Here’s a tip: If you are in the private detective business, you don’t want to buy a 2011 Infiniti FX50. The bold, aggressive styling with a long hood, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, distinctive side air vents and fog lamps is a true standout. If this keeps up, it won’t be difficult to imagine Infiniti joining the ranks of the ultra luxury cars — you know, the kind people mention in reverent tones.
Even just casually saying that I was testing an Infiniti FX50 brought plenty of enthusiasm and requests for a peak at it. Yes, it’s truly one of the cool kids on the block.
But the 2011 Infiniti FX50 is really for a select buyer — someone that wants lots of high-tech features, sporty looks and a posh interior. If you’re looking for a car to take the whole family on vacation, you’ll likely want to move on. The styling of this SUV really does cut into the interior space.
| 2011 Infiniti FX50 |
| » Engine: 390-horsepower, 5-liter, 32-valve V-8 with dual overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Event and Lift |
| » Transmission: 7-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with manual-shift mode and adaptive shift control |
| » MSRP: $42,600 |
On a recent trip, I was traveling with three other adults and our luggage. Candidly, it was a tight fit even when we had one suitcase stuffed between the adults in the back seat.
With a length of just over 191 inches and a width just under 76 inches, this is a bold luxury SUV. But to really haul anything large, the rear seats need to be folded down to get the 62 inches of cargo space rather than just under 25 inches when the seats are up.
The real benefits of the FX50 interior are the high-tech systems you only find in select, high-end sedans. Full leather interior, dual-zone temperature control, XM Satellite Radio, Bose Premium audio system, rearview monitor and ultra-sophisticated navigation with 3D graphics are just some of those pluses.
What I most appreciated was the lane departure prevention system. Basically, the system senses if the vehicle drifts toward the edge of a lane, sounds a warning and applies the brakes on the opposite side of the car to help the driver ease the car back.
Another big perk is the automatic driving position system, which moves the steering wheel and outside mirrors into the correct position when the seat is adjusted.
And what a pleasure this car is to drive. The FX50 has a 390-horsepower, 5-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine with dual overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Event and Lift. What does that mean to you? Power galore whether you’re driving up a steep dirt road or moving into fast-paced traffic. The standard 7-speed automatic transmission is smooth, with no lag at all.
Critics at Car and Driver question whether there’s really a need for a midsize luxury SUV that goes from zero to 60 in 5 seconds. If you’re one of the drivers who has such a need, the FX50 will give you that power and a whole lot more.
