals like the Land Rover Discovery.
On the road
On our market, the QX60 is offered with a single engine—and that alone suggests it was never really designed with Europe in mind. Its natural habitat is North America (and perhaps Russia).
Under the bonnet sits a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine. In some applications, it produces over 300 hp, but here it’s detuned to 262 hp and 334 Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Performance is moderate—0–100 km/h takes 8.4 seconds, and top speed is 190 km/h.
Before driving the QX60, I had no experience with CVT gearboxes, so naturally, that was my focus. After finding the heated steering wheel button (hidden somewhere on a cold day), I set off.
First impressions: the CVT doesn’t bother me. It behaves much like a traditional automatic, largely because it simulates gear shifts. Occasionally, especially under light throttle, it behaves like a typical CVT—holding revs steady while accelerating—but even then, it didn’t irritate me.
As the engine warmed up, I stopped at a traffic light—perfect chance to test it. Full throttle, and the QX60 launches eagerly. The initial acceleration of this five-metre SUV is surprisingly brisk. However, beyond 60–70 km/h, that urgency fades. The 8.4-second sprint to 100 km/h suddenly makes perfect sense.
That said, the V6 sounds great.
Leaving the city, I headed towards Iskar Dam, Samokov, and beyond. Here, the QX60 revealed both strengths and weaknesses.
The suspension provides decent comfort, but it falls short of something like the Discovery in terms of refinement and isolation. Push it through corners, and body roll becomes noticeable—another distinctly “American” trait. Corners are not its strong suit.
The steering is pleasant enough, and there is some feedback, albeit filtered through that oversized steering wheel. Overall, the car is comfortable for cruising, but it lacks the polish expected in this class.
Fuel consumption on the way to Samokov matched the official figure—around 10.7 l/100 km with careful driving. On one hand, that’s impressive for a large, naturally aspirated V6 moving a heavy SUV. On the other hand, it feels outdated.
You can’t help but think of competitors like the Lexus RX450hL, which offers similar size and seating capacity, a hybrid system, lower fuel consumption (around 6 l/100 km), and even slightly better acceleration.
One area where the Infiniti impressed me was its suite of driver assistance systems. They worked flawlessly during my two days with the car and can be easily toggled via a steering wheel button—simple and practical.
Finally, I was impressed by its stability in winter conditions and the performance of the all-wheel-drive system. It’s still a crossover, not an off-roader, but it handles difficult road conditions confidently—assuming you’ve fitted proper winter tyres.
Conclusion
I have mixed feelings. I’m slightly disappointed that the QX60 arrived so late on the Bulgarian market, because that delay has cost it dearly. Its direct competitors are newer, more modern, and overall better.
The lack of diesel engines, hybrid options, or turbocharged petrol units is unusual for European buyers and may limit its appeal.
That said, I wouldn’t call it a failure. Its differences could actually attract a specific audience—those who appreciate traditional luxury, a naturally aspirated engine, and generous space, without needing the latest technology.
And finally, the customer service and overall experience at Infiniti Centre Sofia are reportedly excellent, which could also play a role in attracting buyers.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
