Infiniti Q60 Daily Driver Review: Five Years of Living with a Head-Turning Coupe
Five years. 60,000 miles. Countless compliments and one or two complaints. This is what it’s really like to daily drive an Infiniti Q60.
When you buy a sleek, two-door coupe, practicality isn’t usually at the top of your priority list. You want style, performance, and that feeling of driving something special every single day. The Infiniti Q60 delivers on that promise in spades, but after half a decade behind the wheel, the full picture becomes clear. Here’s my take on what it’s like to live with this Japanese luxury sports coupe day in and day out.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
After five years of daily driving an Infiniti Q60, the verdict is overwhelmingly positive, but not without caveats. Owners consistently praise its stunning exterior styling, powerful twin-turbo V6 engines, and comfortable, driver-focused interior . The 400-horsepower Red Sport 400 variant is particularly beloved for its thrilling acceleration . However, the aging cabin tech—especially the lack of Apple CarPlay in older models and a dated infotainment screen—is a common sore point . Maintenance costs are reasonable for the luxury segment, with some estimates totaling under $9,200 for five years . Reliability is generally good, though a few owners have reported major issues like engine failure just before the warranty expired . Overall, it’s a car that remains fun and capable, but future owners should be aware of its technological shortcomings and consider a pre-purchase inspection for any used model.
What We Love: The Heart of the Q60 Experience
Styling That Never Gets Old
The first thing you notice about the Q60, and what everyone comments on, is the design. One owner from Malaysia summed it up perfectly: “One of the most enticing aspect of this car lies in its ravishing beauty. This always appears to be the most stunning coupes on the road to me” . The bold front grille, the perfect silhouette, and those crisp body lines give it a striking presence that turns heads even five years later . Multiple reviewers on Cars.com rated the exterior a perfect 5.0 out of 5, which is a strong testament to its timeless appeal .
A Driver-Focused Thrill
Under the hood, the Q60 doesn’t disappoint. The standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers a punchy 300 horsepower, which feels more than adequate for daily commuting and spirited weekend drives . One owner described it as a car you “anticipate driving every day” . However, the real star is the Red Sport 400 with its 400-horsepower V6. One reviewer noted, “This car is incredibly fast, agile, luxurious and it looks amazing” . The combination of rear-wheel drive (or available all-wheel drive) and a well-tuned chassis makes every drive engaging, a characteristic that has helped the Q60 stay competitive against newer rivals despite its aging platform .
Interior Comfort and Quality
The cabin, while showing its age, is praised for its comfort and quality. Owners consistently highlight the “stunning interior, with a sleek design and high-quality materials” . The supportive front seats and premium leather upholstery make long commutes a pleasure . A review on Cars.com gave the interior a 4.8 out of 5 rating, with multiple owners confirming the car’s comfort and reliability .
The Reality: Costs and Practicalities of Daily Use
Financial Breakdown: The 5-Year Cost of Ownership
Owning a luxury sports coupe comes with costs beyond the purchase price. According to CarEdge, the average maintenance and repair cost for an Infiniti Q60 over its first five years is around $2,960, which is significantly less than the industry average for luxury coupes . The chance of a major repair in that time is also relatively low at about 4% .
However, looking at Edmunds’s detailed “True Cost to Own” data for a 2022 Q60, a more complete 5-year picture emerges, totaling roughly $50,000 to $56,000 depending on the trim .
| Expense Category | Estimated 5-Year Cost (2022 Q60 RWD LUXE) |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | $9,330 |
| Repairs | $2,771 |
| Fuel | $13,578 |
| Insurance | $6,505 |
| Depreciation | $14,571 |
| Taxes, Fees, Financing | $7,437 |
Total 5-Year Cost: $54,192
Key takeaways from these numbers:
- Maintenance isn’t cheap, with year 2 costing over $3,100 and year 5 over $3,500 .
- Fuel is a significant expense, largely due to the premium fuel required and the 3.0L twin-turbo V6’s appetite . Expect combined fuel economy in the low-20s range.
- Depreciation is a major factor, accounting for over $14,500 in value loss over five years .
The Elephant in the Room: Tech and Infotainment
This is the Q60’s most significant weakness. Reviewers from authoritative sources like Kelley Blue Book have noted the “aging chassis and cabin” and that the Q60 is “lagging behind in the tech department” . The writing on the infotainment screen has been called small and difficult to read, and the menu layout feels outdated . On a 2018 model, one owner stated, “Many reviewers have stated the screen to be a bit outdated” and lamented the lack of Apple CarPlay . Interestingly, 2021 and newer models did get Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, so it’s crucial to check the model year if this is a must-have for you .
Practical Compromises
A 2+2 coupe isn’t known for its practicality. The “trunk can easily fit 2 small suitcases and plenty of groceries,” but don’t expect to haul large items . The backseats are best reserved for children or very short trips, as the space is cramped . However, for many daily drivers, these are acceptable trade-offs for the car’s style and driving dynamics.
Real-World Reliability: The Good and The Bad
The overall reliability of the Q60 is rated highly by many owners. One driver wrote, “I have had mine for 5 years now and the only issue I had was that my engine did go out luckily it was right before the warranty expired” . While this story highlights a potentially serious failure, it was a rare occurrence for this owner, and the dealership covered it under warranty. Another owner mentioned a weak valve body as a potential issue to be aware of .
Conversely, numerous owners report flawless long-term experiences, with one noting their car is “still great looking like new only 18,000 miles” and another highlighting its “smooth ride and enjoyable driving experience” . This suggests that while the Q60 can be reliable, a pre-purchase inspection on a used model is always a wise choice.
Summary: Pros and Cons After Five Years
Pros
- Exterior Styling: A timeless, head-turning design .
- Performance: Punchy 300-hp base engine and exhilarating 400-hp Red Sport variant .
- Driving Dynamics: Engaging and fun to drive, especially on twisty roads .
- Interior Comfort: High-quality materials and supportive front seats .
Cons
- Outdated Tech: The infotainment system is a major drawback, with poor graphics and slow response .
- No Apple CarPlay (2019 & Older): A significant oversight for a modern luxury car .
- Cramped Rear Seats: Not suitable for adults on regular journeys .
- High Fuel Costs: Premium fuel and a thirsty engine lead to high running costs .
The Verdict: A Timeless Beauty with Modern Flaws
The Infiniti Q60 is a car that asks you to prioritize emotion over pure logic. If you’re looking for the most advanced tech, the sharpest handling, or maximum practicality, you’ll find better options. But if you want a car that makes you feel good every time you walk up to it, one that delivers genuine performance and a premium feel, the Q60 still delivers. It’s a beautiful, engaging machine that, even after five years and some design flaws, makes the daily commute something to look forward to . Just be aware of the tech limitations and factor in the long-term costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Infiniti Q60 reliable for daily driving?
Yes, the Q60 is generally considered reliable for daily use. The 2018 model received a 4.9 out of 5 rating for reliability on Cars.com . However, like any complex vehicle, it can have issues, so regular maintenance is key.
What is the 5-year cost of ownership for a Q60?
The total cost of ownership for a 2022 Q60 over five years is estimated to be between $50,000 and $56,000, which includes maintenance, repairs, fuel, insurance, and depreciation .
Which Q60 model year should I buy for the best tech?
If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the factory, look for a 2021 or newer model, as these received it as a standard feature . Older models will require a retrofit.
What is the difference between the standard Q60 and the Red Sport 400?
The main difference is the engine. The standard Q60 has a 300-horsepower V6, while the Red Sport 400 boasts a 400-horsepower version, offering significantly quicker acceleration . The Red Sport also often comes with sportier styling and suspension tuning.
Is the Q60 a comfortable daily driver?
Yes, for a sports coupe, it is comfortable. The front seats are supportive, and the ride is a good balance between sport and compliance, though the Red Sport 400’s ride is noticeably stiffer .
Will the Q60 hold its value?
Like most luxury cars, the Q60 depreciates relatively quickly. Over five years, the estimated depreciation is a substantial portion of the total ownership cost, often exceeding $14,000 .
Have you daily-driven an Infiniti Q60? What has your experience been like? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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