Just drove a FX45
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From: mount airy
Just drove a FX45
I took my friends FX45 out for nice long drive. My impressions are overall a VERY nice luxury SUV.
Exterior looks aggressive with massive 20" wheels. Build quality is good with nice paint and tight gaps. Interior, is also very good, leather is not the best I've seen, but better than average. Ergonomic, seat, pedals, steering wheel, mirrors were all OK, but not outstanding (for my tastes that is).
Engine is smooth and powerful, but too quiet. (It's like a sewing machine). In fact with the radio on windows up it's hard to even tell if the engine is on, even at full acceleration. It's really cool in a way, but I'd prefer a little more volume. (but maybe after my S2000 at 90mph top down on the highway I'm going deaf).
Power is all there. I've been suspicious of Infiniti and Nissan's HP rating in the past, but lately they have delivered everything advertised.
I was following my friend (he in my S2000) and form a stop, I nearly ran him over, but it turns out he was only driving 8/10th. I believe the S is faster but the FX is what I call sneaky fast. This reminds me of the power in the M3 I drove. Nothing pinning me into my seat, if it weren't for looking at the spedo you'd think you were going 20mph slower than you really are. The S2000 by contrast is more like " full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" (j/k). But in the S with it's power surge and it's 90+ dB you feel like you're going faster than indicated.
In the twisties the FX works a lot harder at the same speed thru corners. As expected, it's center of gravity, unsprung weight, softish suspension all conspire to make you slow down a little it's as if the S2000 ran away and hid. FX is not exactly a back road warrior.
So in conclusion, the FX is a powerful, fast (surprisingly fast from a stop), luxurious tourer with room for 4 adults. Costing $45-47K it's not cheap, but it's a steal in the "sports/luxury SUV" segment.
If I was going for this much Luxury, I think the A8 or LS or 545i would get my money first (note all cost $$$ more than the FX).
SUV wise I'd rather go for more utility than sport but it'd probably be my choice over the MDX and RX330 (both down on power in a big way), the V8 Touregue is probably it's closest competitor, but the VW weighs near 1000 lbs more but to make up for this it's more of a truck with much better towing and off road capabilities for the same price.
Exterior looks aggressive with massive 20" wheels. Build quality is good with nice paint and tight gaps. Interior, is also very good, leather is not the best I've seen, but better than average. Ergonomic, seat, pedals, steering wheel, mirrors were all OK, but not outstanding (for my tastes that is).
Engine is smooth and powerful, but too quiet. (It's like a sewing machine). In fact with the radio on windows up it's hard to even tell if the engine is on, even at full acceleration. It's really cool in a way, but I'd prefer a little more volume. (but maybe after my S2000 at 90mph top down on the highway I'm going deaf).
Power is all there. I've been suspicious of Infiniti and Nissan's HP rating in the past, but lately they have delivered everything advertised.
I was following my friend (he in my S2000) and form a stop, I nearly ran him over, but it turns out he was only driving 8/10th. I believe the S is faster but the FX is what I call sneaky fast. This reminds me of the power in the M3 I drove. Nothing pinning me into my seat, if it weren't for looking at the spedo you'd think you were going 20mph slower than you really are. The S2000 by contrast is more like " full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" (j/k). But in the S with it's power surge and it's 90+ dB you feel like you're going faster than indicated.
In the twisties the FX works a lot harder at the same speed thru corners. As expected, it's center of gravity, unsprung weight, softish suspension all conspire to make you slow down a little it's as if the S2000 ran away and hid. FX is not exactly a back road warrior.
So in conclusion, the FX is a powerful, fast (surprisingly fast from a stop), luxurious tourer with room for 4 adults. Costing $45-47K it's not cheap, but it's a steal in the "sports/luxury SUV" segment.
If I was going for this much Luxury, I think the A8 or LS or 545i would get my money first (note all cost $$$ more than the FX).
SUV wise I'd rather go for more utility than sport but it'd probably be my choice over the MDX and RX330 (both down on power in a big way), the V8 Touregue is probably it's closest competitor, but the VW weighs near 1000 lbs more but to make up for this it's more of a truck with much better towing and off road capabilities for the same price.
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: St. Louis, MO
Very nice review. I have yet to drive an Infiniti FX45. I love the way they look too. There's only 1 here in New Bern and the lady that drives it looks like a perfect fit.
The advantages to an Infiniti dealer being 2+ hours away. Makes them much more exclusive. Thanks for sharing this info.
The advantages to an Infiniti dealer being 2+ hours away. Makes them much more exclusive. Thanks for sharing this info.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: seattle
The missus and I went to check them out this weekend. I'd be tempted to get the 35 and save some $$$ since I wouldn't be driving it often and it is nearly as fast as the 45...
My test drive is supposed to happen on Thursday...
My test drive is supposed to happen on Thursday...
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Erock's my boat!
Originally posted by S2kRob
I have heard that there is not much trunk/hatch space though?
I have heard that there is not much trunk/hatch space though?
when we went for a test drive, we took the stroller out of our car and tried to get it in with some other baby stuff (diaper bag, etc.) into the hatch area and it barely fit.
Should be here this week.
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