When fuel efficiency takes a back seat to safety and driving assistance features, it’s hard to do much better than the Infiniti FX, for the price.
The 2009 Infiniti FX may not do great in fuel economy but many Baltimore-area commuters have been wowed by the assistance and safety components of the luxury crossover. Although technically a station wagon, the FX’s independent suspension and V-6 or V-8 engine options drives more like a sport sedan with cargo space.
“It not only helps protect in accidents, it helps prevent the accidents in the first place,” said Brandon Schaefer, general manger of Nationwide Infiniti of Timonium. “Our buyers say the technology is incredible.”
That redesigned 2009 includes commuter-friendly features such as Distance Control Assist, which is cruise control that adjusts the throttle or braking to keep a set distance from the vehicle ahead. Intelligent Brake Assist gives forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. A combined Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system not only alerts the driver when the vehicle strays off course but actively adjusts when engaged.
A Sport Package option popular with downtown drivers is the Rear Active Steer, which steers in the same direction as the driver at high speeds and the opposite direction at low speeds for tighter turning and easier parking.
A step up from the increasing ubiquitous rearview camera is the Around View Monitor. This system combines the images from four cameras to give a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle surroundings.
The technological assistance makes the FX “one of the safest vehicles out there,” said Dan Matysek, general manager at JBA Infiniti, in Ellicott City. “The technology is what’s wowing our customers.”
The plethora of driving assistance features should help take the sting out of the vehicle’s relatively poor fuel efficiency. The 303-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 has a mileage rating of 16-mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive model is rated 16/2. The 5.0-liter V-8 has 390 horsepower and fuel ratings of 14-mpg city and 20 highway.
In fact, many customers focus on the engine-punch side of the fuel economy equation, Schaefer said.
“It’s a rocket ship of a vehicle and $20,000 less than a Porsche Cayenne, where many of these people would otherwise be looking for this level of luxury,” he said, about the V-8 version.
That doesn’t mean the FX is cheap. Along with the stepped up technology and upgraded, quieter cabin, the V-6-powered FX35 starts at $41,775, including the $825 freight charge. All-wheel drive adds $1,400. The V-8-powered FX50 starts at $57,525 and includes AWD.
At least commuters spending long hours in traffic won’t have to worry too much about frequent premium gas refills with a 24-gallon tank.
Although hybrid or diesel versions of the FX are not currently planned, the vehicle’s significant technological offers might just give it the edge in the high-end commuter’s heart. And if not, there’s always the eternal luxury appeal of quilted leather, air-conditioned seats and other conveniences.
Editors’ note: Included information by Mark Maynard published by Creators Syndicate.
SPECS BOX
2009 Infiniti FX50
Engine: 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter, 32-valve DOHC V8 engine
Transmission: Seven-speed with magnesium paddle shifters
Fuel economy: 14 mpg city, 20 highway; 91 octane recommended
Price: $57,525, base, including $825 freight charge
