Infiniti FX50 CAR review

The Infiniti FX50 will be the upmarket Japanese brand’s most expensive car when the company launches into Europe in autumn 2008. At an estimated £50k and with big 4x4s about as popular as a Cadbury's teapot right now, it’s a brave move.

Don't forget, Infiniti isn’t aimed at the conservative luxury market like Lexus. Instead Nissan’s luxury brand is targeting BMW – so something a little brash and in-yer-face probably won’t go amiss. As you can see, the FX50 certainly delivers on that front.

At this price, Infinti's range-topper will have to deliver. If it really wants to take on BMW, its products must drive better than its rivals from Bavaria. And not many people have managed that over the years...

So what are the basic ingredients of the Infiniti FX50?

To these eyes at least, good looks. They might be OTT for some, especially the 21-inch Enkei alloy wheels. But those wheels help disguise the proportions and, along with the chromed vent behind the front wheels, they give the car an almost front-mid engined look.

The head- and taillights mirror each other in shape while the integrated rear spoiler and roof rails also make the FX50 appear smaller than it is. And don’t worry about the sheer girth of the thing; there are four cameras to help you manoeuvre.

Click here for a preview of the June 2008 issue of CAR Magazine where we pit the Infiniti FX50 against the brand new BMW X6 xDrive 50i and the Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Click ‘Next’ below to read more of our Infinti FX50 first drive