Infiniti definitely does not intend to just hold its own anymore in the
luxury field, but is determined to rough up the competition. The last in a
trio of new vehicles for the 2003 model year, the FX45 plays up the concept
of "sport" in a luxury sport-utility vehicle. In terms of engine, suspension
and styling, the emphasis is on muscular character, rather than utilitarian
qualities.

Given the rather bland image of most SUVs, Infiniti¹s product direction
seems inspired. A quick look reveals a sedan-like roofline and huge wheel
openings filled with very large, sporty wheels and tires. The FX45 signals
its purpose at a distance. While somewhat controversial, I think that the
design works quite well in breaking ranks with the rest of the industry by
stating frankly that the FX is a burly lifestyle vehicle.

This aggressive theme is carried further with the lusty 315-horsepower V-8,
which racks up miles at the same rate it gobbles gasoline very quickly.
Given its weight in access of two tons, the acceleration is impressive, but
not earth shaking. But it pulls mountain grades with abandon and can
comfortably cruise well above any legal speed in North America. For my
rather jaded taste, the FX45 is a winner, if you can justify its price and
less than stellar gas mileage.

The FX45 seems to be directed at the upscale urban couple or the so-called
empty-nesters‹where the kids are grown and out of the house. These buyers no longer spend their weekends hauling kids to and from sports and school
activities. Nor are they burdened with the requisite trip to the mall to
pick up big loads of the essentials to fuel the middle-class family. Now our
intended buyers can concentrate on style and performance, something that the
FX45 delivers. So far, this product position seems spot on, Infiniti sales
are up 37 percent calendar year to date through July. The FX45 trails only
the hot new G35 in the division¹s total sales.

But if you are concerned about utility beware, the FX45 offers a scant 64.5
cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down, about 10 percent less
space than the ubiquitous Volvo V70 wagon, the essential suburban lifestyle
tool. On the other hand, the new Infiniti probably has more than enough room
for the needs of its intended market.

A look inside the FX45 reveals a luxury interior loaded with leather seating
and other high-end refinements, including a large center-console LCD
electronic display that logs such information as audio and climate control
information as well as tire pressure, fuel economy and vehicle maintenance.
The display also houses the satellite navigation system. Other luxury items
include a high-end audio system with six-disc CD-changer, and dual-zone air
condition system. 

A very interesting feature is a rear-mounted video camera to assist in
backing the FX45. Many new luxury vehicles are equipped with radar warning
systems, which signal objects in the rear when the vehicle is shifted into
reverse. I think for some applications, however, the video display is
superior. When I first used this system on the Infiniti Q45 sedan, I thought
it a fairly inconsequential item, but on the FX45 with its limited rear
visibility, it seems a necessity, particularly when backing up in crowed,
narrow parking lots.  Superimposed on the display are two lines, which
project the path where the FX45 is headed. That way you can make small
adjustments in your direction to avoid obstacles. The radar systems, on the
other hand, only tell you that something is back there, but cannot detect
its precise location, nor offer you real guidance.

The long 112-inch wheelbase on the FX45 pushes the wheels out to the
vehicle¹s four corners and a near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
This not only gives the vehicle its distinctive personality but also adds to
its on-road feel. The FX45 is certainly one of the best handling vehicles in
the SUV category. The steering feedback is precise and progressive, just
what the driver needs when threading mountain roads. On the other hand, cast
in a sporty mode, the FX45 does not offer a soft cushy ride.
 

 

Vehicle: Infiniti FX45

Price as tested: $52,370

Engine:

         Type: 4.5-liter V-8

         Horsepower: 315 @ 6,400 rpm

         Torque: 329-ft. lbs. @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 15 mpg

         Highway - 19 mpg

Curb Weight: 4,299lbs.