A couple months ago, I drove our 2009 Infiniti FX50 to Napa and was amazed by the ride quality: It was actually good, despite our FX's 265/45R21 104W Dunlop SP Sport 01 summer tires.
But then a couple nights ago, I drove the FX50 straight into the center of LA County on the 10 and 60 freeways. And now I have to agree with Kelly and Brian: It doesn't ride well at all over LA's grooved concrete slabs. You feel every expansion joint.
As a pure indulgence, I would enjoy using an Infiniti FX50 to tour California's back roads, though not as my sole car (obviously, I'd need something small, sharp and rear-drive for more serious cornering).
But for urban transit, the FX just won't do.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 11,961 miles
dubaizen says:
11:16 AM, 04/24/09
i agree! the ride is not smooth unless you have streets like they do in Dubai. But mind you it has a lot to do with those big wheels and sport tires.
i am quoting this guy i know from an infiniti forum who lives in ALASKA
"
Jr. FXer
Quote
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 3:48 pm
Posts: 39
On our Alaskan roads, I did not like the performance of the stock 21" Enkei wheels, TPMS, Dunlop SP Sport 01 265/45R21 that came with the FX50S. The car jumped all over the road when it encountered ruts in the road, which we have on many of our city roads, and it was rough riding on our bumpy roads with frost heaves, pot holes, etc. It was a little loud also on our roads with an average of 76 decibels inside at 60 MPH.
I replaced the wheels with 18" Sport Edition F10s, TPMS, and Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza 265/60R18 tires. Road testing showed a dramatic improvement, and also dropped the noise level down to 69 decibels at 60 MPH. I can now change lanes on a road with ruts without looking like a drunk driver, and it rides softer in general, but still corners nicely with only 32# tire pressure. I can drive it like a normal car without a death grip on the steering wheel. Now I really like the FX50S."
http://www.infinitifx.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=21533
actualsize says:
11:52 AM, 04/24/09
Nice quote. I have heard many similar stories from others. And I've seen it first hand during my time in the suspension and tire development biz. But marketing and dealers insist on them because people want huge "wagon wheels" because of looks. I can't wait for this trend to end.
That's because they almost always ride terribly. The tires have little sidewall to take the edge off things and the big wheels have heavy unsprung mass. Neither is a good thing. And they can be skittish when cornering if the asphalt isn't glass smooth.
I have come to the conclusion that anything beyond 18" is counterproductive--maybe even 16" on a small, lightweight car.
And they're expensive. Those 21" Dunlops cost $275 EACH to replace if you buy from Tirerack. They'll be more at your local tire store. I don't even want to ask about the OE Enkei wheel.
adavis2493 says:
03:10 PM, 04/24/09
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Isn't the point of a crossover to have SUV looks, but car-like handling???
altimadude00 says:
03:40 AM, 04/25/09
Are California expansion joints for earthquakes...because I'm fairly confident they are not there because of ground freezing and thawing.
billt9 says:
11:01 AM, 04/25/09
kinda sad this car's ground clearance is 7.3" with wheels that big. If only they jacked it up to 9".
athens says:
04:34 PM, 04/26/09
Is there really any point to all this griping about the overly harsh ride of the FX50 SAV with it's 20" wheels and the high unsprung mass?
Instead of "griping" Edmunds could have selected the FX that 70% of customers are going to part with their hard-earned cash for: The FX35 with 18" wheels and 60 aspect ratio All Season tires.
Being the most conspicuous always has its price.
bbechtel16 says:
09:10 PM, 04/26/09
"I'd need something small, sharp and rear-drive for more serious cornering."
How do I find women like you Erin? :-)