Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Real User Reviews

The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport stands out in the luxury sports coupe segment with its striking looks and potent powertrain. But beyond the showroom shine and impressive specifications, what do real owners really think about living with this performance-oriented coupe? Are its promises of exhilarating power and refined comfort met in everyday driving?

If you're considering joining the ranks of Infiniti Q60 Red Sport owners, you're likely seeking unfiltered insights to make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide dives deep into Infiniti Q60 Red Sport real user reviews, exploring the highs, the lows, and everything in between, to help you determine if this stylish coupe is the right fit for your garage.

Unpacking the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Experience: What Owners Say

The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is a car that evokes strong opinions, often praised for its aesthetics and raw power, yet sometimes critiqued for its driving dynamics and aging tech. Let's break down the key aspects based on real-world feedback.

Performance & Driving Thrills: The Heart of the Red Sport

At the core of the Q60 Red Sport is its formidable 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, known as the VR30DDTT, which churns out an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Owners consistently laud this engine for its strong, linear thrust and minimal turbo lag, providing a "bat out of hell" acceleration experience, especially from a standing start with AWD. Many describe the power delivery as constantly on tap, ready whenever needed.

However, the consensus among enthusiasts is that while it's undeniably fast, the Q60 Red Sport leans more towards a "high-performance luxury coupe" or "gran turismo" rather than a true sports car. Why the distinction?

• Transmission: The 7-speed automatic transmission receives mixed reviews. While some find it smooth in normal driving, others report it can be sluggish with lazy upshifts and downshifts, particularly at lower speeds or when pushed. Paddle shifters are available and can improve engagement, though some users wish for faster shifts.
• Steering & Handling: This is often the most polarizing aspect. The available Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), a steer-by-wire system, is frequently described as lacking road feel and being disconnected from the driving experience. While quick and direct in its response, it can leave enthusiasts wanting more feedback. Models without DAS are sometimes preferred for a more traditional steering feel.
• Ride Comfort: Despite its sporty aspirations, the Q60 Red Sport generally offers an astonishingly good ride quality and low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). It's often praised for being quiet and smooth, making it suitable for long distances and daily commuting.

In summary, if you're looking for a comfortable, powerful cruiser that can rocket off the line and handle highway speeds with ease, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport delivers. If razor-sharp, connected sports car dynamics are your top priority, some owners suggest looking at alternatives.

Interior & Technology: Where Luxury Meets Practicality

Stepping inside the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, owners generally appreciate the attractive design and high-quality materials, often featuring carbon fiber trim and contrasting stitching. The seats, especially in desirable white leather, are noted for being comfortable and offering sufficient bolstering for spirited driving on public roads. Rear seats are considered "totally usable," though space is limited, typical for a coupe.

The dual-screen infotainment system is a frequent topic of discussion. While some appreciate the extra real estate and the ability to display Apple CarPlay on the upper screen while controlling other functions on the lower one, many find the system convoluted, clunky, and dated. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on later models, though a USB connection might still be required for Android Auto. A Bose premium audio system is a popular optional feature, often praised for its sound quality.

Practicality-wise, the Q60 Red Sport's trunk space is on the smaller side (around 9 cubic feet), and interior storage is limited to small cubbies and door pockets.

Reliability & Maintenance: Long-Term Ownership Insights

When it comes to reliability, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, particularly models with the VR30DDTT engine, generally holds a reputation for being reliable if properly maintained and not heavily modified. However, like any performance vehicle, it's not without its reported issues.

Common concerns highlighted by users include:

• Turbocharger Problems: This is one of the most frequently mentioned issues, particularly for earlier 3.0t models (2017-2019). While Red Sport turbos are sometimes noted as beefier, turbo failures can be expensive to fix, leading some to recommend a warranty.
• Fuel Injector Failure: Some owners have reported issues with fuel injector failures across various VR30DDTT engine setups.
• Serpentine Belt Issues: A blown serpentine belt has been reported by some owners, sometimes around 20K miles.
• Brake Issues: Squealing or grinding noises during braking, extended stopping distances, or vibrations can indicate worn brakes or warped rotors.
• Oil Consumption: Some users have noted that the Q60 can consume oil, with blue smoke from the exhaust or a burning smell as potential signs.
• Coolant Leaks: In some cases, coolant can leak into the combustion chamber, indicated by a sweet-smelling exhaust smoke and a dropping coolant level.

Many owners emphasize the importance of frequent oil and filter changes (e.g., every 5,000 miles), even if Infiniti suggests longer intervals, especially given the direct injection and twin-turbo setup. Overall, a well-maintained Q60 Red Sport can provide a "fairly uneventful ownership experience" for many.

Exterior Appeal: A Head-Turner

One area where there's almost universal agreement is the Q60 Red Sport's stunning exterior design. Owners consistently describe it as sleek, futuristic, curvy, and sculptural, with many calling it one of the best-looking cars on the road. Its distinct LED headlights and unique C-pillar kink contribute to its head-turning appeal, offering a sense of exclusivity.

Conclusion: Is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Right for You?

The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is a compelling package for those seeking a beautifully styled, powerful luxury coupe that offers a comfortable and relatively quiet ride. It delivers exhilarating straight-line performance and commands attention wherever it goes. It's a "dream machine" for the average driver who appreciates speed, comfort, and looks.

However, if you're a hardcore driving enthusiast who prioritizes raw, connected feedback from the road, the Q60 Red Sport's steering and transmission might leave you wanting more. Its infotainment system, while functional with smartphone integration, is also showing its age. While generally reliable with proper care, potential owners should be aware of reported issues like turbocharger longevity, especially in earlier models.

Ultimately, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is a car that excels as a grand tourer – fast, comfortable, and gorgeous. If that aligns with your priorities, and you appreciate its blend of luxury and potent power, then the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport real user reviews suggest it could be an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport a reliable car?

The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is generally considered reliable, especially if it's properly maintained and not heavily modified. However, some owners have reported issues such as turbocharger failures (particularly in earlier models), fuel injector problems, and occasional serpentine belt or brake issues. Regular maintenance, especially more frequent oil changes, is highly recommended.

What are the common problems with the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport?

Common problems reported by users include issues with turbochargers, fuel injectors, serpentine belts, and brake components (like squealing or warped rotors). Some owners also note oil consumption and potential coolant leaks. The infotainment system is often cited as being outdated and clunky.

Is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport fast?

Yes, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is very fast. Equipped with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds with all-wheel drive. Owners describe its power delivery as strong and linear with minimal turbo lag.

Is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport a good daily driver?

Many owners find the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport to be a good daily driver. It offers a comfortable and quiet ride, making it suitable for commutes and long trips. Its powerful engine provides ample performance for everyday driving, while its luxurious interior adds to the comfort. However, some might find the disconnected steering feel and smaller trunk space less ideal for daily practicality compared to other vehicles.