Infiniti FX37, FX30d and FX50S Premium Launch Review
INFINITI FX SUV REVIEW
Variants Reviewed | ||||
Model | Price | Power/Torque | Trans | Fuel Use |
FX37 3.5 petrol | $83,900+ | 235kW/360Nm | 7 auto | 12.1 l/100km |
FX30d 3.0 diesel | $85,900+ | 175kW/550Nm | 7 auto | 9.0 l/100km |
FX50S Premium | $114,900 | 287kW/500Nm | 7 auto | 13.1 l/100km |
OVERVIEW
It’s got the biggest snout in the business, a wide, wide stance, truncated tail, pumped guards and fat wheels at each corner – for style and presence, Infiniti has nailed it with the new FX SUV range.
And, whichever model you choose - V6 petrol or diesel, or the top-spec FX50S V8 - they may be high-striding SUVs, but each is also a genuinely sharp sporting drive.
Introduced simultaneously with the M sedan, Infiniti’s FX offers a choice of three potent engines, athletic on-road dynamics and the sumptuous interior and similar fastidious attention to detail of the M sedan range.
But where the M sedans are rear-wheel drive only, the FX puts all four wheels to work. And while it misses a hybrid for now, it can offer a rock-crushing V8 under that patrician nose.
Yes, it may be the older car of Infiniti’s new two model Australian range, but the FX is the tastier and more intriguing.
The Interior
Like the M sedan range, the three Infiniti FX models – the FX37, FX30d and FX50S - are ridiculously well-appointed.
The FXs we drove missed on the Rickenbacker-style wood surfaces (you can specify ‘maple wood’), and the marriage of lines of the interior lacks the cohesion of the newer M sedans, but this too is a cosseting and inviting place to spend some time.
Like its M stablemates, Infiniti’s FX range can size up its competitors from Lexus, Audi or BMW for the crafting of the interior, the quality of trim materials, luxury feel and attention to detail.
The FX models get a smaller steering wheel than the M sedans with a more sporting feel (and a faster rack). Besides soft leathers and flawless stitching, piano black, brushed alloy, subtle chrome highlights, and beautifully crafted switchgear distinguishes this cabin from lesser environs.
Also like the M sedans, standard to the FX range is the same keyless entry functions with system-settings memory for audio, climate control, seat and steering wheel settings; active noise control; rear view camera and monitor, active steer and rear-wheel steer; cruise control with distance control assist; lane departure warning and lane departure prevention (the latter only in up-spec models).
There's also air-con and climate control (with Infiniti's 'forest air' system), Bluetooth and audio streaming, satellite navigation and superb Bose audio system.
2012_infiniti_fx_launch_review_03