Infiniti’s high-styled Q60 luxury sports coupe was entirely redesigned for 2017, so the 2018 model is basically a carryover. However, there are a few changes, including 20-inch wheels replacing the previous 19-inchers on the Red Sport 400 model, and a newly available premium metallic paint color called Solar Mica.
The 2018 Q60 also takes on Infiniti’s global nomenclature, including the use of Pure, Luxe and Sport in the model names.
Engine offerings remain the same for 2018: a 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a 300-horsepower twin turbo V6, and a 400-horsepower twin turbo V6.
Ten trim levels are available, which I won’t itemize here because it’s dizzying, but they include Pure, Luxe and Sport versions and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions and so on.
My tester was the super-duper Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 with all-wheel drive. It’s the one with the high-output V6 whose performance (400 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque) most closely matches how you’d think the Q60 behaves just from looking at it.
A seven-speed automatic transmission engineered to perform well with the powerful engine is standard, and includes paddle shifters. There are Sport and Sport Plus driving modes for occasions calling for extra aggression in the shift pattern. And let’s not forget the all-wheel drive, which was great backup during my test week when Snohomish County roads were wet, slippery and slushy. For double backup there’s a Snow setting among the driving modes, which also include Eco and Standard.
The downside to the Q60 Red Sport 400’s bravado is, of course, fuel consumption. City/highway/combined ratings are 19/26/21 mpg, and premium gasoline is required.
An electronic suspension system is standard on the Red Sport 400, employed by Infiniti to boost the car’s handling response and make sure passengers are extra comfortable.
The 2018 Infiniti Q60 interior uses high quality materials put together with precision. (Manufacturer photo)
Q60’s cabin is low on unwanted noise and displays superior construction using high quality materials. Front seats are generously bolstered and, as expected in a coupe, rear seats are more useful for stowing personal items than for accommodating actual persons.
This is a luxury car, so the comfort, convenience, safety, security and technology standard features on the Red Sport 400 are abundant. In another thoughtful gesture, Infiniti’s In Touch infotainment system with its dual screens is easier to use than it looks.
A couple of optional packages are available on the Q60 Red Sport 400 for those who wish to add every driver assistance feature in the known world.
2018 INFINITI Q60 RED SPORT 400 AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $54,995
Price as driven: $58,645
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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