Recently, I drove the 2015 Infiniti Q60S Convertible and not only found a sex appeal that can’t be denied, but also a strong, sturdy performing vehicle that you can tell really enjoys the road — as much as I do.
While this Infiniti is unchanged for 2015, it still keeps up with the competition even in the ever changing automobile market since, after all, wood trim, high-end leather and easy to use controls go a long way when it comes to driver satisfaction.
Competition in this class includes the 2015 Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and the Ford Mustang. But frankly speaking each of these four choices has their own personalities that I don’t think compare equally.
The 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible seats four, but the back seat is too cramped to realize that expectation. There are three trim levels including the Q60, Q60S 6MT, Q60 IPL and there is also a coupe version as well.
On the entry level Q60, you get a power-retractable hardtop roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, heated power-folding mirrors and front seats, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rearview camera and the seven-inch touchscreen. Technology inclusions, which are minimal, are the Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system as well as the iPod/USB interface.
You can also opt for the Premium package extra with rear parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats and an upgraded sound system with 13 speakers.
The add-on packages can’t be added without, for example, the sport package with 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned steering and upgraded brakes, unless you add the Premium package as well.
There is also a Technology package with adaptive cruise control, automatic wipers and a pre-crash seatbelt tensioning device.
The Q60S 6MT combines the Premium, Navigation and Sport package options from the lower trim and also gives you a six-speed manual and the top of the line Q60 IPL has all this and a more impressive engine, sport exhaust and a tighter ride including a unique exterior too.
Under the hood, there are different engine options with the Q60 and Q60S 6MT offering a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Also on the Q60 it is a seven-speed automatic transmission, but on the Q60S 6MT that trim is only available in a manual six-speed. On all the trims all-wheel drive is the standard.
The Q60 IPL convertible has a 3.7-liter V6 engine like the two other trims, but the horsepower on this one comes in at 343 horsepower with 273 pound-feet of torque and a seven-speed automatic.
For safety, expect this Infiniti to offer basics like antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, automatic deployed pop-up roll bars, front side and full-length side curtain airbags and an active front head restraint. You will also find the very helpful rearview camera a standard feature and the rear parking sensors are available. On the Technology package several safety additions include the frontal collision preparation, which assists pre-crash with a tighter seatbelt and stronger braking.
A discussion about the interior of the 2015 Infiniti Q60 begins with the fact that even if it wasn’t updated lately, your expectations can still remain high for design and materials used inside. Always easy to navigate and use the knobs and controls the climate control and audio are self-explanatory and even the navigation screen is easy to use and intuitive.
The seats are comfortable and sporty, but the back seats are not big enough for a third and fourth passenger, so in essence, this convertible is better thought of as a two-seater with some backseat storage room. There is a nice size trunk at about 10.3 cubic feet with the top up, but a dramatically small 1.9 cubic feet when the Q60 is in convertible mode.
Indeed, a pleasure to drive with plenty of punch and superb handling and ride enjoyment and take note of the sport-tuned suspension, which might make a better choice for serious drivers on a joy ride or a long haul road trip.
Should You Need to Know: Expect about the same timing to get from zero to 60 on any of the three trims despite the different engine on the IPL and also take note of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and rev-matching function, which is available for an easier ride.
Miles Per Gallon: On the 2015 Q60S Convertible 6MT I drove, it came in at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The price tag on the 2015 Q60S Convertible 6MT was $54,395.
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