Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013) Review
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Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013) At A Glance
Good value when compared to rivals and very highly equipped as standard. Strong engines including V6 diesel from 2010. Well-built with a premium feel inside.
Small dealer network. V6 and V8 petrol engines are thirsty. Infiniti name only recognisable to those in the know.
The Infiniti FX is is the largest Infiniti that's sold in the UK but while it's a four-wheel drive, it's more of a sports offroader, so sits alongside cars like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6, focussing on driver appeal more that outright practicality. Initially available as a V6 petrol engine along with a monstrous V8 but the most popular model is the 3.0-litre V6 diesel that was introduced in mid 2010.
It's the kind of car that some people call a "Sports Utility Vehicle" or SUV for short. The Infiniti FX definitely leans more towards sport than utility with powerful engines, great on-road capabilities and impressive road presence. Infiniti claims it blends the shape of an off-roader with the performance of a coupe - indeed the V6 uses the same engine as the excellent Nissan 370Z.
Although it impresses on the road, it's left a little wanting when it comes to the utility part of its name: if you're looking for a proper load lugger, then the FX probably isn't for you. The boot is quite small for this type of car and although the back seats do fold flat for larger loads, it has little in the way of off-road capability.
Inside it feels pleasingly upmarket. Those who are familiar with Nissans will be able to spot some of the switches and buttons from other models, but they have been combined with new, high-grade materials. The result is an interior that that combines a tasteful look with first-rate build quality. The seats come in for particular praise: they're sculpted, highly adjustable, have Bentley-style quilting on some models and can be heated and vented. They're just about as comfortable as seats get.
Reviews for Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from FX30d to FX50
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–35 mpg
Under the bonnet of the Infiniti FX is either a 3.7-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8 petrol or, from mid-2010, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel. The 320PS 3.7-litre V6 will be more than sufficient for most buyers needs. It's a refined engine that's as happy cruising the motorway as it is being worked hard on backroads.
It will get to 62mph on 6.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 145mph. Opt for the 5.0-litre V8 and you'll have a true muscle car that boasts performance figures on a par with some sports cars. It also compares well with its three chief rivals, the BMW X6 XDrive 50i, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne.
The diesel, from late 2010, will be of most interest to buyers. It brings CO2 emissions down to 238g/km (it's 282g/km for the V6 petrol and 307g/km for the V8) and significantly improves fuel economy. The diesel will manage 31.4mpg, while the V6 will do just 21mpg and the V8 is just 23mpg.
The V6 diesel really suits the FX well, so although it's a diesel, don't imagine it's not as good to drive as the petrols. In fact, thanks to its 550Nm of torque - more than the V8-powered model - it's actually the perfect engine with huge amounts of in-gear pulling power and great engine response when you need it. This makes for safe overtaking and the effortless performance from 50-70mph comes in useful when joining fast flowing motorways or dual carriageways.
Infiniti has made sure it sounds good too, so you get the muscular V6 noise as well as a sporty note from the exhaust. Yet it's still incredibly refined so even if you push it to maximum revs (which you never need to) it's never coarse. This makes it the perfect long distance car and at 70mph on the motorway it's barely touching 1900rpm which means minimal noise and good economy.
All models come with an Adaptive Shift Control seven-speed automatic gearbox which delivers smooth and rapid changes with no turbo lag inbetween. Having seven ratios may seem over the top, but the Infiniti system works well and doesn't 'hunt' for the right gear plus it responds well when you ask it to kickdown a gear.
With sharp, direct steering, good levels of grip and minimal bodyroll, the FX feels a lot more agile than you'd expect a car of this size to be. The only indication of its size is the steering. The big wheels (up to 21 inches) mean it can feel a bit heavy out on the open road, but is much lighter at parking speeds. Go for the top-end V8 or diesel S and you'll get Active Steer, a which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front ones. This has the benefit of improving handling at higher speeds and makes parking and three-point turns easier. It's certainly useful in tight corners too, as you don't need as much steering input to get round smoothly.
The four-wheel drive system is designed to aid traction, rather than give the FX genuine off-road ability. The power distribution is split automatically between the front and rear wheels, from 50:50 for maximum traction (when it's wet for instance), to 100 per cent to the rear axle in dry conditions. This means traction is excellent, even in slippery conditions or when pulling away from junctions in the wet.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FX30d | 33 mpg | 8.3 s | 225 g/km |
| FX37 | 23 mpg | 6.8 s | 282 g/km |
| FX50 | 22 mpg | 5.8 s | 307 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
95%
Real MPG
18–35 mpg
MPGs submitted
27
Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 410–1305 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4865–4870 mm |
| Width | 1925–1930 mm |
| Height | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2885–2890 mm |
The blend of sports car and off-roader is particularly evident from behind the wheel. The driving position is excellent: elevated, highly adjustable and with a decent amount of forward visibility. It's well set-up for long motorway trips with an excellent sound system and standard cruise control. The swooping coupe-like roof does hinder rear visibility, but this is made up for with a sophisticated camera system. Not only does it show the view behind when reversing, but, on certain models, it uses cameras positioned around the car to give a 360 degree view - ideal when parking alongside high kerbs to prevent alloy wheel damage.
The interior is one of the FX's greatest strengths. The dash is smooth, well designed, precisely built and envelopes the occupants. All passengers are well catered-for with standard climate control, heated front passenger seat, lots of space and big, comfortable seats.
Boot space is a bit of an issue. The FX will comfortable seat five, but it will struggle to transport their luggage as well - there's just 410 litres on boot space on offer and that's quite small when compared to similar cars. But the seats do fold flat quickly, so it can be reasonably practical if there are fewer passengers. As the Infiniti FX focuses more on sport than comfort, the ride is on the hard side. This is particularly evident on models with larger wheels. Some are fitted with 21-inch wheels, which make even small bumps on the road noticeable in the cabin.
Standard on the FX is a new Automatic Driving Position System, which moves the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors adaptively into the correct position. This system allows the driver to change the seat position while driving and keep the same viewpoint and relationship between the steering column and driver's shoulder position.
Equipment from launch (October 2009):
GT models have intelligent All-Wheel Drive, six airbags, speed sensitive power steering, I-Key with smart access and push button starter (as soon as the vehicle identifies a pre-programmed I-Key in the vicinity, the door can be opened and the car started without the key needing to leave a pocket or handbag), darkened rear privacy glass, wood interior finish, a six-disc and seven-speaker CD audio system with an RCA AUX-in jack socket for MP3 players, rear view camera with front and rear parking sensors and 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, cruise control, power seats (10-way driver's; 8-way passenger's), auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic lights and wipers, electric glass sunroof and integrated fog lamps. The leather-trimmed steering wheel incorporates controls for the audio system, cruise control and telephone.
S versions add active Continuous Damping Control, 14-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, front sports seats and 21-inch alloy wheels. The FX37S and FX50 can be easily indentified by their dark chrome exterior trim and smoked headlamps. Options on the FX37 models include black lacquer and aluminium trim, Multimedia pack (DVD navigation, voice recognition, BOSE sound system), Around View Monitor, metallic paint and a temporary spare wheel (replacing standard tire repair kit). The Around View Monitor uses small cameras mounted at the front, rear and in the door mirrors of FX to project an all-round view of potential obstacles on every side of the vehicle. A natural extension of Infiniti's rear view parking camera, the Around View Monitor uses the standard seven inch colour screen to display a bird's eye view of the car as it parks, enabling the driver to negotiate a tight parking spot without mishap.
FX50 S models have a multimedia pack (with a larger 8-inch display) and Around View Monitor, a BOSE sound system, intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Brake Assist and Active Rear Steer. The only options are metallic paint, the black lacquer/aluminium interior trim and a temporary spare wheel.
Premium models are equipped as standard with virtually every feature in Infiniti's portfolio. That means that as well as the suite of active safety technology, every Premium version comes with Around View Monitor and a 30GB hard disk drive satellite navigation system complete with Michelin Guide recommendations, key ingredient of Infiniti's much-praised Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform. On the music front, Premium versions of both GT and S get a 10GB Music Box which can store the equivalent of 300 CDs and an 11-speaker Bose Premium Sound System on which to enjoy them.
Infiniti FX (2009 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4865–4870 mm |
| Width | 1925–1930 mm |
| Height | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2885–2890 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 2012–2175 kg |
| Boot Space | 410–1305 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £46,670–£58,315 |
| Insurance Groups | 47–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | K–M |
| Official MPG | 21.6–32.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until September 2013
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 30d GT 5dr Auto | £46,670 | 32.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 30d GT Premium 5dr Auto | £51,120 | 32.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 30d S 5dr Auto | £48,770 | 32.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 30d S Premium 5dr Auto | £53,220 | 32.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 37 GT 5dr Auto | £46,815 | 23.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 37 GT Premium 5dr Auto | £51,265 | 23.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 37 S 5dr Auto | £48,915 | 23.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 37 S Premium 5dr Auto | £53,365 | 23.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 50 S Premium 5dr Auto | £58,315 | 21.6 mpg | 5.8 s |
On sale until January 2010
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 50 S Auto | £54,950 | - | - |
Model History
- September 2009
- February 2010
- July 2010
- April 2011
- April 2012: FX’s first makeover since UK sales began
- December 2012
September 2009
The FX went on sale in the UK following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Three versions were initially available, the FX37 GT, the FX37S and the FX50S. Compared to the original, which wasn't sold in Europe, the front wheels of the new generation FX have been moved 35mm further forward and the front track has been widened by 50 millimeters - providing a more pronounced performance stance.
Distinctive side air vents have been added behind the front wheels. The vents are functional, allowing air to flow from inside the engine compartment to outside the vehicle, reducing high under-bonnet air pressure. The vents reduce front end lift by five percent for improved high speed stability. At the rear, the FX's simple, bold appearance features LED taillights that extend beyond the body to help create aerodynamic down force and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.
The Infiniti FX's sporty interior is designed to combine a driver-oriented cockpit/command centre with a warm, modern, comfortable passenger environment - all wrapped in rich, natural materials. The high-tech interior design includes an Infiniti signature ‘double-wave' instrument panel and white-and-violet electroluminescent gauges. The FX comes with a new front seat design offering power adjustment on both seats. Covered in a special quilted leather pattern, the front seats are also heated and ventilated for both driver and passenger.
At the heart of the FX50S lies a brand new engine which makes it debut on this model - an advanced 5.0-litre V8 that is mounted low in the chassis to help lower the FX50's centre of gravity. The goals for the development of the FX50S's V8 started with outstanding power output - 390bhp and 500 Nm of torque - a high rev limit, a powerful engine sound from a specially tuned exhaust and improved fuel economy. Performance is quick: the top speed is limited to 155 mph, with 0-62 mph taking just 5.8 seconds. Over the combined cycle, the FX50 averages 21.7 mpg and produces 310g/km of CO2.
As the name suggests, the FX37 variants are powered by the new 3.7-litre version of Nissan's VQ engine family also found in the EX37 and G37 models. Regularly honoured in independent awards the world over, the twin cam 24 valve V6 produces 320bhp and an impressive 360Nm of torque at 5200 rpm. It gives the FX37 a top speed of 145 mph with 0-62 mph taking 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy over the combined cycle is 23.5 mpg while the CO2 figure is 284g/km.
Standard on all FX versions is Infiniti's new seven-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). With its additional forward gear, the new transmission has a wider spread of ratios which benefits both fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking. The standard magnesium paddle shifter enable drivers to shift the transmission without releasing their hands from the steering wheel, helping maintain stability for the driver when accelerating or decelerating on winding roads.
FX50S and FX37S suspension feature standard active Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system with special electronically controlled shock absorbers. Unlike conventional fixed damping force shock absorbers, suspension with active CDC takes the input from a variety of sensors and continuously alters the damping of the dampers to provide optimal ride and handling. The system features a driver-selectable switch with two settings - Auto and Sport - allowing the driver to control the valving levels.
FX50S's standard Rear Active Steer system is the first of its kind available in an SUV. Unlike passive rear steering systems, this design features precise, electronic motor-driven control to turn the rear wheels up to one degree, helping generate a nimble steering response at low speeds and enhance stability at high speeds. Rear Active Steer moves the FX50S's rear wheels in accordance with steering input and vehicle speed, rather than passively following the front wheels. The result is a vehicle that is able to change direction with improved quickness, precision and stability.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive works with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Limited-Slip Differential, constantly shifting torque as FX encounter changes in the road conditions when, within milliseconds, it will apportion power to the wheels with the most grip. The system is most active off the highway. As FX navigates snow, sand or mud, power is continuously apportioned to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.
Like all Infiniti models sold in Europe, FX offers standard "Scratch Shield" paint. A special highly elastic resin has been combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint's flexibility allowing the finish to exhibit up to five times fewer scratches that a conventional clearcoat when exposed to the same conditions. When exposed to heat, "Scratch Shield" paint repairs fine scratches, restoring painted surfaces close to their original state.
February 2010
The FX Limited Edition was launched and will pretty rare as availability has been strictly limited to just 100 units across Western Europe. Based on the already dramatic looking FX37S and FX50S, the Limited Edition features striking Black Obsidian ‘Scratch Guard' paintwork as standard, with equally distinctive Moonlight White pearl metallic available as an option. Unique 21 inch ‘Turbine' design alloy wheels are finished in dark Graphite, as are the radiator grille, air vents and roof rails.
Inside, genuine Carbon fibre is used extensively on the dashboard, centre console and door panels, replacing the standard cello flame maple wood veneer. Completing the FX Limited Edition's extensive standard specification, Infiniti's state-of-the-art Connectiviti+ technology package provides a fully integrated navigation, communication and entertainment system including an 11-speaker Bose Premium Sound System, the Michelin Guide, full iPod connectivity and a 10GB music box with Gracenotes database. An option on the standard FX37S, this is joined on both the V6 and V8 engined Limited Editions by Infiniti's unique Around View Monitor.
July 2010
The FX30d was launched significantly lowering CO2 emissions and fuel consumption and at prices that are virtually identical to equivalent V6 petrol models. Available in both luxury GT and more sporting S guises, the arrival of the diesel also marks the addition of new Premium specification grades with every possible feature included as standard - including the sophisticated new safety technology to help guard against collisions, available for the first time on any Infiniti in Europe.
The diesel sees fuel consumption on the combined cycle trimmed to 31.4mpg while CO2 emissions drop to 238g/km. The new engine's impressive 550Nm of pulling power is available from just 1750rpm and paired with the standard seven-speed Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission, the greener FX goes from 0-62mph in just 8.3 seconds. But with more pulling power than even the petrol V8 of the FX50, it's the diesel's effortless overtaking pace that is set to leave the lasting impression.
The new diesel model is available in four guises, all paired by equivalent FX37 petrol models in a simplified line-up designed to reflect a Europe-wide customer preference for top-end FXs. In practice the change means more features, fewer extra-cost options and a new top grade, Premium.
Another safety bonus, for the diesel only, is the inclusion in Premium models of Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), available in Europe for the first time. Unlike rival systems which merely warn the driver when the car strays out of a designated traffic lane, Infiniti's LDP gives a warning but crucially will then take action if that warning is not heeded. Gentle brake pressure on one side of the car guides the vehicle back into the correct lane. LDP functions only above 70 km/h and is automatically over-ridden by use of the indicators. The system can also be turned off by the driver if desired.
April 2011
Revised range for 2011 announced. Safer, better equipped and even more luxurious proposition for 2011. The latest FX37 and FX50 in top-selling Premium guise gain the award-winning safety technology Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). The move standardises for the first time Premium equipment levels across all three FX engines – 235bhp V6 diesel, 316bhp V6 petrol and 385bhp V8 petrol of the range’s flagship model, the FX50 S Premium.
Other enhancements include a power tailgate for the first time and new colour and trim combinations.
Previously available only on the FX30d on which the innovative safety system made its debut in 2010, Lane Departure Prevention was chosen by Euro NCAP earlier in 2011 to receive its coveted Advanced Award. Euro NCAP’s top honour goes toinnovations “which demonstrate a scientifically proven safety benefit for consumers and society.” The FX has already shown its safety credentials with a five-star Euro NCAP crash test result.
Unlike other systems, LDP backs up its audible and visual warnings of an unintended lane departure with a dynamic intervention which helps steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. From 2011MY, LDP is standard-fit on FX37 GT Premium and S Premium, and FX50 S Premium, as well as Premium versions of the FX30d.
A power tailgate standard on all models enhances the FX’s already impressive convenience and aids access to the luggage space. The height the tailgate opens to is programmable so there are no concerns when operating the door in restricted spaces. For maximum ease of use, the tailgate can be raised or lowered from a switch on the dashboard, from buttons both inside and outside the tailgate, or remotely from the I-Key.
For the first time on the FX, Infiniti’s opulent Malbec Black paint is one of the eight colours available. The popular finish, which replaces Mojave Copper on the FX colour chart, suits the FX’s SUV-cum-sports-car profile particularly well. Like all the FX colours, Malbec Black is a Scratch-shield finish, the Infiniti technology that makes fine surface scratches disappear and keeps the body looking pristine.
Technical specifications don't change which means that performance remains one of the FX’s main attributes, whether it’s the 550 Nm of torque doing the work in the diesel FX30d or the 385bhp of V8 power that can see the FX50 accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.
| FX37 GT | £46,600 |
| FX 30d GT | £46,805 |
| FX37 GT Premium | £51,048 |
| FX30d GT Premium | £51,253 |
| FX37 S | £48,700 |
| FX30d S | £48,905 |
| FX37 S Premium | £53,148 |
| FX30d S Premium | £53,353 |
| FX50 S Premium |
£58,100 |
April 2012
FX’s first makeover since UK sales began
After four years as Infiniti’s icon and top-selling model in Europe, the Infiniti FX for 2012 is bolder and more distinctive than ever. The FX’s first makeover since UK sales began in 2009, a package of enhancements brings a new focus to its unique blend of passionate design, inspired performance and modern luxury. In short it gets more of the FX DNA that has been so popular with buyers across Europe – with sales up 31% in 2011 in a market sector down 7%.
The 2012 range comes at unchanged 2011 prices, starting from £46,750 on-the-road for the luxury FX37 GT model, and just £90 more for the V6 diesel equivalent. Also unchanged: the stirring performance, rewarding handling, award-winning technology and five-star safety and standard equipment at the heart of every FX.
More akin in appearance to a sports car than boxy crossover, the FX for 2012 boasts even more street presence than the outgoing version thanks to carefully-wrought changes to the front-end design, along with bold new colours and an exclusive new design of alloy wheel. The expressive new look has been achieved by reprofiling the bumper section and subtly changing the grille, based on a design explored by the influential 2009 Infiniti concept car, Essence.
Sporting appeal is reinforced on GT and GT Premium derivatives with a new five double-spoke design of 20-inch wheel. S versions, with the availability of Rear Active Steering (RAS) among a long list of handling-oriented features, stay with their distinctive 21-inch wheels. More choice for FX owners is offered with the latest exterior paint colour, Iridium Blue. It is Infiniti’s newest Scratch Shield finish and available exclusively on the FX. Graphite Shadow is also additionally available on all FX models.
The FX range for 2012 is made up of four grades. The FX37 GT (£46,750 OTR) is the complete luxury package powered by Infiniti’s charismatic 3.7-litre petrol V6 offering 316bhp (320PS). The entry FX30d gets all the same luxury features but with a lower CO 2 (238g/km) 3.0-litre V6 diesel of 235bhp (238PS) and impressive 550Nm of torque. Despite its high performance the FX30d GT (£46,840) is credited with 31.4mpg on the combined cycle.
S versions are more overtly sporting and come with Rear Active Steering (except FX37) and Continuous Damping Control, among other changes. They are set apart by their 21-inch alloy wheels, smoked headlights, red S badging and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip. The FX37 S has an on-the-road price of £48,850 and the FX30d S diesel £48,940.
Premium versions of both the GT and the S are possibly the most comprehensively equipped cars in their class. Their specification majors on technology with standard equipment including advanced navigation and entertainment systems, along with a suite of safety features such as the Euro NCAP award-winning Lane Departure Prevention. Both petrol and diesel V6s are available in Premium guise, along with the 385bhp (390PS) 5.0-litre V8 of the FX50 performance flagship, available in S Premium guise only.
Premium models, the most popular Infiniti FXs in the UK, have OTR prices as follows:
FX37 GT Premium, £51,200
FX30d GT Premium, £51,290
FX37 S Premium, £53,300
FX30d S Premium, £53,390
FX50 S Premium, £58,250
Every FX is equipped with Infiniti’s intelligent torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system as well as a 7-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission. Solid magnesium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel of every model demonstrate both the FX’s manufacturing integrity and its performance personality.
Reflecting the FX’s complete specification, there are just two options: metallic paint at £760 and a Multimedia pack comprising 30GB HDD navigation and Bose Premium Sound System at £2400 – the latter is standard on GT and S Premium models. At no extra cost, buyers can select Black Lacquer trim in lieu of the standard Cello Flame maple wood.
The 2012 range of Infiniti FX models is available at Infiniti Centres across Europe now. As announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, pre-ordering for the pinnacle of the range, the FX Vettel Version, has now begun. Just 200 of the 420PS V8 models will be availableworldwide, with first customer deliveries due in 2013. More information on the FX Vettel Version will be released soon.
December 2012
Name was changed from FX to QX70 as part of the Infiniti move to simplify its range with a new naming structure.
