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Infiniti FX35

Published 10:16 am Friday, November 14, 2008

Infiniti’s FX five-passenger luxury performance SUV is completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2009 model year. For this second generation version, three models are offered: the FX35 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and the FX50 AWD.

FX50 is the new name of the V8-powered model, previously called the FX45. The revised nomenclature is due to the addition of a new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter engine.

The FX35 engine is a 3.5-liter V6 generating 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Unless you have some major towing requirements, the V6 delivers all the power you’ll need and then some. In passing situations, even at freeway speeds, expect snap-the-head-back acceleration if you stomp the pedal. Be prudent about your stomping, though — the V6’s EPA fuel economy rating is 16/23 mpg.

Both engines come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are optional.

Making an SUV look racy isn’t an easy task, and many might wonder why anyone would even bother. But to the extent that it can be done, Infiniti designers have pulled it off. A long hood, short overhangs in the front and rear, a low center of gravity, integrated rear spoiler and striking side air vents are just a few of the contributing touches. The vents aren’t just for show, they’re functional — enabling air to move through the engine compartment and exit out the vehicle’s sides, reducing front-end lift by 5 percent and thereby increasing high-speed stability.

My FX35 RWD tester looked great and hot from every angle — except for its nose, which is too bulbous for the vehicle’s otherwise sleek appearance.

The tester’s black interior was all-welcoming, with rich-looking design and materials, a firm but comfortable driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment and variable air-inflating lumbar support. As part of a $2,350 optional Premium Package, the seats were also climate-controlled with six different settings for heating and cooling. Other features in the Premium Package include Bluetooth phone system, iPod interface, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel column, quilted leather-appointed seats, the magnesium paddle shifters, roof rails and a cargo cover.

FX interior designers gave functionality and utility high priorities, as evidenced by the large deep storage bin and two big cupholders in the center console, nifty smaller stowage spaces, and deep map pockets (with wide openings) in the doors. Audio system and temperature controls are easy to see, easy to use, and arranged in logical and orderly fashion in the center stack, equally accessible for both driver and front passenger.

At night, FX’s interior puts on a show. The fascinating Fin Vision electroluminescent gauges come to life, and violet-hued rings around audio control knobs glow. During the test week, I spent extra time outside in the dark driveway just admiring the vehicle’s instrument panel. And I’m not easily amused. Well, not usually.

The tester also came with a Navigation Package ($2,850, including Around View Monitor, voice recognition, XM NavTraffic and more). The split-screen navigation system is a cinch to operate, and has graphics interesting enough to rival the gauges in their ability to entertain.