The 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 3.0L gets 22 MPG combined. This isn’t going to impress fuel-conscious drivers but the number reflects what the car is designed to do: deliver quick acceleration and fun handling in a stylish coupe. It’s a performance car with luxury features, not a hybrid built to save gas. Red Sport buyers care more about the twin-turbocharged V6 and aggressive styling than getting the most miles out of every gallon of premium fuel.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates show 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These estimates show that the car uses more fuel in stop-and-go traffic, which is not surprising considering the engine’s power output. The highway MPG is better, and reachable if you drive gently and let the 7-speed automatic transmission shift into higher gears. However, most Red Sport owners aren’t buying it to cruise at 65 MPH. It’s tempting to use its power, and frequent bursts of acceleration will lower the highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 3.0L is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a set percentage of city versus highway miles, using the national average fuel price when calculated. Your fuel costs will change depending on your driving, the fuel you use, and fuel prices over time. Still, $2,650 is a good way to compare the Red Sport’s costs to other cars in its class. It is a cost to consider, given the performance benefits.

Real-world expectations

Keep your expectations in check for the Q60 Red Sport’s MPG. You might reach the EPA estimates in ideal conditions, but most owners will likely see slightly lower numbers in daily driving. Aggressive driving, short trips in cold weather, and using Sport or Sport+ modes will all hurt fuel economy. Some drivers who mostly commute on the highway and drive conservatively might see numbers closer to or even better than the EPA estimate. The car’s performance and fuel economy are related. For more information, check out Q60 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport’s fuel economy is competitive in the luxury performance coupe group. The BMW 440i Coupe with its inline-six gets around 25 MPG combined, which is slightly better. The Audi S5 Coupe, another competitor with a turbocharged V6, gets similar MPG to the BMW at about 24 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe is close to the Red Sport at 22 MPG combined. Buyers often compare these differences as well as horsepower, handling, interior features, and styling. The Red Sport delivers strong performance, unique style, and affordability. Some buyers will find that mix better than just chasing the best MPG. You can compare this model to all Infiniti fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t constantly use the Red Sport’s power. The twin-turbo V6 is fun, but hard acceleration uses fuel fast. Smooth throttle control will improve your MPG.

Use the car’s drive mode selector. “Standard” or “Eco” mode (if available) will change the throttle and shift points to save fuel. These modes work well for highway driving when you don’t need maximum performance.

Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure, which is on the driver’s side door. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Regularly check and adjust your tire pressure.

Avoid idling. Modern engines are efficient when running, and idling wastes fuel without moving. If you’ll wait for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Follow the maintenance schedule, especially air filter replacements. A dirty air filter limits airflow to the engine, which reduces efficiency and can lower fuel economy. Follow the service intervals in your owner’s manual.