Back in 2015 Infiniti showcased the Q60 Concept, and by the time the 2016 Detroit Auto Show came around, we were looking at the long-awaited production model. Now available in a total of eight trim level – four variations of the 2.0t, two variations of the 3.0t, and two versions of the Red Sport model – the lineup is growing yet again with the introduction of the Q60 3.0t Sport. The Q60 came complete with three all-new turbocharged engines, new ride and handling technologies, and a new infotainment system, effectively building on the sport coupe foundation that started with the Infiniti G35 back in 2003. The new 3.0t Sport comes with the new VR-Series, twin-turbo V-6 that displaces 3.0-liters and delivers a cool 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. But, that’s not all.

As a model that slots above the Q60 3.0t Premium AWD and the Q60 Red Sport 400, the 3.0t Sport borrows quite a few features from the 400, including the sport brake system with silver painted calipers, the dynamic digital suspension system with sport tuning, and a sexy set of 19-inch, aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside you’ll find healthy doses of carbon fiber interior trim panels, semi-aniline leather sport seats, paddle shifters for spirited driving, and aluminum-accented pedals. Memory storage holds settings of the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, mirrors, and ambient lighting for up to two people as standard.

The Q60 3.0t Sport will hit showrooms starting in December of 2016 and will carry a starting price of $48,300 -- $2,000 more than the 3.0t Premium AWD, and $3,000 less than the Red Sport 400.

Why it matters

There are so many different variants of the Q60 that it’s hard to keep track of them all. You can get into an entry-level model for as little as $38,950, while the range-topping Red Sport 400 AWD commands a staggering $53,300. This new model is pretty high up in the lineup, but considering it borrows some features from the Red Sport 400, yet costs $3,000 less is a pretty big deal. The only downside is that the engine is still rated at just 300 ponies, while the Red Sport gets tuned for 400. But, there’s something more that should be noted here. The Q60 competes directly with the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes C-Class Coupe.

The C-Class Coupe is only available in C300 or C300 4Matic form, which are priced at $42,650 and $44,650, respectively. For that kind of money, you get a 2.0-liter four-banger that delivers 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. You can get to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Of course, there are AMG variants as well, but we’ll leave that discussion for another time. Looking at the 4 Series, the entry-level 430i and 430i xDrive command $42,150 and $44,150 and are powered by a 2.0-liter four-banger with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. 0-to-60 mph comes as quick as 5.5 seconds. Unlike the C-Class, the 4 Series does have a competitor for the Q60 3.0t model that comes in the form of the 440i. It has a 3.0-liter inline-six that pumps out 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.

The real kicker of the matter is the price point of the competition compared to the Q60. The entry-level Q60 comes in several thousand dollars cheaper than the C-Class and 4 Series (four-cylinder models) while offering comparable power and performance. The range-topping 2.0t model is right around the same price as the entry-level models from the competitors. In terms of the six-cylinder Bimmer and the 3.0t Q60, it comes in some $4,000 cheaper but offers a few less horsepower. Either way, the Q60 is definitely priced as a strong proposition to its German competition and certainly gives you a better bang for your buck if you don’t mind being a few horsepower short in comparison.