Skip advert
Advertisement

Infiniti FX50S

Flagship SUV packs a 5.0-litre V8, every luxury imaginable and has the BMW X6 in its sights

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Infiniti QX70
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

There’s nothing subtle about Infiniti’s flagship. With a thirsty V8 under the bonnet and interior space that’s compromised for the sake of style, it won’t appeal to all tastes. However, as fast, luxurious SUVs go the FX is a compelling package, and significantly more exclusive than a BMW X6… As long as you can put up with the bone-shaking ride.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Big, brash and epically fast, meet Infiniti’s flagship model - the FX50S. With a storming V8 under the bonnet, gargantuan proportions and a road presence that will scare other traffic off the road, this car is not for the faint-hearted, and it’s taking the fight directly to the equally non-pc but popular BMW X6.

Under the bonnet sits a snarling 5.0-litre V8, producing 385bhp and 500Nm of torque, although a 316bhp 3.7-litre V6 is also offered for the more reserved customers out there. The eight-cylinder unit provides serious amounts of punch, and works well in combination with the seven-speed semi-auto gearbox, which can be hesitant on manual up shifts via the magnesium paddles, but provides a seamless wave of torque in full auto mode.

Extensive use of aluminium in the FX’s underpinnings weighs in at a relatively slim 2,012kg – around 250kg lighter than the X6, despite offering space for three in the back and almost the same amount of boot space as the BMW.

And the lack of weight shows when it comes to handling. The FX turns in keener than something its size has any right to do, but there is a trade-off. Adaptive dampers let you choose between normal and sport modes, but even in the default setting the ride is rock-hard. In a vehicle as large and luxurious as this, you’d hope for a little more comfort to cope with everyday driving.

If in-your-face styling is your thing the FX is sure to appeal, with its flowing lines it manages to marry the utilitarian stance of an SUV with the grace of a coupe, but it won’t be to everyone’s taste. The real appeal is on the inside where every option imaginable is thrown in as standard.

Cameras placed strategically around the car give a 360 degree bird’s eye view, so you can avoid curbing your 21-inch alloys, intelligent cruise control keeps you a set distance from the car in front and the supportive leather seats are infinitely adjustable as well as being both heated and ventilated. There’s even emergency brake assist, which applies the middle pedal for you when it senses an impact is imminent.

The FX will be a rare sight on UK roads, but that has always been Infiniti’s intention. So, if you’re in the market for fast, stylish SUV, there are worse choices out there then the FX50… And exclusivity is guaranteed.

Rival: BMW X6 XDrive 50i
It might not have the Infiniti’s equipment levels as standard, but the BMW X6 redefines what a 2.3-tonne SUV is capable of in the corners. We’d forget the petrol engine though. Save yourself £9,000 and go for the almost-as-fast 35d.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £29,735Avg. savings £5,267 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,338 off RRP*Compare Offers
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,836 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,458 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price
MG4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price

The MG4 is one of our favourite EVs on account of its sheer value for money. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 December
News
11 Dec 2024
Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024