2009 Infiniti Fx Review

When you first lock eyes with Infiniti’s all-new second-generation FX, you’ll struggle to convince yourself that it isn’t a concept car. But pinch yourself, because the new FX has arrived. It isn’t just the styling that’s now more extreme. Its wheels are bigger, its interior more lavish and it has more technology than ever before. And performance? Be prepared to hold on to your socks.

The original FX was an unusual vehicle. At the time of its launch, performance sport utility vehicles, let alone performance crossovers, were still in their infancy. The FX arrived before the Range Rover Sport or the original BMW X5 4.8is, and Porsche’s performance-oriented Cayenne had only been unveiled the year before. But the FX was different than any in this crowd. It wasn’t designed as a sport utility vehicle, but rather as a sporty tourer with a bit of ground clearance. And while the FX was hailed as one of the best driving crossovers around, it existed in a class of one until this year when BMW launched its X6.

The basic genes of this highly advanced machine are the same as in every other Infiniti, bar the QX56. This new model is based on the same “FM” platform as the old FX, as well as the G, M and EX. It’s also been used on the Nissan Z, and, in a modified form, the new GT-R. Balance is key with this chassis; the engine is mounted in a front-midship position to improve weight distribution, and despite the availability of all wheel drive on all FM-based Infinitis, they were designed first with rear wheel drive in mind. Though the recipe has stayed the same, the new FX is slightly bigger than the outgoing model with a longer wheelbase for improved interior space, and a taller body for more headroom. The first generation’s sports car proportions of a long nose, rear-mounted cabin and extra-wide track are still in place, as is the aggressive, organic styling which earned the original FX the nickname of “Bionic Cheetah”.

The FX’s sporting intentions are demonstrated through a pair of world-class engines, neither of which generates less than 300 horsepower. The entry level FX35 retains the same designation as the outgoing model, but features an upgraded version of the VQ engine, dubbed VQ35HR, which features a variety of electronic enhancements and mechanical upgrades to develop 303 horsepower over the old model’s 275 hp.

But the big news is in the eight-cylinder department. The FX’s V8 has swelled by a half-liter and gains Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system, first seen on the G37 S. It’s also mated to Infiniti’s first seven-speed automatic, which features paddles for simulated manual shifting. The combination of size and technology gains means that the new FX50 pumps out 390 horsepower, an impressive 70 horsepower increase over the old model and more power than the Porsche Cayenne S and BMW X5 4.8i, and as much as the Range Rover Sport Supercharged. In fact, the only direct rival that generates more power is BMW’s upcoming X6 xDrive50i, or the Cayenne GTS, and even then they only best the FX by ten and fifteen horsepower respectively.

But performance isn’t the FX’s sole strength, as its technological advancements are strong enough to qualify it as the most advanced SUV / crossover on the planet.

The FX50 has all the basics on board like keyless access with pushbutton start, self-repairing paint and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, but it’s the unique safety and convenience related features that really show Infiniti’s aspirations to be an international technology leader.

Fitted with the Navigation Package, the FX gains the latest sat-nav system, as well as the Around View Monitor system, which usefully patches live video streams from four different cameras to create an overhead view of surrounding vehicles. As impressive as this is, things get even more advanced with the Technology Package.

For the not-so-outrageous sum of $2,900, the FX features gadgets that show Infiniti’s technical superiority. Adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, while advanced, are not new for the segment. What shifts the game forward is its Distance Control Alert (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - the sort of features that put the FX in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Using the cruise control’s radar system, the on-board computer is able to determine whether or not the FX is on a collision course and will actively help the driver take action. Say you’re coasting on the highway, when all of a sudden a car one lane over cuts you off. Even if the adaptive cruise control isn’t activated, the FX will sound an audible beep, and a fraction of a second later, will apply its brakes. If you’re on the throttle the car will attempt to warn you by pushing up on the accelerator pedal, encouraging you to take immediate action. Provided that DCA is on (it must be activated every time the car is started), the FX will always slow down when a vehicle is in front, regardless if cruise control is on.

And if there weren’t enough three letter acronyms to keep track of, the FX marks the launch of the brand’s new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. Taking input from the LDW’s cameras, the FX’s stability control system will gently apply the brakes in order to alter the course of the vehicle, helping it to stay in its lane. These systems aren’t so much there to encourage driver laziness, but as an extra safety net. For those who believe that the driver ought to be in full control of their vehicle, each of these systems can be turned off.

But there are some technologies which even the most focused driver shouldn’t object to. With the Navigation package, the FX features full iPod integration and revised graphics that feature 3D buildings and traffic assistance. And I doubt anyone would vote against the Sport Package either, given that it only heightens the FX’s abilities with active rear wheel steering, summer performance tires and adaptive damping.

Even without the Sport package, the FX50 is about as good as anyone can expect from something that isn’t a “car”. It may sit higher off the ground than the EX, but it resists rolling and pitch just as well, and though it weighs 800-plus pounds more, it feels nearly as agile. This is the sort of vehicle that wasn’t just designed for high-speed cruising. No, you’ll actually want to put its active electronic all wheel drive, leather-wrapped magnesium paddles and each of its 390 horsepower to use on a daily basis.


Unfortunately, there’s a price to pay for this top-grade performance. For anyone coming out of a real sports car, the ride will be quite familiar. It’s firm in such a way that every expansion gap and undulation is broadcast with clarity, and over rough pavement it can get choppy. Though stunning, the six-spoke, 21-inch Enkei alloy wheels on low-profile rubber bear some of the responsibility. Unfortunately, no Sport-equipped vehicles were on hand for testing, as I feel adaptive damping would help strike a better balance.

On smooth surfaces the FX settles down, its ride making the transition to a supple tautness. Under these conditions, it’s a good long-distance companion, its cabin a nice place to spend time racking up the miles. Following the standard set by the EX35, the FX doesn’t disappoint. Like the EX, the seating position is really car-like; the height of the seating is low, and comparatively the door sills and dash are quite high. From the driver’s seat, the view out is more akin to a sports car, with the hood’s bulging dome and raised fenders in clear view.

The styling and the decor is also genuinely impressive. Virtually all plastics are of the low-sheen, soft-touch variety, and the leather buckets aren’t just perforated, but stitched with brown thread in a quilted pattern. This particular black interior scheme is complemented by hand-polished wood trim that’s darkened around its outermost edges, giving the impression that they’ve been aged and polished. Despite its classic decor, the FX remains driver-focused with the familiar Infiniti center console and nav screen, and violet-hued instrumentation.

Aside from a ride that’s a bit too firm, there aren’t many marks against the new FX, although a couple of things are worth mentioning. I find it strange that despite being bigger than the EX, there is less of a focus on practicality. It doesn’t, for instance, have a power-operated tailgate, or power folding and rising seats. Despite being a bigger vehicle, the FX also lost 2.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are in their upright position. Though V8s aren’t generally known for fuel economy, I found the FX50 to be especially thirsty. At a steady cruise abiding legal limits, I wasn’t able to extract better than 20 mpg. After a total of 500 miles, 200 of which were in the city, my average increased to 16.8 mpg. Undoubtedly, with two fewer cylinders the FX35 is the one to pick for saving at the pump.

But at the price the FX is offered at, these complaints are completely forgivable. The FX50 retails for just $56,700, some five grand cheaper than the six-cylinder X6 and tens of thousands less than a Cayenne S. A fully loaded FX with every single option costs no more than $62,000, making it a true bargain amongst its peers, especially considering how technologically advanced it is. Even better value for money is the FX35, which starts at just $40,950. Though you can’t get the Sport package, all other options cab be fitted with the smaller engined model.

The first generation FX was a bit of a road-going science experiment, a hybrid blend of vehicle types. As sales dwindled in its final year, it was questionable whether Infiniti would revive the idea. Not only has the FX come back, stronger and better than ever, it’s proven the viability of the performance crossover segment with the arrival of the X6. Nevertheless, I feel that Infiniti’s focus on quality and building on the strengths of the original will pay off well. It’s a unique vehicle, particularly from a styling perspective, but for the buyer who values the feel of a sports car and the practicality of a crossover, yet demands NASA-grade technology, it’s a fine choice. The legend of the “Bionic Cheetah” continues…