2021 Infiniti Q60 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Looks aren't everything, as most of us know from our personal lives. The same can be said of our vehicles. The 2021 Infiniti Q60 gets the looks part down, but without a solid driving performance to back it up, the Q60 comes off as being a bit blander than some of its rivals. The exterior of the Q60 is elegant and sculpted in order to look somewhat athletic. However, it loses points when it comes to practicality (just check out that seriously sloping roofline) and the lack of a manual transmission from its line-up. Overall, the Q60 just does not feel as sporty as it should for a two-door sports luxury sedan.

This model year, the line-up does see a few changes that might make it more attractive. The mid-tier Luxe trim level now comes with more standard driver assistance features, such as auto high beams, lane keep assist, a blind spot monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control. Updated carbon fiber trim and power-folding side mirrors now come equipped on the Red Sport 400. There are two new paint colors to choose from too: Grand Blue and Slate Gray. Other than that, everything from 2020 should carry over to the 2021 line.

There are only three trim levels to choose from on the 2021 Infiniti Q60: the Pure, Luxe, and Red Sport 400. Infiniti manages to craft value by offering a standard twin-turbo V6, whereas base engines on its rivals are 4-cylinders, and V6s are relegated to higher trim levels. The Q60's 3.0-L twin-turbo generates an even 300 hp in the Pure and Luxe trim levels, but on the Red Sport 400, it is tweaked to get 400 hp (hence the '400' in the trim level's name). A 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission comes standard, and you can choose to swap out the rear-wheel drive for all-wheel drive.

There actually are not too many mechanical differences between the Pure and Luxe and the higher-powered Red Sport 400. The only significant differences are the engine, adaptive dampers, and the optional Direct Adaptive Steering system. More on that in a little bit.

To give you a better idea of what to expect from each trim level, this comparison review will pit each against the other, going over standard and optional features. In the end, we will let you know which 2021 Infiniti Q60 trim level we think offers the best value for the average buyer.

Compare the 2021 Infiniti Q60 Pure vs Luxe Trims. What is the difference?

As we have already mentioned, the 2021 Infiniti Q60's base Pure and mid-tier Luxe trim levels are both equipped with a 3.0-L twin-turbo V6 engine that puts forth 300 hp, delivered to either the rear or all of the wheels depending on the drivetrain you select. Both also come with a standard independent double-wishbone front suspension with spring coils and an independent multi-link rear suspension. 19-inch split-5-spoke wheels with all-season tires come equipped.

Standard exterior features for the Pure and Luxe trim levels include LED headlights that are auto-on/off and are accompanied by LED daytime running lights, front LED fog lights, a center high-mounted stop light with the LED taillights, solar glass that reduces UV rays entering the cabin, power windows that can be remotely operated using the Infiniti Intelligent Key, LED integrated turn lights on the power side mirrors, a comprehensive airflow management system, variable intermittent flat-blade windshield wipers for the front that are speed-sensitive, and dual chrome exhaust finishers for the rear.

To all of this, the Luxe adds an option for auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse tilt-down, standard high beam assist, and a tinted power-sliding glass moonroof.

Inside, these two trim levels share quite a few luxury-oriented features, but the Luxe does, of course, add quite a few more. They both come equipped with a push button ignition that is part of the Infiniti Intelligent Key system, and dual-zone automatic climate control provides standard temperature control throughout the cabin. Illuminated switches help you operate the power windows (which have one-touch auto-up/down with an auto-reverse function). You also get features like auto locking on the power doors, a trunk lockout feature with the valet key, an illuminated welcoming system, two font sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, seatback pockets for the front seats, dual front and rear cupholders, a front armrest in the center with a storage bin (and houses a 12-volt power outlet, two illuminated USB outlets, and an auxiliary input jack), and front and rear floor mats. An advanced automatic climate control system with a grape polyphenol filter, air purifier, and auto recirculation comes as an option for the Luxe.

Leatherette upholstery comes standard on the Pure, but the Luxe gets upgraded to leatherette-appointed seating. Brushed aluminum trim adorns the cabin, and there is an 8-way power-adjustable seat for each front seat occupant. The driver's seat sees the inclusion of 4-way manual lumbar support. The Luxe offers an optional memory system for the driver's seat and side mirrors as well as adding standard sport pedals done in an aluminum accent, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power lumbar and side bolsters for the driver's seat. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob come equipped on both trims, as do front door sill plates done in aluminum with the Infiniti logo.

The Pure trim level has a standard 6-speaker sound system, but the Luxe gives you a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system with advanced staging technology, Audiopilot 2.0 Noise Compensation, a lightweight silk dome tweeter, and multiple subwoofers. HD Radio, a CD player with MP3 playback capability, speed-sensitive volume control, a radio data system, USB flash drive multimedia playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, an in-glass diversity antenna, and audio controls mounted to the steering wheel are standard issue. On the Luxe, you can opt to include SiriusXM Travel Link with a 3-month trial subscription.

The Infiniti Intouch dual HD display with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower color vehicle display set of screens come standard. Lane guidance with the optional built-in navigation can be added to the Luxe, which also comes with a standard remote engine start system. Emergency call with the automatic collision notification system comes standard, as do Bluetooth phone calling, a multi-functional trip computer, fine vision electroluminescene gauges, a manually tilting and telescoping steering column, cruise control with switches mounted to the steering wheel, smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri EyesFree, wifi hotpot connectivity, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. The Luxe gains a 360-degree surround-view camera system for additional visibility outside of the Q60.

Standard safety features make for a lengthy list indeed. Infiniti equips the these two trims with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution with 4-wheel anti-lock braking, traction control with the advanced vehicle dynamic control system, a tire pressure monitoring system, an emergency release found inside of the trunk, and predictive forward collision warning. The Luxe gets more features, such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Compare the 2021 Infiniti Q60 Luxe vs Red Sport 400 Trim. What is the difference?

As we mentioned in the introduction, the Red Sport 400 has the tweaked V6 engine that gives it 100 hp more than the Pure and Luxe as well as 350 lb-ft of torque (versus the base engine's 295). Part of this system includes a turbo speed sensor and two intercooler water pumps. You can opt for Direct Adaptive Steering, and the suspension is a dynamic digital front and rear set-up with continuously variable electronically controlled shock absorbers that give the system a higher damping force at low frequency vibrations and vice-versa. Special Red Sport 400 brakes come with red finish on the calipers. The wheels get upgraded to 20-inch sport aluminum designs with summer tires equipped.

Auto-leveling headlights with the adaptive front lighting system become optional on the Red Sport 400. The auto-dimming side mirrors become standard.

Inside, the Red Sport 400 gains the advanced automatic climate control system as standard equipment. The eco pedal opens up as an option. Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats come equipped, and matte black carbon fiber trim gets swapped in as well. Power torso support gets added to the driver seat, and the dual-occupant memory system that comes on the Pure also comes equipped on the Red Sport 400.

SiriusXM Travel Link comes standard on this trim, so you can access things like fuel prices in your area, local weather forecasts, sports scores, stock prices, parking options, and even movie listings. Infiniti Intouch gains Intouch Services and built-in navigation. Map care, premium traffic data, lane guidance, and 3D building graphics all come included with the navigation system. One-shot voice destination entry comes along with the voice recognition system, and real-time traffic readouts are standard with a subscription to SiriusXM Traffic. The steering column becomes power tilting and telescoping, and paddle shifters get mounted onto the steering wheel. Destinations by Google is added as well.

As far as safety features go, there are a few that get added as options on the Red Sport 400 trim level. Those features include blind spot intervention, active lane control, lane departure prevention, and front seat pre-crash seat belts for the driver and passenger. Otherwise, expect to find all of the Luxe's driver aids as standard features on the line-topping Red Sport 400.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2021 Infiniti Q60 is a more affordable option than many of its rivals, and it is one that will attract some first-time luxury buyers. The amount of standard features you get for the price is incredibly generous. However, as we have already mentioned, the trade-off is that you get a vehicle with a performance that lags behind the competition. Style is absolutely the name of the game here, and Infiniti does it well - there is no arguing about that.

The thing about buying a Q60 is knowing which trim level gives you the best deal. We believe that this trim level is the mid-tier Luxe. Why go with this one and not the others? Unlike the Pure, it offers quite a few extra driver aids, which are becoming more standard on luxury and non-luxury vehicles. Th Luxe also has the superior sound system. The Bose's 13 speaker sound system alone is worth the upgrade. Its concert-like quality is superb, and even some rivals have a hard time competing with this advanced sound system.

The Luxe also gives you the ability to equip the Essential Package. This gives you heated front seats, the heated steering wheel, upgraded infotainment features, and wifi hotspot connectivity. For some buyers, this will be worth the upgrade since it only adds a minimal amount to the overall cost. And, if you want, you can spend a few grand to add all-wheel drive, which might be necessary if you live somewhere that experiences a lot of inclement weather.

While the 2021 Infiniti Q60 might look really upscale, we have a feeling you will need to test drive a few of its rivals before making your final decision. If you have settled on the Q60, though, give the Luxe some consideration.