I don’t remember my Qs. Please refresh my memory.
Infiniti’s core products are the Q50, Q70 and QX70, in Malaysia at least. The first two are saloons roughly the size of the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series respectively, while the ‘X’ in the latter denotes its off-roading capability as an SUV. These models were formerly marketed under the G, M and FX prefixes. Some found this alphabet soup a bit too complex, hence the streamlined names that now all begin with Q.

So what was the Q60 before this?
The Q60 takes over where the Nissan Skyline-based Infiniti G Coupe left off, making it the first two-door Infiniti to wear the Q badge. You could call it a Q50 Coupe in essence.

Or a spiritual successor to the Skyline Coupe…
True. But go easy on the GT-R comparisons. Like the Infiniti Q50 2.0t, the engine in the sole Malaysian-spec Q60 2.0t is a familiar four-pot turbo sourced from Mercedes, restricted to the mid-table 211bhp/350Nm output. This is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic. It’s a healthy amount of kick for a coupe, but nowhere near enticing enough for the racers among us, professional or not. Not when other markets are treated to a headier 3.0-litre 400bhp option.

So we get the cheap stuff?
RM308,800 isn’t exactly pocket change. But its German equivalent, the Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe costs RM25k more. Their similarities may not stack up beyond the engine bay but if you just want a two-door ride for aesthetic reasons, the Q60 definitely delivers. In fact, the Q60 even gives the more affordable and established BMW 420i (RM304,800) a run for its money on looks alone.

I sense a ‘but’ coming…
An obvious one, really. The Q60 doesn’t drive as well as a Bimmer. More annoyingly, it doesn’t drive nearly as well as its stunning exterior fools you into believing. Sure, the force-inducted German mill has plenty of pep in the low range. But it feels short of breath and a tad unrefined when exerted on the highway, feeling like a gross mismatch for a car with naturally-aspirated traditions. Push harder and you’ll sense a whiff of fun closer to the engine’s 6,500rpm redline. But getting there is a chore due to the lack of paddle shifters – Infiniti insists on only equipping the 400bhp V6 with them. On the upside, the gear knob is sportily positioned – tall and close to the wheel – for quick, old-school manual gear changes.

Does the steering still have a mind of its own?
The steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) which gives the Q50 some of its controversial autonomy has made way for an electrically-aided hydraulic system in the Q60. But even this ‘conventional’ steering isn’t without its quirks. There’s plenty of weight in the steering, and every inch moved induces a directional response, with nearly no noticeable freeplay. Yet, the end result is an overly sporty bag of nerves which calls for extra driver alertness, especially at high speeds.

I still like the way it looks. Any other saving graces?
Pretty, isn’t she? In the mix of performance-related expectations stirred up by the Q60’s daring styling, it is easy to forget that Infiniti’s latest model is one of the more practical offerings in the two-door segments today. It’s comfortable, and the rear seats have a surprising amount of room for backbenchers to stretch their legs into. Granted, the roof-lining and slanted rear windscreen may get in the way of tall hairdos, but there are less-accommodating coupes to be stuck in the back of. Boot space is also aplenty, giving the car an extra dimension of overall usability to counter its iffy dynamics.

Anything else I should know?
Despite the use of a continental powertrain, Infiniti still confidently sells the idea of Japanese reliability by applying a best-in-class, seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty to the Q60. If you are in for the long-haul, this oriental beauty is certainly worth a date.