The radically-styled first-generation Infiniti FX took the industry, the media and consumers by surprise. A few years later, everyone wondered if the company would push the envelope even further for the encore. Well, I’m here to report that version 2.0 brings extreme styling to the table… and then some.
As the flagship crossover of Nissan’s premium division, the FX had to — and did — keep its raging cheetah looks. Fans can thank Infiniti designers for building on the successful attributes of the original.
The new and improved FX still sport massive 21-inch wheels, a sleek, super-low roofline and a menacing stare. And once again, the taut and muscular Japanese feline proves to be more compact than its direct rivals, including the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Acura ZDX and Lexus RX. The subtle size difference makes for superior driving dynamics and handling about town.
Gadget galore
The 2010 Infiniti FX50 is not a mere styling exercise aimed at breaking the barriers of the crossover genre. The more business-like interior shows exceptional design execution, fit and finish. Its attention to detail serves as a testament to the brand’s serious approach to luxury. The driver and front passenger quarters are nicely defined, while the tall driving position and long hood make you feel invincible behind the wheel, especially with the roaring V8 engine to back you.
On the safety front, engineers made no compromise whatsoever, creating a technology-laden vehicle that almost drives by itself. Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning can sense an imminent collision faster than the human eye and work to slow down the FX before you even touch the brake pedal. Intelligent Cruise Control can actively maintain a preset distance between you and the vehicle ahead, while Lane Departure Warning sends an auditory signal and vibrates the steering wheel if it senses that the FX is unintentionally drifting out of its lane.
These nannies are great on paper, but they will startle you every time they step in and become slightly annoying after a quick while. For sure, on the off chance that I fall asleep while driving this blood-pumping rig, I’d be immensely glad to have them.
The company also incorporated its exclusive Around View Monitor that uses four cameras (one on each side) to provide a virtual, 360-degree view. This bird’s-eye perspective can be pretty helpful since visibility is substantially limited by the narrow tailgate window and rear side glass. On top of that, an available sonar system will beep if you don’t pay enough attention and are about to run over your little son’s bike!
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| The 2010 Infiniti FX50 is arguably a toy. Granted, it’s a wickedly-powerful, undeniably-luxurious, insanely-sexy and highly-dynamic four-wheel toy. (Photo: Bertrand Godin/Auto123.com) |
As the flagship crossover of Nissan’s premium division, the FX had to — and did — keep its raging cheetah looks. Fans can thank Infiniti designers for building on the successful attributes of the original.
The new and improved FX still sport massive 21-inch wheels, a sleek, super-low roofline and a menacing stare. And once again, the taut and muscular Japanese feline proves to be more compact than its direct rivals, including the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Acura ZDX and Lexus RX. The subtle size difference makes for superior driving dynamics and handling about town.
Gadget galore
The 2010 Infiniti FX50 is not a mere styling exercise aimed at breaking the barriers of the crossover genre. The more business-like interior shows exceptional design execution, fit and finish. Its attention to detail serves as a testament to the brand’s serious approach to luxury. The driver and front passenger quarters are nicely defined, while the tall driving position and long hood make you feel invincible behind the wheel, especially with the roaring V8 engine to back you.
On the safety front, engineers made no compromise whatsoever, creating a technology-laden vehicle that almost drives by itself. Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning can sense an imminent collision faster than the human eye and work to slow down the FX before you even touch the brake pedal. Intelligent Cruise Control can actively maintain a preset distance between you and the vehicle ahead, while Lane Departure Warning sends an auditory signal and vibrates the steering wheel if it senses that the FX is unintentionally drifting out of its lane.
These nannies are great on paper, but they will startle you every time they step in and become slightly annoying after a quick while. For sure, on the off chance that I fall asleep while driving this blood-pumping rig, I’d be immensely glad to have them.
The company also incorporated its exclusive Around View Monitor that uses four cameras (one on each side) to provide a virtual, 360-degree view. This bird’s-eye perspective can be pretty helpful since visibility is substantially limited by the narrow tailgate window and rear side glass. On top of that, an available sonar system will beep if you don’t pay enough attention and are about to run over your little son’s bike!
 |
| Its attention to detail serves as a testament to the brand’s serious approach to luxury. (Photo: Bertrand Godin/Auto123.com) |