21 MPG combined isn’t going to win the 2020 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport any green awards, but that’s not the point of this car. This is a stylish, powerful coupe designed to deliver driving thrills, and for the buyer who prioritizes performance and head-turning looks, fuel economy takes a back seat.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Q60 Red Sport AWD at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving where the twin-turbo V6 is constantly spooling up and down, which impacts fuel consumption. The highway MPG is more respectable and achievable when cruising steadily on longer journeys. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, isn’t programmed for maximum fuel savings. It prioritizes responsiveness, holding gears longer to keep the engine in its power band. While some competitors offer more gears to optimize fuel efficiency, the Q60 Red Sport focuses on delivering power exactly when you need it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport AWD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, which contributes to the higher annual cost. This figure provides a baseline for estimating your personal fuel expenses. Drivers who spend more time in city traffic or have a heavier foot will likely exceed this amount, while those who do mostly highway driving might come in under it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a standardized benchmark, your actual fuel economy may vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and cold weather can all negatively impact MPG. The all-wheel-drive system, while enhancing grip and stability, also adds weight and contributes to slightly lower fuel economy compared to the rear-wheel-drive version. If you regularly exploit the Q60 Red Sport’s performance capabilities, expect to see numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower. But if you can resist the temptation of the turbochargers and adopt a more relaxed driving style, achieving the EPA highway figure is within reach. Consider checking out Q60 MPG across all years to get a more nuanced understanding.

How it compares

The Q60 Red Sport’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect from a powerful, all-wheel-drive coupe. The BMW 440i xDrive coupe, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined, a noticeable advantage. The Audi S5 Coupe is rated at 24 MPG combined, similarly outpacing the Infiniti. Even the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe achieves 22 MPG combined. What the Infiniti offers is similar straight-line performance at a lower price point. Buyers selecting the Red Sport may accept a slight compromise in efficiency for the sake of looks and value. For those seeking a balance of performance and fuel efficiency within the Infiniti brand, examining all Infiniti fuel economy data is worthwhile. This difference matters to the enthusiast who carefully weighs performance, style, and cost when making their purchasing decision. The Q60 Red Sport is not aimed at the hyper-efficient commuter, it appeals to a different buyer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling. The Q60 Red Sport’s engine consumes a surprising amount of fuel when idling, especially when cold. Avoid prolonged idling, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway significantly improves fuel economy. Use cruise control whenever possible to avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which leads to lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level.

Lighten the load. Remove any unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight. Every extra pound contributes to higher fuel consumption.

Resist the urge to constantly accelerate hard. The Q60 Red Sport’s twin-turbo engine is incredibly responsive, but each time you floor the accelerator, you are burning a lot of extra fuel. Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration to improve your MPG.