Infiniti FX

What is it?

Infiniti is the upmarket division of Nissan, due for launch in the middle of next year, but a brand that has existed, mostly for the benefit of the US market, since the late 1980s. Many of its products are US oriented as a result, and the four-strong range of saloon, coupe and two SUVs that it is directing Europe's way underline this, although there's no doubt that they have some appeal here.

The FX is the flagship Infiniti, a full-size, sporty and pretty distinctive SUV that lines up against the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and BMW X5. It's propelled by either a 320bhp 3.7 litre V6, or a 390bhp 5.0 litre V8, it has a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts, full-time four wheel drive, a sporty suspension set up and in the case of the V8 FX50S, four-wheel steering. The emphasis on a high-quality finish is evident the moment you open a door, from the finely crafted detailing of the curvaceous dashboard to the unusual, quilted leather of the seats. Equipment levels are generous, and include powered front seats, a glass sunroof, an electrically adjustable steering column, bi-xenon active headlights, leather trim and dual-zone climate control, while the top-of-the-range FX50S gets DVD navigation, radar cruise control, a Bose sound system and an Around View monitor whose cameras provide a 360deg view around the car. It's a stylish car, this FX, with a particularly fine interior, but the timing for the launch of this new brand could hardly be worse for a line-up headed by this big four-wheel drive besides featuring a smaller SUV (the EX) a performance saloon (the G37) and a coupe. And there's not a diesel engine among them. Which is why Infiniti is expecting to sell relatively modest numbers across Europe.

Does it do the job?

Both FX37 and FX50 muster ample performance, aided by that seven-speed transmission and all-wheel drive to get the power to the road. Though it's noticeably quicker if you use full acceleration, the V6 version will be brisk enough for most, and less thirsty too of course. And while both FXs handle with greater considerably more alacrity than you might expect of big vehicles like these, the smaller-engined version has the edge, despite the absence of the V8's rear-wheel steering. In fact, apart from its boldly confident styling and exceptionally well-finished interior, the most impressive feature of the FX is its dynamic behaviour on the road. It's not long before you discover an agility that seems unlikely for a car so large, and eager performance to go with it. Limited body roll, terrific composure through bends and quick, highly accurate steering make this a great machine for hustling through twists, despite the fact that its oncoming bulk must look slightly alarming to drivers coming the other way. The V8 version is much the same, except that the extra heft of the bigger engine makes it slightly less willing to change direction, despite the presence of four-wheel steering. But like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, both versions of this big SUV seem to bend the rules of physics. The FX's athleticism is further boosted by a responsive transmission who's downshift throttle blips in sport mode could have you thinking you're in a sports car, except that you're sitting a good three feet higher.

And in considerable luxury. The richly upholstred seats, the quality textures of the dashboard, the classy finish of the controls and their logical layout all do much to make sitting in this SUV a pleasure, as does the tasteful trim. The FX is very civilised too, although its ride quality is not the best, and the FX50S, which gets adjustable dampers, is actually better controlled and more relaxing in the sport mode, the stiffened dampers checking this big body's movements more effectively. As you'd hope of this relatively vast machine, there is plenty of room front and back, and a pretty decent, if somewhat shallow boot. Dropping the backrests extends it, although they do not fold flat and the rear seat cushions do not lift up to form a protective bulkhead behind the front seats either. That said, it's hard to imagine this luxurious interior being used for a trip to the tip.

Does it do the job?

Both FX37 and FX50 muster ample performance, aided by that seven-speed transmission and all-wheel drive to get the power to the road. Though it's noticeably quicker if you use full acceleration, the V6 version will be brisk enough for most, and less thirsty too of course. And while both FXs handle with greater considerably more alacrity than you might expect of big vehicles like these, the smaller-engined version has the edge, despite the absence of the V8's rear-wheel steering. In fact, apart from its boldly confident styling and exceptionally well-finished interior, the most impressive feature of the FX is its dynamic behaviour on the road. It's not long before you discover an agility that seems unlikely for a car so large, and eager performance to go with it. Limited body roll, terrific composure through bends and quick, highly accurate steering make this a great machine for hustling through twists, despite the fact that its oncoming bulk must look slightly alarming to drivers coming the other way. The V8 version is much the same, except that the extra heft of the bigger engine makes it slightly less willing to change direction, despite the presence of four-wheel steering. But like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, both versions of this big SUV seem to bend the rules of physics. The FX's athleticism is further boosted by a responsive transmission who's downshift throttle blips in sport mode could have you thinking you're in a sports car, except that you're sitting a good three feet higher.

And in considerable luxury. The richly upholstred seats, the quality textures of the dashboard, the classy finish of the controls and their logical layout all do much to make sitting in this SUV a pleasure, as does the tasteful trim. The FX is very civilised too, although its ride quality is not the best, and the FX50S, which gets adjustable dampers, is actually better controlled and more relaxing in the sport mode, the stiffened dampers checking this big body's movements more effectively. As you'd hope of this relatively vast machine, there is plenty of room front and back, and a pretty decent, if somewhat shallow boot. Dropping the backrests extends it, although they do not fold flat and the rear seat cushions do not lift up to form a protective bulkhead behind the front seats either. That said, it's hard to imagine this luxurious interior being used for a trip to the tip.

Should I give it garage space?

It is the FX's unfortunate fate, and Infiniti's too, to have been launched at the wrong moment in Europe. The fast-shrinking pool of new car buyers are mostly down-sizing, and few will be considering big, thirsty petrol V6s and V8s. Yet the FX fulfils its brief well, and makes a worthy flagship for this prestige brand. The Porshce Cayenne and BMW X5 may just have the edge when it comes to handling, but in V6 form particularly this SUV is a surprisingly capable entertainer, and it underwrites this with excellent qualities in most areas bar ride quality, which is average, and inevitably, fuel consumption. But on the plus side, petrol prices are falling. Still, don't expect to encounter an FX too often after it goes on sale next year.

Rating

Specification

Model: Infiniti FX37S
Price: £54,160
Engine: 3696 V6 petrol
Power: 320bhp at 7000rpm
Torque: 266lb ft at 5200rpm
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.8seconds, 146mph top speed
Fuel economy: 23.5mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 284g/km
On sale: mid-2009