DETROIT – Here’s the deal. This is the third model year that the current iteration of Infiniti’s FX utility vehicle has been on the market and my 2011 FX35 AWD still remained one of the most stylish utilities on the road.
Its iconic long hood, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and low center of gravity had me constantly forgetting that I was driving a utility vehicle and not a sports car.
Air vents behind the front wheels, its double arch front grille, fog lamps and bi-xenon headlights didn’t help.
Infiniti crowed that the FX’s “aggressive silhouette” was highlighted by a strong front-to-rear shoulder line, tight greenhouse, kicked-back roofline and integrated rear spoiler “while large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers cap the action-ready appearance.”
My point is that it took a concentrated effort not to whip through traffic, conduct aggressive lane changes, screech off the line following traffic light changes or do anything else that would attract the attention of law keepers. Still, my FX35 AWD was an awful lot of fun.
I had the FX35 AWD. Of course, AWD stands for all-wheel-drive. The 3.5 translated into a 3.5-liter V6 that made 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The only thing missing was paddle shifters.
There is also a FX50 with a five liter V8 that makes 390 horsepower. Still, my V6 had more than enough spunk for me. Vital numbers were 16 and 21. That would be its city highway EPA fuel efficiency rating.
My test vehicle had a bunch of options, but I appreciated its technology package the most. It offered intelligent brake assist, distance control assist, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention and the Around View Monitor which provides a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots.
That last one really came in handy as I backed out of my 1940’s garage. The point is backing out of my garage, through the gate and down the driveway alongside of my house can be just as tedious as it is written here. To have a 360-degree overview of my FX35 made that task less nerve racking.
My point is that though the Infiniti FX turns heads because of its styling, I don’t know that it gets the recognition it deserves as being a top of the line luxury utility vehicle.
My test vehicle had a base price of $43,050. With three options packages and shipping cost the total sticker climbed to $54,325.
Frank S. Washington is managing partner/editor of AboutThatCar.com.
