Infiniti hits at the Germans with a stylish and slippery FX on steroids. Big engine aside, the car looks as if it has spent a couple of weeks with the world’s best car tuners and fitness trainers!
Zlatko Mulabegovic

Can you keep a secret? Sure? Then let me share one with you. In the second week of September, I was invited to Abu Dhabi to witness the Japanese tuners from Mine’s in action, modifying a brand new Nissan GT-R to their Stage II package. The whole process took longer than expected and I was running very late, had to be back in Dubai in time for the Renault Safrane launch. As faith would have it, I was driving the new Infiniti FX50 that week; so, without further ado, I jumped into the car and put pedal to the metal. I can’t really tell you how many minutes it took me from Musaffah to Dubai, as one could easily calculate the average speed, which would put me in trouble with the traffic authorities. The FX50 swallowed the whole 130 kilometres in a blink, and despite deliberately charging on the highway, I was still shocked with the elapsed time. This car is fast! And now back to the test drive story.

My first encounter with the last-gen Infiniti FX was not this exciting, although the car did make waves when it first appeared. And, even though the funky looks, sporty proportions, great engines and the practicality of the new concept had won many new customers, the car never looked like it had a chance of upsetting its European competitors. Truth be told, the FX never reached its full potential, mainly due to the fact that its segment was a niche at the time. This is also one of the reasons that it didn’t “convert” as many German crossover owners as expected, something that is about to change pretty soon with the new FX. With sporty crossovers garnering increasing attention in the market, the time is just right for Infiniti to go after the European car makers and grab a larger slice of this prestigious market segment.

A few years after its launch, the FX returns with a vengeance. The second generation model has truly come of age and has taken the original concept to new levels of performance, style and refinement, making it a tangible threat to the Euro luxury crossovers, not only as a greater value-for-money offering, but as a car that blends luxury, performance and style in its own unique way. Perfect timing too!

Designed to turn heads
The new Infiniti FX retains the familiar silhouette, but is in essence a completely new car; not a single body panel is carried over from its predecessor. The nose of the car gets a distinctive new grille and wraparound multi-projector headlights that extend deep into the sculpted front fenders. The long hood looks even longer now as it bulges outward to meet the aggressively styled fenders and the whole visual treatment lends a truly athletic stance to the new FX, without ever obscuring its luxury side.

Infiniti has introduced distinctive side air vents behind the front wheels that both enhance the exterior and are truly functional, as they help reduce the buildup of hot air in the engine bay and are said to improve air flow by 5 per cent. The profile of the car also gets a boost from the massive 21-inch five-spoke wheels appositely produced by the wheel specialists Enkei from Japan.

The rear of the new FX is still bubbly as it used to be, with its distinctive shoulder line, but now sporting a redesigned tail gate, a chunkier roof spoiler, extended LED rear lights and a deeper bumper with two large exhaust tail pipes.

For me, one of the best features of the new design is its simplicity; the Infiniti designers have managed to make the car look rich and luxurious without having to resort to any bling or contrived design details that plague certain other crossovers today.

A brilliant engine
I know this is not Top Performance magazine, but the performance aspect of the new FX is what has truly blown me away; not that the original car was a wimp, but the V8-equipped car has truly impressed us all. The five-litre engine is 70 horsepower up on the output of the FX45, bringing the count up to a whopping 390 ponies. With 369 lb-ft of torque and the newly introduced variable valve timing tech, it pulls hard right from low revs all the way to the red line and sounds great while at it. Part of the brilliant performance lies in the 7-speed auto gearbox that delivers smooth shifts at light throttle and turns the car into a hot rod when pushed hard. The driver has the choice of auto, manual or paddle shifting and the downshifts come with a pre-programmed rev matching feature (read: throttle blips!).

Interior fit for a king
Taking the FX50 upmarket meant serious changes had to be done to the interior. Infiniti are renowned for designing and building great interiors and the cabin of the FX is another tribute to their skills and craftsmanship. The whole interior is driver-oriented, with a command centre-style cockpit and a familiar looking centre console with a top mounted display.

The leather-appointed eight-way power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat are available with efficient heating and cooling functions, thus they offer a great degree of comfort in both city driving and long trips, with sufficient lateral support for moments of spirited driving.

Infiniti has equipped the FX50 with every imaginable option, whether we’re talking about comfort, entertainment or connectivity. The list is very comprehensive and includes fine appointments like the advanced climate control, state of the art Bose audio system, intelligent key with push button, navigation system, all-round view monitor and an array of convenience options.

Enhanced performance
A powerful engine, well-tuned suspension, wider track, longer wheel base and efficient brakes mean that your driving experience aboard the new FX50 will be a memorable one. The new Infiniti sport crossover has it all, be it acceleration, braking, agility and great road holding. The humongous 21-inch tyres provide excellent grip and the FX corners like on rails, with less than expected body roll.

Had it not been for the ride height and weight, the FX actually performs like a large hatchback; poised and precise through the corners, with a natural tendency to understeer towards the limit and even some lift-off oversteer once you let go.

Behind the wheel
Infiniti has managed great improvements to the FX range, a vehicle that now plays in a different league than the previous model. The car looks, feels and performs better, and has increased levels of comfort, thanks to a number of targeted measures.

With a commanding seating position, great forward visibility and a high level of driving dynamics, the FX is so easy to live with. One can comfortably sit back and have a relaxed drive, since the composure of the FX means that you don’t have to work your whole body in order to attack that tempting corner. An array of safety features and intelligent technology further enhance the experience while keeping the passengers safe and entertained.

Where this car really excels is on the open road. My trip to Abu Dhabi was a real eye opener as to how fast this car covers ground, but without the driver fatigue usually associated with long distance transfers. Comfy cooled seats, leather-clad steering, efficient climate system et al contribute towards creating a fine driving environment.

Conclusion
The FX is a definite winner, being equipped with impeccable performance, unique styling and the right amount of luxury. Let’s not forget that it is priced to win too, which will play an important role in surpassing the significantly more expensive direct competitors.