Review: 2010 Infiniti FX is a luxurious sporty crossover, with lots of gadgetry

Review: 2010 Infiniti FX

“A ‘radical expression of sport and utility,’ the FX offers exceptional levels of performance, refinement and driving exhilaration,”: that is how Infiniti describes its 2010 FX SUV/Crossover. The expression may be a bit misinterpreted however, with regard to utility; that is one area where the vehicle falls blatantly short. The FX isn”t the only vehicle in its class with this shortcoming; the BMW X6 also offers less utility but puts more emphasis on performance, sportiness, and aggressive styling.

Having first hit the scene for the “03 model year, the FX had a long-running first generation; it was redesigned and reengineered for the first time in 2009. We were given the opportunity to examine the new product up close when the folks at Infiniti dropped it off the all-new 2010 Infiniti FX 50S at our garage, and we must say, we were really impressed with the overall drive quality, performance, and convenient interior features.

Click through to read more and to view our high-res gallery (at the bottom of the article).

2010 Infiniti FX50 S Specifications:

  • Base Price: $56,400 (base 2010 Infiniti FX35 starts at $41,600).
  • Price as Tested: $65,920.
  • Engine: 5.0L V8 ““ 390-hp / 369 lb-ft.
  • Transmission: 7-speed automatic.
  • Curb Weight: 4,546 lbs.
  • 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 seconds.
  • Top Speed: 145 mph.
  • Fuel-economy (city/highway): 14/20 mpg.

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Exterior:

It definitely turns heads… depending on how you look it.

Infiniti says that the 2010 FX is a head turner. While this may be true, that is only a good thing if heads are being turned toward the vehicle. While the FX isn”t an atrocity to look at, the styling of the vehicle can come off as a bit aggressive when compared to that of the competition. The long hood, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and low center of gravity indicate to us that when they got in the lab to redesign the vehicle, they focused heavily on proportioning the car in a very sporty manner. Contributing even more to the sportiness of the vehicle is the body design”s distinctive, functioning side air vents which are located behind the front wheels and allow air to flow through the engine compartment and out of the side of the vehicle, reducing front end lift.

When viewed from the rear, the second generation differs very little from the first. The front of the vehicle however, is a different story with its new, much more dramatic “˜wave” style grille, which we think is a little too aggressive. Rounding out the aggressiveness of the vehicle are Infiniti”s signature fog lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights, and a strong front-to-rear shoulder line. The large LED taillights are an interesting touch however, as they extend beyond the body helping to create aerodynamic downforce.

While the body design of the 2010 FX is certainly not without merit, we feel that it is overly dramatic when compared to that of the competition.

Interior:

An inside that is welcoming with numerous advanced technology features and solid quality.

The interior of the FX has been totally redesigned to include an emphasis on sportiness while being oriented around the driver. All 2010 FX models come standard with a pretty solid set of options that includes; Infiniti Intelligent Key with push button start, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-appointed seats, 60/40 split rear bench seating that reclines as well as folds down, power windows with front and rear one touch functionality, and an advanced Bose audio system that carries with it 11-speakers, AM/FM/CD player, and a 2GB Music Box Hard Drive with USB connectivity for AV playback and iPod user interface. An XM Satellite Radio (subscription sold separately) is also included as standard equipment with a diversity antenna and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

All FX 50 models include all of the above amenities while adding the convenience of Infiniti”s Hard Drive (HDD) Navigation system, which features XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information, XM NavWeather real-time weather information, Zagat Restaurant Guide, and Bluetooth Streaming Audio. The standard 2GB Music Box system is upgraded to 9.3GB and Voice Recognition for the navigation and audio systems also come standard on all FX 50 models.

There are also a plethora of optional features that add to the driving experience, and that are included in various trim packages. They include: Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster ionizer which reduces interior airborne contaminants by way of a “˜Clean Mode” which uses ionization to reduce unwanted airborne particles, Infiniti Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) adaptive cruise control, Around View Monitor system which provides a birds-eye view of the vehicles surroundings, sport-style front seats, solid magnesium paddle shifters, dark-tinted headlight bezels, Continuous Damping Control and Rear Active Steer, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist, Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, rain-sensing wipers and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) headlights with auto-leveling.

In terms of functionality as an SUV, the FX falls a bit short with its mere 24.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 62.0 cubic feet with the seats down. This isn”t detrimental however, as shoppers of this sub-segment are often in search of performance more than a significant utility.

Performance:

The Infiniti FX offers sports car performance and crossover like comfort.

The entry-level 2010 Infiniti FX 35 pulls its power from a 303-hp V6 engine. The FX 50S that we tested however, derives power from 5.0L V8 that puts out 390-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 7-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with manual shift mode and adaptive shift control, the FX 50 attains 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 145 mph. In terms of drive quality, the FX 50 is delivers a very pleasurable ride; great for the intensely spirited driver or leisurely Sunday driver.

All FX models offer independent suspension at all four corners, with a double-wishbone suspension design up front, and a multi-link design in the rear. Large diameter stabilizer bars are utilized at both ends, and the system also incorporates special Dual Flow Path shock absorber technology with rebound springs, all of which combine to deliver an extremely comfortable ride and superbly firm handling.

Both the FX35 and FX50 are available with Infiniti”s advanced ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions.

When compared to the German competition in terms of performance, the FX holds its own, delivering the zip, power, smooth acceleration, tight handling, and firm ride that we have come to love from the likes of the Germans.

Overall:

The Infiniti FX is one of the best in its segment with one of the most attractive price tags in the segment.

Drive quality, luxury, and standard and optional equipment all considered, the FX represents a great buy. Pricing starts at $42,850 for the entry-level 303-hp V6 FX35, with the all-wheel drive option bringing the MSRP to $44,300. The FX50 demands a heftier price, starting at $59,000 and coming standardly equipped with all-wheel-drive. This is still a bargain when you consider that the FX”s closest competitor, the BMW X6 xDrive50i starts at $67,200. Anyone in the market that is willing to sacrifice utility for a sport ride owes it to themselves test-drive both models.

If you are more price-conscious however, the FX is certainly the vehicle for you considering the plush amenities and sporty 390-hp engine for about $8,000 less than the sticker on the X6 xDrive50i.

Review: 2010 Infiniti FX50 S:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

– By: Stephen Calogera