A performance air filter replaces your stock filter with a higher-flow design that lets your engine breathe easier

The 2017 Infiniti Q60 2.0T Coupe comes with a standard paper air filter that traps dust and debris before air reaches the engine. A performance air filter uses a different material — usually pleated cotton or synthetic blend — that allows more air to flow through while still catching particles. The result is slightly better throttle response and, in some cases, a small gain in horsepower, though the real benefit for most drivers is easier maintenance and longer service life between replacements.

This is an optional upgrade, not a required service. Your stock filter works fine if you keep it clean. But if you're already thinking about maintenance or want a filter that lasts longer and flows better, a performance filter is a straightforward swap that takes 10 to 15 minutes and no special tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Performance air filters for the Q60 2.0T use cotton or synthetic materials that flow more air than the factory paper filter while still protecting your engine.
  • Installation takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires only basic hand tools — no special equipment or professional service needed.
  • Expect to pay between $40 and $80 for a quality performance filter, compared to $20 to $35 for a replacement OEM filter.
  • Performance filters are reusable and can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times, making them cheaper over the life of your vehicle than buying new paper filters repeatedly.
  • The air intake location on the Q60 2.0T is under the hood on the driver's side, making access straightforward for a DIY replacement.

How a performance filter differs from your factory filter

Your Q60 2.0T came with a pleated paper air filter inside a plastic housing. Paper is cheap, disposable, and does the job — but it's also restrictive by design. Once it gets dirty, airflow drops noticeably, which is why manufacturers recommend replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

A performance filter uses a layered cotton or synthetic material that has more surface area and lower resistance. This means air moves through more freely, and the filter can go longer before needing cleaning. Most performance filters are rated for 50,000 miles or more before cleaning, and they can be washed and reused instead of thrown away. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost, but over time you spend less money because you're not buying new filters as often.

Performance filters also tend to be slightly louder — you may hear more engine noise at full throttle — because there's less material dampening sound. For some drivers that's a feature; for others it's a drawback. It's worth test-driving a car with one installed if you're unsure whether you like the sound.

Where the air filter sits on your Q60 2.0T and how to access it

The air intake box on the 2017 Q60 2.0T is located on the driver's side of the engine bay, just behind the headlight. You'll see a black plastic box with a large hose running to the throttle body. The filter sits inside this box, and accessing it requires removing the box cover — usually held down by two or three clips or bolts.

Before you start, make sure the engine is cold and the car is parked on level ground. Open the hood and locate the air intake box. Unclip or unbolt the cover (check your owner's manual for the exact fasteners on your model year). Lift the cover straight up — it may stick slightly if the filter is dirty. Slide the old filter out, noting which direction the airflow arrow points (usually printed on the filter frame). Install the new filter in the same direction, replace the cover, and find the fasteners.

The whole job takes 10 to 15 minutes. You don't need a jack, ramps, or special tools — just your hands and possibly a screwdriver depending on how your cover is fastened.

Popular performance filter brands for the Q60 2.0T

Several manufacturers make performance filters that fit the 2017 Q60 2.0T. K&N is the most widely recognized name — their filters use a red cotton material and are sold at most auto parts stores. Pipercross and Injen also make cotton-blend filters for this model. AEM offers a similar product line. All of these are reusable, washable designs that fit the OEM air box without modification.

Prices typically range from $40 to $80 depending on the brand and where you buy. Some retailers offer them cheaper online than in-store. Before ordering, confirm the filter is listed as compatible with the 2017 Q60 2.0T — the Q60 came in multiple generations and engine sizes, so double-check the year and engine code (2.0T turbo in your case) to avoid ordering the wrong part.

If you prefer to stick with Infiniti's own parts, the OEM replacement filter costs $20 to $35 and is available through any Infiniti dealer or online parts retailers. It's a perfectly good filter; you're just paying less upfront but more over time because you'll replace it more often.

Cleaning and maintaining a reusable performance filter

One of the main advantages of a performance filter is that you can clean and reuse it instead of throwing it away. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how dusty your driving environment is. If you drive mostly on clean highways, you can go longer between cleanings. If you drive in desert or unpaved conditions, clean it more often.

To clean a cotton performance filter, use a dedicated filter cleaning kit (K&N and other brands sell them) or compressed air. Never use a pressure washer — the force can damage the delicate cotton fibers. Spray the filter gently from the clean side toward the dirty side to push debris out. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. Some people use a mild soap solution for heavily soiled filters, but follow your filter's instructions to avoid damaging the material.

A properly maintained performance filter can last the life of your vehicle. Even after 100,000 miles of cleaning and reinstalling, it will still flow better than a new paper filter. This is why the higher upfront cost pays for itself over time.

What to expect in terms of performance gains

A performance air filter alone will not transform your Q60 2.0T into a race car. The 2.0T turbo engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from the factory, and a filter upgrade typically adds 2 to 5 horsepower at best — often less in real-world driving. You'll notice the difference most when accelerating hard from a stop or merging on the highway, where the slightly improved airflow lets the turbo spool up a fraction faster.

The more noticeable benefit is throttle response. Because the filter flows more air, your foot-to-acceleration delay feels slightly shorter. It's subtle, but many drivers find it makes the car feel more responsive and engaging. Combined with a reusable filter that lasts longer than paper, this responsiveness improvement is often reason enough to upgrade.

If you're looking for bigger performance gains, a performance filter is usually paired with other modifications like a cold air intake, tuning, or exhaust work. On its own, it's a modest upgrade that improves feel more than raw power.

Warranty and compatibility considerations

Installing an aftermarket air filter will not void your Infiniti warranty. Air filters are considered maintenance items, and manufacturers cannot legally deny warranty coverage for engine problems just because you used a non-OEM filter. That said, if an engine problem is directly caused by a filter failure — for example, if a damaged filter allowed dirt into the engine — the manufacturer could argue that the filter caused the damage and deny that specific claim. In practice, this is rare with quality performance filters from established brands.

Make sure the filter you buy is listed as compatible with the 2017 Q60 2.0T 2.0L turbo. Some filters are sold for multiple Q60 model years or engine sizes, so verify the part number and fitment before ordering. If you're unsure, contact the filter manufacturer's customer service with your VIN — they can confirm compatibility in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a performance filter make my Q60 2.0T louder?

Yes, slightly. Performance filters have less material to dampen engine noise, so you'll hear more intake and turbo sounds at full throttle. Some drivers like this; others find it annoying. Test-drive a car with one installed if possible, or watch videos online to hear what it sounds like before buying.

How often do I need to clean a reusable performance filter?

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving environment. Dusty or unpaved roads mean more frequent cleaning; highway driving means you can go longer. Check your filter's instructions for specific guidance.

Can I install a performance filter myself, or do I need a mechanic?

You can install it yourself in 10 to 15 minutes with basic hand tools. The air box is straightforward to access on the Q60 2.0T, and there are no special skills required. If you're uncomfortable working under the hood, a mechanic can install it for you, though labor costs will add $50 to $100 to the price of the filter.

Is a performance filter worth the extra cost compared to a stock replacement?

If you plan to keep your Q60 for a long time, yes — the reusable design pays for itself over several years because you're not buying new filters repeatedly. If you're selling the car soon, a stock filter is cheaper upfront and does the job fine.

Will a performance filter hurt my fuel economy?

No. A performance filter may slightly improve fuel economy in some cases because the engine doesn't have to work as hard to pull air through a less restrictive filter. The difference is usually too small to measure, but it won't make things worse.