2019 INFINITI Q60: A Deep Dive into Performance, Design, and Features

The INFINITI Q60 entered its third year of its third-generation design in 2019, continuing to impress with its striking aesthetics, refined interior, and cutting-edge technology. The 2019 Q60 model year offered discerning drivers a choice of three distinct grades: PURE, LUXE, and the performance-oriented RED SPORT 400. Each trim was available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or INFINITI’s intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) system, catering to diverse driving preferences and conditions. At the heart of the 2019 Q60 lies a potent 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, offered in two performance levels: a robust 300 horsepower for the PURE and LUXE models, and an exhilarating 400 horsepower for the RED SPORT 400.

Several key enhancements marked the 2019 Q60 model year, further solidifying its position in the luxury sports coupe segment. These upgrades included:

  • Making the award-winning 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine standard across the PURE trim, broadening access to this powerful powerplant.
  • Rebranding the previous Sensory Package as the Essential Package, streamlining option configurations.
  • Incorporating the features of the former Sensory Package as standard equipment on the RED SPORT 400, enhancing its value proposition.
  • Adding black painted mirror caps to the RED SPORT 400, contributing to its sporty visual signature.
  • Equipping the 3.0t LUXE and RED SPORT 400 models with Forward Emergency Braking featuring Pedestrian Detection and Predictive Forward Collision Warning as standard safety features, enhancing driver assistance and safety.

Exquisite and Dynamic Exterior Design

The 2019 Q60 boldly embodies INFINITI’s powerful design philosophy within the sports coupe arena. Its captivating curves, pronounced lines, and fluid silhouette coalesce to create a low, wide, and commanding presence. The design language is both progressive and contemporary, conveying a sense of motion even at a standstill. Lower and wider than its predecessors, the 2019 Q60 exudes powerful elegance through its daring proportions, taut musculature, and striking profile, unequivocally positioning it as a high-performance sports coupe. The assertive stance of the 2019 Q60 inspires confidence and hints at its dynamic driving capabilities, while its low center of gravity contributes positively to overall handling dynamics.

The 2019 Q60 incorporates signature INFINITI design elements to communicate dynamism and fluid motion, visually representing the vehicle’s performance potential. The iconic double-arch grille and crescent-shaped C-pillars, arcing forward to emphasize the car’s motion, ensure instant brand recognition.

The signature LED headlights, utilizing light guide technology for uniform road illumination, are styled to resemble the human eyelid, lending an alluring and sophisticated front fascia to the car. The deeply set grille visually links the 2019 Q60 to its potent twin-turbo engine options.

Standard across the range are 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the 2019 Q60 RED SPORT 400 boasts exclusive 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Rear-wheel drive RED SPORT 400 models further enhance their aggressive stance and handling prowess with wider rear wheels and tires, increasing lateral grip. The minimal wheel gaps between tires and arches visually lower the car and amplify its powerful stance.

Aerodynamic efficiency was a paramount concern in the design and engineering of the 2019 Q60. Its drag coefficient of 0.28, coupled with zero front and rear lift aerodynamics, contributes to vehicle stability at high speeds and in crosswinds. Front fender vents channel air from the engine bay, and the hood is sculpted to minimize drag.

All 2019 INFINITI Q60 models are equipped with an active grille shutter, balancing engine cooling needs with aerodynamic optimization. The shutter remains closed during normal operation, opening only when increased cooling is required for performance.

The sleek, narrow door-mounted side mirrors accentuate the 2019 Q60‘s low profile and coupe aesthetics, while also improving airflow along the vehicle’s sides and maintaining excellent rear visibility. Additionally, the Q60’s flexible stop position doors are engineered to hold open at virtually any angle (on level surfaces), preventing unwanted door rebound.

The 2019 INFINITI Q60 offered a palette of 10 exterior colors, including: Midnight Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Majestic White, Pure White, Iridium Blue, Hagane Blue, Solar Mica, and Dynamic Sunstone Red, exclusive to the RED SPORT 400.

Driver-Focused and Passenger-Considerate Interior

The interior design of the 2019 Q60 prioritized artistry and driver engagement, embodying the concept of a “driver’s glove” – a space tailored and personal to the person behind the wheel.

High-backed, bolstered seats underscore the 2019 Q60’s focus on an engaging driving experience. These ergonomically designed seats provide enhanced thigh, lumbar, and lateral support, keeping occupants secure during spirited driving. INFINITI’s signature spinal support seats are meticulously engineered to align with the natural curvature of the spine, offering consistent support and minimizing pressure on the upper and lower back. These seats promote a more neutral spinal alignment compared to conventional seats, improving posture and comfort, while extensive upper body support distributes weight evenly across the seat.

The 2019 Q60 interior offered a selection of materials and colors, including available semi-aniline leather-appointed seating surfaces. Interior color options included Graphite or Stone leatherette, and Graphite, Monaco Red, or Gallery White semi-aniline leather.

The interior design also features premium trim accents and modern materials. Aluminum trim adorns the 2019 Q60 PURE and LUXE models, while RED SPORT 400 models offer genuine carbon-fiber trim highlights.

INFINITI engineers prioritized minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the 2019 Q60, making it a leader in its segment. In addition to suspension insulation and rigid cross-members, Active Noise Cancellation is standard on all 2019 Q60 models, effectively mitigating unwanted engine noise frequencies within the cabin.

The 2019 Q60 offered an available Bose® Performance Series Audio system featuring 13 speakers, Bose® Centerpoint® simulated surround sound, a CD player, RDS, and MP3 playback capability. This class-leading audio system was specifically tuned to the 2019 Q60‘s cabin acoustics. Polished metal speaker grilles enhance both the sound quality and the interior’s aesthetic. Combined with the 2019 Q60‘s noise cancellation technology, the immersive Bose® system transforms the cabin into a personal audio sanctuary.

The standard INFINITI InTouch™ communications system featured dual touch-screen displays (8-inch upper, 7-inch lower), providing easy access to communication, navigation, and entertainment features, including hands-free phone integration and moving map navigation.

The 2019 Q60 also came standard with INFINITI’s InTuition™ central control system, the latest iteration of their advanced infotainment system. Enhanced with a faster processor, InTuition™ allowed occupants to personalize the 2019 Q60‘s interior environment to their preferences, with customizable settings for temperature, seating positions, audio-visual preferences, navigation, and more.

INFINITI’s comprehensive Safety Shield® concept, a layered approach to safety, was available on the 2019 Q60. This system offered technologies to monitor driving conditions, aid in collision avoidance, and enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. Active and passive safety and convenience technologies included Around View® Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control and Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention®, and Backup Collision Intervention.

Advanced V6 Powertrain Technology

Beyond its striking design, the 2019 Q60 delivered impressive performance, thanks to advanced ride and handling technologies and up to 400 horsepower. Dynamic enhancements included the lightweight and sophisticated 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, along with available adaptive steering and suspension systems. The result is a premium sports coupe engineered for exhilarating performance.

The available engines provided instant power delivery, smooth responsiveness, high output, and mechanical efficiency.

The 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engines (400-horsepower and 300-horsepower versions) were engineered to deliver optimal power and torque for their displacement, while also maximizing fuel efficiency. The 2019 Q60 RED SPORT 400’s high-output variant produced 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1,600-5,200 rpm. The version in the 2019 Q60 3.0t PURE and 3.0t LUXE models delivered 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 1,600-5,200 rpm.

The 3.0-liter VR V6 engine incorporated several innovations to provide the 2019 Q60‘s engaging driving experience. A key feature was the direct-injection gasoline fueling system. This high-pressure system enabled precise fuel injection into the combustion chamber, delivering the exact amount needed for smooth acceleration, based on throttle position and engine speed. This system made the V6 the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine of its type ever offered by INFINITI.

The VR engine also utilized lightweight aluminum construction and low-friction components, ensuring smooth, durable, and highly responsive performance. Weight-saving measures included spray bore coating for the engine block and integrated exhaust manifolds in the cylinder heads. These features not only reduced weight but also improved cooling efficiency by facilitating heat dissipation.

The integrated exhaust manifold, built into the cylinder head, positioned the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust outlet. This shortened the path for hot exhaust gases, allowing the catalytic converter to reach operating temperature quickly, improving response, reducing cold-start emissions, and contributing to a more compact engine design.

The VR-series’ power delivery was further enhanced by an advanced twin-turbo system, providing smooth and immediate acceleration response while improving efficiency. An optimized turbine blade design helped generate greater overall performance, with faster turbine speeds enabling rapid response from the twin-turbo system.

The 400-horsepower version included a turbine speed sensor, allowing the twin-turbo system to operate at up to 220,000 rpm under steady conditions and 240,000 rpm in transient conditions. This increased rotational capacity enabled the higher-powered engine to deliver greater power and torque. The turbo speed sensor in the 400-horsepower version contributed to a 30 percent power increase. Boost pressure was 14.7 psi, compared to 9.5 psi for the 300-horsepower version. Both engine versions also featured a water-cooled intercooler system to further enhance performance and efficiency. This system rapidly cooled intake air, reducing turbo lag and enabling more immediate acceleration.

All 2019 Q60 powertrains were paired with an advanced seven-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on RED SPORT 400 models. The transmission featured refined logic and hardware to manage the VR-series engines’ power output.

The 2019 Q60‘s Adaptive Shift Control further optimized gear selection using a lateral acceleration sensor to detect road changes like hills and turns. Sport Mode allowed drivers to select a more aggressive shift pattern with automatic upshifts and downshifts at higher rpm.

The 2019 Q60‘s performance extended beyond its powertrains. The sports coupe was engineered to deliver a distinctive balance of ride comfort and agile handling, a hallmark of the INFINITI brand. Innovative driving technologies, including Direct Adaptive Steering® (DAS), further enhanced performance and personalization.

Available as part of the ProACTIVE Package on RED SPORT 400 models, Direct Adaptive Steering® could transmit driver input to the wheels faster than a mechanical system, requiring fewer steering corrections. The system provided intelligent feedback about road surface and chassis behavior, fostering a secure and confident steering feel while reducing driver fatigue.

The Drive Mode Selector, accessed through the INFINITI InTuition™ system, offered extensive steering customization with Direct Adaptive Steering®, allowing for 336 different calibration possibilities. Drivers could select from six steering response options: Personal, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and Sport+ (RED SPORT 400 only).

All models also featured standard Rack Electronic Power Steering, providing a linear and controlled driving experience tunable through the Drive Mode Selector.

Two suspension system choices allowed drivers to tailor the 2019 Q60‘s dynamic response to their driving style. The standard suspension prioritized low road noise and minimal vibration intrusion while providing direct and linear handling. Suspension link layouts and bushings were specifically tuned for the 2019 Q60, and shock absorbers were repositioned for optimized sports coupe ride and handling.

Dynamic Digital Suspension, an electronic suspension system standard on RED SPORT 400 grades, was engineered to provide best-in-class handling, agility, and enhanced ride comfort. Software and hardware upgrades, including new adaptive dampers, contributed to its performance. Drivers could adjust the suspension focus from comfort to dynamic response using Sport or Sport+ modes (via the Drive Mode Selector), which provided firmer damping for more agile handling. In these modes, the suspension continuously adjusted to maintain optimal performance and a level ride.

The 2019 Q60 offered a choice of rear-wheel drive or INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, available across all trim levels. The AWD system enhanced stability and road holding in low-grip conditions, distributing torque 50:50 between the front and rear wheels in its default setting. If additional traction was not immediately needed, the system would revert to 100 percent rear-wheel drive, redistributing power as conditions changed or traction loss was detected.

Model Range and Packages

The 2019 INFINITI Q60 was offered in three models: Q60 3.0t PURE, Q60 3.0t LUXE, and Q60 RED SPORT 400 (each with RWD and AWD options), along with various equipment packages.

The 2019 Q60 3.0t PURE featured a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights and daytime running lights, 8-way power front seats, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI InTouch™, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, INFINITI Intelligent Key, and Rearview Monitor.

The 2019 Q60 3.0t LUXE added a power sliding/tilting moonroof, Bose® Performance Series Audio system with 13 speakers, Bose® Centerpoint® simulated surround, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, auto-dimming inside mirror with compass, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.

The range-topping 2019 Q60 RED SPORT 400 included staggered 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (20×9.0 front / 20×9.5 rear – RWD models only) and summer performance tires (255/35R20 front / 275/30R20 rear). RED SPORT 400 AWD models featured 20×9.0 wheels at all corners with 255/35R20 all-season performance tires. RED SPORT 400 models also included sport brakes with red-painted calipers, exclusive exhaust tips, black mirror caps, red “S” badging, and the 400-horsepower engine.

Additional RED SPORT 400 features comprised steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminum-accented sport pedals, sport-type semi-aniline leather seats, driver’s seat power lumbar and torso bolsters, sport-tuned Dynamic Digital Suspension, power tilt and telescopic steering column, auto-dimming outside mirrors with reverse link, and driver seat, steering column, and outside mirror memory settings.

Key option packages for the 2019 Q60 included the Essential Package, Leather Seating Package, ProASSIST Package, and ProACTIVE Package.

The Essential Package offered INFINITI InTouch™ Navigation, INFINITI InTouch™ Services, voice recognition for navigation, SiriusXM® Traffic (subscription required), power tilt and telescopic steering column, memory system, driver’s seat power lumbar and side bolsters, auto-dimming outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote engine start.

The ProASSIST Package included Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, parking sensors, Backup Collision Intervention, and rain-sensing wipers.

The ProACTIVE Package featured Direct Adaptive Steering®, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Active Lane Control, Blind Spot Intervention®, Distance Control Assist, Adaptive Front lighting System, High Beam Assist, Advanced Climate Control System, and Front Seat Pre-crash seatbelts.

Performance accessories like the Red Alpha Cold-Air Intake Kit, Heat Exchanger, and Sport Exhaust Kits were available through INFINITI Motorsports.

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