I was invited to a special preview in San Diego of the new 2009 Infiniti FX-Series last week.
I had a chance to drive both models (FX35 and FX50) albeit for only about an hour each.
But even though it was short, it wasn't hard to do my review and comparison.
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/2009-Infiniti-FX-76/
As you know, BMW has given us a long term 2008 X5 for review and we just got back from the X6 launch, so this infiniti drive couldn't have come at a better time for comparison.
Plus, Agent 004's daily driver is the current FX35 that he spent his hard earned AutoSpies.com money on.
So how do the new SUV's stack up?
First is the new look...
In my opinion, just like the X6, the FX design is polarizing.
I don't mind it and I think it's nicer than the last version but this one has something too cartoonish in the face for my taste.
Some might say it has a WHALE of a face. ;)
Agent 004 was not as nice when he first saw it in Geneva.
He said he HATED the face compared to his FX35.
So we think you will either love it or hate it but I think the X6 wins the design contest hands down.
Next, let's talk about size.
There have been a lot of people criticizing the interior room of the new X6 but we're now convinced, that anyone who sits in both the FX and X6, will feel the X6 has ACRES more room inside.
At least it felt that way to me.
In seating area AND cargo space.
So what about the drive?
Both the 35 and the 50 drive well (i preferred the 50) but we are VERY spoiled after driving the new BMW twin turbos (35 and 50).
The Infiniti engines are REAL nice but when all the tests are in from the major mags, we believe the BMW Turbos will beat BOTH the FX35 and FX50.
Not by a landslide, but they will win.
Message to Infiniti and the rest of the competitors.
Time to make the turbos!!!
The other key deficiency you will notice on the FX's compared to the BMW's, is in the suspension.
The Asians have beaten the Germans in quality and some technologies like nav systems, but NOT in the suspensions...yet.
Most people will find the FX's stiff compared the RX's and the likes but compared to the BMW's they feel a little brittle.
Not as sophisticated in complex maneuvers.
Better driving than a Lexus RX or ML but not up to the task of the Ultimate Driving Machines.
What about gas mileage?
The new FX's are rated with more horsepower and get about 1MPG better than the last generation SUV's.
Nothing to write home about, but an improvement.
ALL Infiniti's need to do much better in the MPG department.
Interior
The new SUV's are miles better than the ones they replace when it comes to the interior.
Lots more wood and refinement...and the quilted leather seats look awesome...especially in the brown color....very Bentley-ish.
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/2009-Infiniti-FX-76/
They have come a long way and we hope this pattern follows into other cars in the line.
The only thing I didn't like about the interior is the carryover driver gauge cluster.
In my opinion it looks cheap.
Technology
Here's where this car really shines and will give every BMW driver Infiniti envy.
Why can't I get stop and go active cruise on my X5 or X6?
Why isn't my backup camera as quick and clear on my X5 and X6?
Distance control assist on an X5 or X6? Not gonna happen...for a while.
We could go on in the technology are but you get the idea.
The Infiniti's SQUASH the BMW's here.
And the FX's are cheaper!
The two areas they shine best is in the tech area and in bang for the buck.
You get A LOT for your money with any Infiniti and especially these.
And when you put those two things together, now you know why so many people go looking for a BMW but end up driving home with an Infiniti.
As much as the Germans want to believe that these toys don't matter to customers buying decisions, we can tell them that they DO.
I HATE the fact that these things aren't available on my X5 or X6!
Conclusion
So overall, you would think we're not that high on these new FX's, but that would not be true.
We'd buy them over everything else out there except for the BMW's.
And we will tell you, it's VERY close.
Something BMW definitely does NOT want to hear.
And that's pretty high praise.
Nothing wrong with being SECOND best in this game.
Great job Infiniti!
