Fashion victim
The 2010 Infiniti FX50’s emphasis on styling stirs the age-old "form over function" debate. Front-seat access poses no problem, but it’s a much different story in the back with tight door openings and the aforementioned ultra-low roofline. If you’re not a kid, expect to make some contortions! Legroom and knee room will also generate complaints from rear passengers.
As for the trunk, the particularly high cargo floor makes loading harder and, once again, the swooping roofline reduces capacity. Don’t even think about carrying large, cumbersome objects, let alone when the rear seatbacks are not folded down.
Those sacrifices required by the FX should take nothing away from its other attributes, including superb material selection and build quality. Featuring rich leather, wood and brushed aluminum almost everywhere, the cabin highlights the refined nature of this premium sports crossover.
Tons of fun on the road
Infiniti clearly understands that killer looks must translate into killer power. How about 390 horsepower? That’s what you get with the ultra-dynamic 5.0-litre V8, which takes only six seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. In "normal" conditions, the almighty athlete drinks about 13 litres of that premium nectar for every 100 kilometres. Sure, it’s a lot, but there’s a price you have to pay for such earth-shaking performance.
Even more impressive, though, is the agility displayed by the FX50. A number of ingredients combine to create a deliciously-addictive road-ripping recipe, starting with super-short overhangs and large-diameter wheels that result in a very solid, very stable stance. Add a fairly low center of gravity, a pleasantly-rigid chassis and a competent all-wheel drive system and you wind up with a monster that never removes its claws from the tarmac.
Of course, the surgically-precise steering plays a huge role. I particularly liked the thick, sports car-like steering wheel. Also, brilliant gear ratios for the seven-speed automatic transmission maintain engine revs in a sweet spot in all driving conditions. Last but not least on the list of things I admire from this crossover are the 369 pounds-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Wrap-up
The 2010 Infiniti FX50 is arguably a toy. Granted, it’s a wickedly-powerful, undeniably-luxurious, insanely-sexy and highly-dynamic four-wheel toy. Limited practicality makes it yet another case of passion over reason for buyers. And at $64,050, passion may be an understatement!
The 2010 Infiniti FX50’s emphasis on styling stirs the age-old "form over function" debate. Front-seat access poses no problem, but it’s a much different story in the back with tight door openings and the aforementioned ultra-low roofline. If you’re not a kid, expect to make some contortions! Legroom and knee room will also generate complaints from rear passengers.
As for the trunk, the particularly high cargo floor makes loading harder and, once again, the swooping roofline reduces capacity. Don’t even think about carrying large, cumbersome objects, let alone when the rear seatbacks are not folded down.
Those sacrifices required by the FX should take nothing away from its other attributes, including superb material selection and build quality. Featuring rich leather, wood and brushed aluminum almost everywhere, the cabin highlights the refined nature of this premium sports crossover.
Tons of fun on the road
Infiniti clearly understands that killer looks must translate into killer power. How about 390 horsepower? That’s what you get with the ultra-dynamic 5.0-litre V8, which takes only six seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. In "normal" conditions, the almighty athlete drinks about 13 litres of that premium nectar for every 100 kilometres. Sure, it’s a lot, but there’s a price you have to pay for such earth-shaking performance.
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| The subtle size difference makes for superior driving dynamics and handling about town. (Photo: Bertrand Godin/Auto123.com) |
Even more impressive, though, is the agility displayed by the FX50. A number of ingredients combine to create a deliciously-addictive road-ripping recipe, starting with super-short overhangs and large-diameter wheels that result in a very solid, very stable stance. Add a fairly low center of gravity, a pleasantly-rigid chassis and a competent all-wheel drive system and you wind up with a monster that never removes its claws from the tarmac.
Of course, the surgically-precise steering plays a huge role. I particularly liked the thick, sports car-like steering wheel. Also, brilliant gear ratios for the seven-speed automatic transmission maintain engine revs in a sweet spot in all driving conditions. Last but not least on the list of things I admire from this crossover are the 369 pounds-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Wrap-up
The 2010 Infiniti FX50 is arguably a toy. Granted, it’s a wickedly-powerful, undeniably-luxurious, insanely-sexy and highly-dynamic four-wheel toy. Limited practicality makes it yet another case of passion over reason for buyers. And at $64,050, passion may be an understatement!
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