You should already have a solid character when driving an FX. All too soon, you might feel like you've been promoted to the celebrity league. But it is not the own face that is rewarded by the environment with much attention, but the conspicuously drawn sheet metal dress of the niche model; Infiniti FX. In addition to the produced in small series, 415 PS strong V8 official car of F1 star Sebastian Vettel, there is the FX synonymous with a three-liter V6 diesel and exactly that was allowed to show me what he can.

Crossover for individualists

In the driving report:

Infiniti FX30d S Black & White

Eye-catcher or blender?

The shape is unusual and stands out benevolently from the monotony of European SUV fashion. The term “Japan Baroque” is not wrong. You have to like it or not - getting used to it seems rather difficult. The FX blurs the boundaries between the vehicle types and can rightly call itself a “crossover”, a converter between the worlds.

The roof shape and the arch of the window line clearly interpret a coupé, whereas the body, characterized by short overhangs and gently rounded surfaces, sits high on the dominant 21-inch rims, should be understood as an SUV.

Restraint is not his profession. The grille alone sports more chrome than a rapper's gold chains around his neck. In contrast to the “Obsidian” black paint of the “Black & White special model”, the gloss attack on the front is particularly impressive. At the rear, the two large and chrome-plated exhaust pipes set a scent mark and the chrome clips around the rear license plate take up the design language of the radiator grille. All in all, the FX is sporty, flat and stocky for an SUV.

The Infiniti FX30d in the Black & White Edition:

On the way in the FX

Handy, it is unusually handy. The FX belongs to the type of SUV with which driving on country roads becomes a fun excursion. He literally craves curves and his seven-speed automatic keeps the V6 close to its maximum torque. Of course, a 2.2 ton SUV just below the five meter mark does not turn into an agile sports car, even with the impressive help of all-wheel steering and 265 tires, but it really tries. On our streets, only its width of almost two meters (without mirrors!) Is a real brake on dynamic. Especially when you have the lane warning device on. Then basically something beeps all the time. So deactivated the lane warning system with the help of the button hidden deep below the driver's left knee and dedicated it to the pleasant wagging of curves.

The small three-spoke steering wheel brings joy, the FX so loosely dances through the curves that you are only reminded of the weight of the FX late and far beyond the usual country road speed. At the Nissan subsidiary Infiniti, in order to train the crossover in agile driving behavior, they reached deep into the bag of tricks. Dampers that regulate their damping force via electronics, the fully automatic all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering that turns up to 60 km / h in the opposite direction and, from 60 km / h, point in the desired direction together with the front wheels. Of course, only minimal, but the effect is phenomenal. The FX drives extremely handy and agile - its typical SUV obesity is not an issue.

Quality, features, feel

Looking at the badly placed switches (el. tailgate, el, mirrors, ESP, etc.) at the level of the left driver's knee, the Ergonmie fits in the interior. In the S-Premium version, the driver and front passenger are held in the right position by comfortable seats and the driver can electrically adjust the cheeks of the seat and the width of the backrest. A seat climate control for driver and front passenger is also included in the full equipment, as well as sensors for the work of light and windscreen wipers.

The list of surcharges for the S-Premium model is pleasantly clear: there is exactly one option for € 950: metallic paint. In the case of the special model from the “Black & White” version, however, this item is also omitted and so the “all inclusive” price of € 66.750 remains.

"Yes, but you can get a Porsche Cayenne Diesel for € 62.928"

That's true. But Infiniti currently offers significantly more service [click] than any other manufacturer in Germany. What seems to be reasonable and necessary due to the currently still meager dealer network. And besides, the Infiniti is already fully equipped. Without wanting to question the capabilities of the Cayenne, however, a similar level of equipment can only be achieved from 85.000 €.

“But what about the processing? With the quality? The feel? That's a Japanese guy with roots somewhere between Nissan, Renault and the USA ”  

Right. The engine was originally developed by corporate partner Renault and the roots of Infiniti are in the US. Nevertheless, the FX convinces in the interior with a successful workmanship and a good choice of materials. No question, a Cayenne Diesel can be significantly more exclusive equip, but then comes quickly the equivalent of a small family home together.

My driver's seat is my castle

The motor

With its three-liter displacement, spread over six cylinders, the Commonrail diesel engine in the FX is a very potent guy. 238 PS strong and blessed with the power of 550 Nm, only a start weakness weakens the overall picture. Whether it is the originating from the alliance with Renault V6, or rather a matter of tuning with the seven-speed automatic transmission, I can not judge final. Especially in the city and when shunting falls on the slightly delayed start of the engine. Once in motion, the lush torque determines the performance. Especially thick and full feels the power of the FX to Tempo 180. In addition, it takes a bit until the top speed of 212 km / h is reached.

The gears of Nissan's own seven-speed gearbox are grinded in everyday life and barely noticeable, the gear is translated only a little too long in seventh gear, but it can benefit from the consumption, as soon as you can take it easy.

The automatic adjusts, as is customary today, on the driving style of the driver. If you want, you can use the magnesium shift paddles to engage in gear selection. Especially on winding roads and mountainous routes, the torque capacity can be used cleanly.

Performance:

PS

238

at 3.750 rpm

torque

550

at 1.750 rpm

top speed

212

km / h

Advantages - Disadvantages - Conclusion ... it continues on the next page.

... read on ... >>

Driving Report Page 1  |  Advantages disadvantages | Technical data | Gallery

Driving Report Infiniti FX by passion: driving | fx50 on bycan

___________________________________