Driving Impressions

The Infiniti FX is designed to be driven enthusiastically, borrowing its chassis architecture from the rear-drive Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35. Rather than an SUV, we'd call it a fine luxury sport wagon with a higher seating position. We should note that it has more interior space than the sport wagons can offer, and we think it is also more exciting to drive than most of them. Plant the V8-powered FX45's accelerator to the floor and you'll be rewarded with a healthy hot-rod roar. As revs rise, the sound becomes a higher-pitched hum. Brisk acceleration makes the big FX feel athletic and nimble. You get the feeling you can pass anything in front of you. And Infiniti's design objectives come more clearly into focus. The Infiniti FX45 offers comparable acceleration performance to the Porsche Cayenne S, according to each manufacturer's statistics. Infiniti says the FX45 can zip from 0 to 60 mph in slightly more than 6 seconds, while Porsche says the Cayenne S, even with its more powerful V8 engine, takes nearly 0.2 second longer. How can that be? Very simply, the Infiniti FX is considerably lighter, so each of its 315 horses is hauling fewer pounds. The V6-powered FX35 is no slouch, either. It launches impressively from a stop, largely because it has substantially more horsepower and torque than most other six-cylinder SUVs. There's as much oomph here as most owners will ever need. We found its acceleration performance entirely satisfactory. The V6 engine that powers the FX35 is the same engine used in the Nissan 350Z sports car. It's powerful, giving the FX35 responsive performance. While driving the FX35, we never found ourselves wishing for the more powerful FX45. Granted, the step up to the V8 is noticeable, particularly when you stab the gas at, say, 60 mph. The FX45 will rocket to 80 at a much greater rate than the FX35. However, with gas prices rising, one must note that the V8 also chugs fuel at a much greater rate, reducing range between fill-ups by anywhere from 25 to 75 miles, according to the EPA's numbers. Both FX models are electronically limited to a top speed of 130. All this power is managed with sophisticated electronics with names that sound like alphabet soup. The ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel-drive system improves handling in limited traction situations due to its optimum 50/50 front/rear torque distribution, which can shift rearward up to 0/100 when conditions require. The system provides good starting traction and stable acceleration in snow-covered or off-road situations, since it always starts off with the torque split 50/50. The VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) electronic stability control system reduces engine output and/or lightly applies braking force to individual wheels when entering a corner too fast. It engages so gradually that we couldn't detect when it was working. The FX suspension is stiff, reflecting Infiniti's decision not to make this SUV an off-road vehicle. With its limited travel and taut feel, the suspension gives the FX excellent handling on smooth, winding roads. However, we noted that the stiff suspension made the FX less than ideal when traveling any distance on an unpaved road. And while the FX offers a high ground clearance of 7.6 inches, it doesn't have skid plates, underside armor, or the long travel and compliant suspension tuning of a true off-road vehicle. On tight and sweeping corners, however, the body stays incredibly level, which is the plus side of its stiff suspension. We drove it hard, as we would drive a sports sedan. Understeer, or the sliding of the front tires that is the default skid condition in most vehicles, begins very gradually when you aim the FX into a corner, and the front wheels continue to push only slightly until you get near its very high cornering limits. If really pushed, the VDC allows a slight amount of power overs

Final Word

The Infiniti FX is the sports car of SUVs. It's not suited for driving off road or on unpaved roads, but works really well on winding mountain pavement. With all-wheel drive, it is terrific on ice and snow. It comes stuffed with the latest in active safety and passive safety features. Its futuristic technology includes a rear-view camera that senses objects behind the vehicle, Intelligent Cruise Control that senses traffic ahead, a key that can automatically unlocks the doors when you approach the car, and the Lane Departure Warning system. Plus there's an amazing stereo and a DVD video player for back-seat riders. If you're looking for a unique, road-burning, high-style luxury SUV for your ski team, the Infiniti FX is worth looking at. It's more fun to drive than you may expect. NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough is based in Southern California.