Infiniti Q60 Coupe

Importing a used Infiniti Q60 Coupe from the USA

The Infiniti Q60 Coupe is one of those cars that makes far more sense on the American used market than it ever did in Europe. Nissan's luxury division sold it in large numbers across the United States, which means the supply of clean, well-equipped examples is deep and the choice of drivetrains is wide. As an independent import broker, USCar Trader sources these cars for German and EU buyers who want a rear-drive twin-turbo coupe that almost nobody else on their street will have. Below is a genuinely detailed look at what you are buying, what to watch for, and how the import actually works.

Production years and key changes

The Q60 name arrived in 2014 as a rebadge of the well-liked G37 Coupe, so the earliest "Q60 Coupe" cars are mechanically the outgoing G-series with the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR V6. The car most buyers mean, though, is the second-generation CV37 introduced for the 2017 model year and built through 2022. It rides on the same rear-drive FM platform as the Q50 sedan, adopts sharp "Powerful Elegance" styling, and switched to Infiniti's VR-series turbocharged V6. Understanding which generation you are looking at matters, because the driving character and the known weak points are completely different.

What is under the hood

The headline unit on the CV37 is the 3.0-litre VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, offered in two states of tune: roughly 300 hp in the standard 3.0t and about 400 hp in the Red Sport 400. A Mercedes-derived 2.0-litre turbo four (the M274, around 208 hp) sat at the bottom of the US range but is rarer. Every CV37 uses a seven-speed automatic and offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or Infiniti's Intelligent AWD. The first-generation cars carry the naturally aspirated 3.7 VQ37 with 325–330 hp and a seven-speed auto. On the US market the twin-turbo Q60, especially the Red Sport with its available Direct Adaptive Steer (steer-by-wire), is by far the most common configuration.

Trims and body styles

The Q60 Coupe was sold only as a two-door hardtop; the convertible body died with the G37-based cars. Typical US trim ladders read Pure, Luxe, Sport and Red Sport 400. Higher trims add the ProASSIST/ProACTIVE driver aids, Bose audio, quilted leather, adaptive dampers and larger 19-inch wheels. Because American buyers loaded these cars heavily, even mid-range examples usually carry a generous equipment list.

What the US market offers

Supply is the Q60's biggest advantage. Well-kept 2017–2020 cars with 40,000–90,000 miles turn up constantly across sunbelt states, where a lack of road salt keeps underbodies clean. Red Sport 400 examples command more attention but are still plentiful. Because the coupe was often a second car, mileage tends to be lower than on comparable sedans. Focus your search on southern and western states for the best structural condition and look closely at maintenance records on any turbocharged car.

Who this import is for

This is a car for a buyer who wants a comfortable, quick, individual grand tourer rather than a razor-edged sports coupe. If you value the twin-turbo V6's effortless torque, a quiet cabin and rarity in Europe over ultimate steering feel, importing a used Q60 from the USA is a rational move. Drivers cross-shopping a used BMW 4 Series or Lexus RC who want something less common will find the Q60 rewarding.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

Q60 reliability is broadly good but not flawless. On the VR30 twin-turbo cars, early build years drew attention for coolant and oil leaks around the turbo plumbing, and a small number of engines suffered from a known service campaign related to internal coolant intrusion; a documented history and a cold-start inspection matter. The seven-speed automatic is durable if fluid changes were done. Steer-by-wire on Red Sport cars is reliable but numb in feel, which some drivers dislike. The dual-touchscreen InTouch infotainment is dated and occasionally glitchy. First-generation VQ37 cars are mechanically tough, with oil consumption and timing-related noises being the main things to check on high-mileage examples.

US vs. Europe differences

US Q60s run amber side markers, sometimes different headlight beam patterns, and MPH-dominant instruments. Infotainment is set to US navigation data and imperial units. None of this is a barrier, but the lighting and speedometer are the items a German inspector will look at. Radio frequency spacing and, on older cars, daytime running light behaviour may also need attention.

How the import works

The process is methodical: select a specific car and confirm its exact specification; run a VIN and plant-of-origin check plus a Carfax or AutoCheck history; agree terms and use secure escrow so funds are protected until the car is verified; arrange ocean freight (usually container for a coupe like this); clear EU customs on arrival; present the car for TÜV and, where required, individual approval (§21 StVZO); then complete German registration. USCar Trader coordinates each of these steps as your intermediary.

Import duty, VAT and fees

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

The Q60 is built in Japan (Tochigi), so it is not a US-origin vehicle. For a car without provable US origin, the standard EU third-country customs duty for passenger cars of 10 percent applies. The 0 percent preferential rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 only applies to vehicles with provable US origin (VIN and plant), imported under direct transport during the window that runs to 31 December 2029 — a Japanese-built Q60 will not normally qualify. On top of the duty, the 19 percent German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated separately. We never add a hidden margin; you pay the vehicle, the freight, the duty and the VAT.

From modifications to registration

Typical work for a German approval includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting or replacing headlights to a compliant beam pattern, converting side markers, and confirming the odometer is documented in a way the authorities accept. Because the Q60 was a global model, most parts are straightforward to source. Once the technical approval is issued, registration follows the normal path.

Pre-buy inspection points

Verify the VIN against the listing and the plant of build. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck report and read the ownership and accident history. Inspect the underbody for rust, especially on cars from northern states. Confirm turbo-related service and oil-change records on VR30 cars. Check the title status (clean vs. salvage/rebuilt). Test all electronics and the infotainment. Confirm tyre age and brake condition.

What buyers ask most

Is the Infiniti Q60 reliable enough to import?

Yes, with sensible checks. The VR30 twin-turbo needs a documented service history; the older VQ37 is very robust. Buy on condition and paperwork, not just price.

Which Q60 engine should I look for?

The 300 hp 3.0t offers the best balance of performance and running costs; the Red Sport 400 is the enthusiast pick but demands premium fuel and careful history.

Does a US-built rule mean the Q60 gets 0 percent duty?

No. The Q60 is Japanese-built, so the standard 10 percent car duty applies. The 0 percent rate is reserved for provable US-origin vehicles.

Will the 19 percent import VAT still apply?

Always. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19 percent is charged on every import regardless of origin and is calculated separately from any duty.

Is AWD or RWD better for German conditions?

Intelligent AWD adds year-round security; RWD is lighter and purer. Both are common on the US market, so you can choose.

How long does the import take?

Typically several weeks once purchased, driven mostly by ocean freight scheduling and customs clearance.

Can I get the infotainment into German?

Menus can usually be switched to metric and, on many cars, another language; full European navigation mapping may need a data update.

Are parts available in Europe?

Yes. Shared Nissan/Infiniti components and the widely used VR30/VQ engines keep parts supply reasonable.

Explore more with our Infiniti in the Carhub, compare the Lexus RC, the Nissan 370Z Coupe and the BMW M4 Coupe, or browse current Q60 Coupe listings.