Infiniti adds to its FX crossover utility

Infiniti’s FX premium crossover utility vehicle is now in its second generation, competing in an ever-growing field that makes it difficult for any single vehicle to dominate.

Still, for pure driving delight, the FX is a pleaser — especially if you’re among those who value performance over cushiness. The current model arrived for 2009 with more power, more high-tech features and a bolder new design.

Two versions are available: The FX35, with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine; and the FX50, with a 5.0-liter V-8.

For 2011, prices range from $42,600 (plus $895 freight) for the entry FX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive) model to $57,600 for the FX50, which comes only with all-wheel drive. In between is the FX35 AWD ($44,050).

Infiniti has not yet announced 2012 prices, but the ’12 FX will have a few midterm changes when it arrives in October, including a new grille and front fascia design, new dashboard lighting, standard heated front seats on all models and a new “Limited Edition” for the FX35 AWD version.

That model will have special features such as an exclusive Iridium Blue exterior color; 21-inch, 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; and a hard-drive navigation system with Infiniti’s nifty Around View Monitor.

The FX, which is targeted at men, rides on the rear-drive chassis of the Infiniti G37 sedan. The only Nissan-branded vehicle that uses that architecture is the rear-drive 370Z sports car.

Nissan says FX buyers typically are in their early to mid-40s, married, with household incomes of about $150,000 for the base model and $300,000-plus for the V-8 version.

For this report, we tested the FX35 RWD model. The V-6 engine has all the power anyone really needs, and it also offers the best fuel economy — 16 mpg city/23 highway with two-wheel drive and 16/21 with all-wheel drive.

With the V-8, you get lots more power, of course, but the EPA ratings are 14 city/20 highway. One advantage is that with the V-8, the FX can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500 pounds; the V-6 is limited to 2,000 pounds, but only the all-wheel-drive model is rated for towing.

On both models, the cabin envelops its occupants in luxury without being ostentatious. Leather seats are standard, with buckets up front and a three-person bench in the rear with a pull-down center divider/armrest that turns it into a comfy two-passenger seat with plenty of legroom.

The intelligent all-wheel-drive system was not included on our tester, but it’s designed for all-weather driving and all road surfaces, wet or dry. It’s not intended for off-road use, however.

There are some cool new high-tech safety features available, including intelligent brake assist, which provide forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It’s part of the Technology Package ($2,900) for the FX35, though, and was not included on our test vehicle.

Also included in the Technology Package are adaptive headlights, radar cruise control and a lane-departure warning and prevention system that is designed to help keep the vehicle from drifting into adjacent lanes.

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