With a photograph like this, you might think I was about to launch into a rant about the look of the 2009 Infiniti FX50's grill. True, it's been described in our full test as an "Atomic Catfish" and having a "toothy maw." It seems to beg description and my family has settled on calling this performance SUV with a monster 390-hp, DOHC 5.0-liter V8 the Batmobile.
But this photo was actually taken to show you the position of the front camera lens which is part of the Infiniti's "Around View Monitor" that shows a 360-degree view from the Batmobile. It presents the view in this way:
As you can see it not only shows the rear view but also all the space around the SUV. You can also press the "Change view" button on the touch screen and it will change the panel to the right to show only one of the views. The indicator in the lower left of the screen reminds you what you are seeing in the central view.
When the Infiniti is shifted from reverse into drive the view briefly changes to show what is directly in front of the grill. Since this SUV is tall, it's possible that a child could be hidden from the driver's view but visible on the screen. It might also show if you were going to pull forward in a parking spot and hit a concrete divider.
The front and side cameras were covered with snow, water and then dust on our drive from Los Angeles to Denver to visit my parents. It only took a second to clean the lens. The rear camera (the most useful) stayed clear and provides a wide-angle view that's hardest to see.
So how useful is this feature? Well, it comes standard with the Infiniti and my feeling is that anything which improves visibility is a step forward. While the rear camera is nearly essential in a vehicle with poor rear visibility like this FX50, the sideview could prevent you from clipping an adjacent car with the long front end of this SUV as you back out of a parking place. And the front mirror could prevent a family tragedy.
The only difficulty is learning to process what you're seeing on the screen. Basically, it makes it look like you are in a helicopter hovering above the FX watching yourself back up. Once you get the hang of it, it's a huge benefit in an increasing congested urban landscape.
Philip Reed, Edmunds Senior Consumer Advice Editor @ 3,089 miles
adantium says:
04:53 PM, 12/25/08
Phlip!!!
Can't believe you're working Christmas day. How dedicated you are. Everyone's been wondering how the summer tires are. Fill us in buddy. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for the hard work. Gives me something to look at between sippin the nog.
MS3lvr92 says:
11:52 PM, 12/25/08
YOU'RE ALIVE!!!
Enough with the wiz-bang technology of the FX50, how was the trip up; and how did the tires handle the weather?
chavis10 says:
07:30 AM, 12/26/08
As weird as this vehicle looks, I'd like to experience one. I do like the interior, even though every Nissan/Infiniti now looks like a carbon copy of the next. At least they've duplicated a nice design unlike Honda/Acura who's been replicating a ridiculously intimidating layout.
misterfusion says:
10:11 AM, 12/26/08
I love this camera feature, and I agree that its usefulness far outweighs the gimmick factor. I assume it's not cheap, but I'd take something like this over a stereo upgrade or a sunroof any day.
firstwagon says:
12:09 PM, 12/26/08
I've been driving my Legacy wagon for years and never once have I wished for a camera so I could see where I was parking. A low beltline, narrow pillars, big windows and a hood I can easily see mean I have no need for a gadget like this.
Technology like this belongs on delivery trucks, big rigs and perhaps RV's but not a car.
Good design beats over styled every time.
And before someone says you can't compare the two, they are both all wheel drive wagons (although I think the Legacy is roomier).
mrryte says:
12:35 PM, 12/26/08
If it can save me the stinging frustration of curb rash; the trouble of a bumping into the vehicle behind me or (heaven forbid) a little child that happens to be too small to see over the hood or behind the FX then it would be more than worth it to me....;-)
altimadude00 says:
08:06 PM, 12/27/08
Function following form?
ahightower says:
06:35 AM, 12/28/08
That's just cool. Would be great on an RV or bus. Or even our Suburban. I can imagine some uses involving towing, if they could widen the view, or attach additional cameras to your trailer.