Infiniti FX50S 2013 2012 Review

What we liked
>> Head-turning looks
>> Comfortable seating
>> Comparable petrol performance

Not so much
>> Rear-view mirror obscures forward vision
>> Fuel economy of V6 petrol
>> Pricing to be confirmed

The stance of an SUV with the proportions of a sports car: that's the catchphrase Infiniti is using to promote its FX high-performance luxury SUV. The FX is one of three nameplates that will soon go on sale Down Under, introducing the market to Nissan's luxury arm for the first time.

The aggressively-styled Infiniti FX will be offered with a choice of three engines in Australia; each model's nomenclature indicating the engines capacity and fuel type, a la BMW. The entry-level FX37 features a (235kW/360Nm) 3.7-litre petrol V6; the mid-spec FX30d a (175kW/550Nm) 3.0-litre diesel and the top-shelf FX50S a (287kW/500Nm) 5.0-litre V8 petrol.

All models are equipped with all-wheel drive and seven-speed automatic transmission, and all feature four-wheel disc brakes and double wishbone (front) / multi-link (rear) suspension with Dual Flow Path (DFP) shock absorbers.

Specification and pricing are yet to be announced: Infiniti says it will reveal those details closer to the model's local launch in Q3 of this year. But if the models driven across the ditch are anything to go by, this will see all variants arrive with a suite of driver assistance and equipment technologies comparable to FX's high-end rivals, such as the BMW X6 range, recently released Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and upcoming Lexus RX series. Among the highlights, FX includes an 11-speaker Bose audio system, keyless entry, intelligent cruise control, Around View Monitor camera system, sports seats and, of course, satellite navigation.

This high degree of equipment, Infiniti says, is presented via a warm, modern and inviting environment, with a driver-oriented cockpit boasting intuitive controls and sumptuous surrounds. The leather-clad front seats are heated and cooled and offer 10-way power adjustment and air-inflating lumbar support. Like others in the range, FX includes the brand's signature double-wave instrument panel and white/violet electroluminescent gauges.

Like any SUV, the five-seat FX maintains a high level of amenity and is peppered with an assortment of storage cubbies, drink holders and power outlets (four in total), as well as a boot Infiniti claims will hold four sets of golf clubs.

Ambience and convenience lighting inside and out, leather-bound driver controls, magnesium paddle shifters and brushed metal pedals add to FX's luxury air. Speaking of which, the advanced climate control system of FX50S uses a fibre impregnated with natural grape seed polyphenol to filter incoming air, effectively neutralising allergens.

Safety kit extends to the usual array of stability control systems, anti-lock brakes and abundance of airbags, while adding Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) which provides Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking if a collision is imminent; Distance Control Assist (DCA), which reduces the burden of driving in heavy traffic by intuitively helping to release the throttle and apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which helps keep the vehicle in its running lane.

Like Infiniti's performance-oriented G Coupe and Convertible models and M Sedan range M Sedan range the platform beneath the FX offers weight distribution designed to endow the model a distinct handling bias. Along with impressive braking and performance -- especially from the V8-powered FX50S -- the large SUV feels responsive across the cold and winding mountain roads encountered on our test route. It's assisted by an active rear-wheel steering system on the FX50S (and FX30d, not tested) and a dynamic all-wheel-drive system Infiniti calls ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split).

ON THE ROAD
Testing the two petrol-powered variants in the mountains surrounding Queenstown we find little difference in performance; a fact mirrored in Infiniti's own specification detail.

The six-cylinder offers less torque and as a result keeps the transmission busier over demanding roads, but straight-line and roll-on acceleration are so similar that unless you were towing or constantly hauling a car-full of passengers and kit, the price premium would be a hard point to argue… Unless you factor in fuel costs.

The V6 petrol indeed keeps pace with its V8-powered rival in most aspects, but as it's working harder to achieve the same result, it consumed more fuel when tested over similar roads (13.3 versus 14.4L/100km).

Grip appeared to be relentless on challenging, icy South Island roads and the transition of drive between front and rear wheels was quite seamless in terms of feel, and assured in result.

In both guises FX steers well with exceptional body control considering its bulk and high centre of gravity. The large bonnet stretching out before the windscreen is an obvious distraction, and not the only quirk of the car's external styling to affect outward visibility.

Due to the sloping rear-end and low rear window height, FX's windscreen-mounted rear-vision mirror sits much lower in the field of vision than an ordinary car, often obscuring vision to the left-hand side of the windscreen.

With more weight and tactility, the steering of both FX models sampled is an improvement of that in the M Hybrid. The ride quality is suitable for a luxury SUV but isn't so soft as to lose the handling characteristics desired from this sporty-looking newcomer.

Offering similar levels of proportion and amenity to other medium-sized luxury SUVs the FX is likely to compose the majority of the Infiniti brand's sales when it comes to market in late August (2012).

Just how well it will compete against established rivals will depend heavily on how it is priced, and the availability of those models Infiniti believes will compose the majority of its model mix. Watch this space...

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