Infiniti offers two FX models. The FX35 ($34,350) is powered by the 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 from the Nissan 350Z sports car, and starts with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive ($1,500) is an option. The FX45 ($44,375) gets the 315-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 from Infiniti's Q45 luxury sedan, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Both FXs come with a 5-speed automatic transmission, dual-zone climate control with microfiltration, power front seats, split folding and reclining rear seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel and high-intensity discharge headlights.
The FX45 gets a firmer suspension, 20-inch wheels as opposed to 18-inchers, leather heated seats and trim, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory for the driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel and one-touch windows. The FX35 offers these added luxury appointments in a Premium Package ($2,900), which also includes a sunroof, a 300-watt 11-speaker stereo with steering-wheel controls and a six-disc CD changer, automatic headlights and a built-in garage door transmitter. You can add the last four items to the FX45 with its Premium Package ($2,100).
The FX 35 Sport Package ($1,500) adds the 20-inch wheels, the stiffer suspension and aluminum pedals, With the Sport and Premium packages, the FX35 is equipped identically to the FX45, without the V8, for $2,180 less.
Both FX models offer a Technology Package ($4,300) that includes a GPS navigation system, a security system that allows the owner to unlock and start the vehicle without the key, traffic-sensing cruise control, a rear-facing camera to assist backing up and a tire pressure monitor. A rear-seat DVD viewer ($1,600) is now a stand-alone option. A satellite radio receiver ($400), tow hitch ($600), aluminum roof rails ($220) and 20-inch chrome wheels ($1,600) are also offered separately.
Buyers expect extensive safety features in any luxury vehicle and the FX delivers: Standard Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-cabin curtain-style airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, active front head restraints, a sophisticated anti-lock brake system with electronic brake proportioning, and electronic stability control. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are not available.
With its unique combination of styling, size and performance, the FX has been selling at about 30,000 per year, while competitors like the BMW X5 sell closer to 45,000 per year. Buyers have been choosing the FX35 nearly two-to-one over the FX45, but nearly 85 percent choose all-wheel drive. The point? If you want to buy a rear-drive FX35 off the lot, your dealer may have to do some searching.