Head-to-head Infiniti Q60 Red Sport vs BMW 440i
The top non-m 4 Series gets sat-nav, reversing camera, head-up display, adaptive dampers, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and city braking systems. There’s also a parking assistant, adaptive LED headlights, high-beam assist, heated front seats, and BMW Connected Drive that offers live traffic information and valet services. 15/20
High tech, such as its digital instruments, lives with straight-edged design and plain plastics where the Infiniti often applies something richer, which gives the 440i a more austere feel. Yet the Q60 feels like a heavily gilded Japanese coupe and the BMW is more consistently ‘premium’, with slick infotainment and slightly roomier rear quarters. 16/20
The 440i plays a modern rendition of the classic BMW straight-six tune and powers via an eight-speed auto to a forceful top end. Its official 6.8L/100km figure is about 30 percent less than the Q60’s thanks to its 259kg-trimmer kerb weight (1525kg). With smaller outputs pushing fewer kilos, the 5.0sec 0-100km/h claim feels right. 16/20
The 440i is more compliant despite being on 19-inch runflats too. Its adaptive dampers strike a sweeter ride/handling compromise that brings composure and comfort over undulations. Fidgety ride over sharp bumps is seemingly the work of shallow, stiff sidewalls. But the 440i is better at isolating its occupants from wind rustle and tyre roar. 14/20
Having an actual steering column in the BMW contributes to making it the pick for driver confidence and involvement. Its feel and the chassis’ innate adjustability becomes more obvious the harder you drive the 440i, and the suspension is better at keeping the tyres glued to the surface when exiting bumpy corners. 16/20