2009 Infiniti FX50 Windham ME

November 18, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor

2009 Infiniti FX50

2009 Infiniti FX50

DriverSide Overview 
The newly refreshed  2009 Infiniti FX50  is quite a different beast than the last iteration. While the exterior design is mildly refreshed from the previous generation, the 5.0-liter engine is brand spanking new and cranks out 390 horsepower, up from 2008’s 320. As the bigger, more capable sibling to the V-6 powered FX35 , the FX50 also has more standard features like Bluetooth capability and an iPod interface. The styling of the FX is even more avant-garde than the outgoing model too, with Infiniti pushing the limit when it comes to the car’s design. Whether you’re looking for a swank interior, an eye-catching design or powerful performance, the FX50 has it all in spades.





What's to Like
Since the 4,500-pound FX50 is lighter than rivals like the  BMW X5 , the new V-8 engine pulls the SUV well around corners. The exhaust has been specifically tuned to give the engine grunt a more pleasing aural tone, and the touch screen navigation system has easily scrollable menus and straightforward functionalities. 

What's Not to Like
Despite the 369 lb-ft of torque, up from the  FX45 ’s 335, the FX50 has a towing capacity of only 3,500 pounds. The  Mercedes-Benz ML550  tops that by almost 4,000 pounds. Buyers may be disappointed with the lack of a third row of seats, something that both the  Acura MDX  and  Audi Q7  feature.

The Drive
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Nimbly navigating corners, the FX50 feels controlled and balanced in tight turns. Infiniti did this by shaving four feet off the SUVs turning radius making U-turns an easier affair. Wind noise is slightly noticeable through the window joints during highway driving, but is nonexistent when compared to the clamor the open sunroof makes. Even at low speeds, its like five teenagers all playing ‘Rock Band’ at once. The standard 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels make for a rougher ride than the FX35, who rolls on 18-inchers, but the optional sport package adds Continuous Damping Control suspension, which uses nine sensors to analyze input coming from mechanisms like the steering angle and brakes to determine the necessary intensity of the shocks. This ultimately creates a more comfort-oriented ride for the occupants but at a premium price.

Engine and Drivetrain
The standard all-wheel drive FX50 boasts a 5.0-liter V-8 engine with 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0-liter engine is a first for this manufacturer, as the last generation featured a 4.5-liter version of the engine. A seven-gear automatic transmission, with optional manual mode with paddle shifters, makes for a smoother drive than the outgoing five-speed. Infiniti has also tuned the shift points to function at their highest torque output range so the FX...

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