2009 Infiniti FX50: Open Thread

I know this is a sport vehicle, but I'd like to know a bit about how well it tows a boat and (at a different time) carries a canoe / kayak on the top. The utility of this beast needs to be tested. Let's hear about some of the "utility" part of this vehicle!
Oh - hopefully I didn't miss it, but is there a suspension walk-around on the FX-50?

Unfortunately the FX50S sold in the middle-east dont come with a lot of the gadgets that you guys get state side (HD/Ipod connection/the "self-healing" paint etc..)

Would be great if you could make a short video of how well the Lane Departure Prevention and the Intelligent Brake Assist work in real life. Also does the "self-healing" paint work against small scratches or was it just a marketing gag by Infiniti.

Thanks.

I'd like to know who in their right mind would spend $65K for a compromised Infiniti when, at that price point, there are far superior offerings.

I'm actually with coletrickle on his question. I like the FX50, and even the EX35, but for what they are, they have extremely cramped back seats when you compare them to the G37 and M35/45. With the limited cargo space in the FX50, is there any point in taking it over an M45 with the same options? Sure the FX50 is faster but the M45 seems to have more space and provide more options for back seat passengers.

I have a different take on cole's question......who would spend 65K on a vehicle like a CUV??? I am sure it is nice and goes fast but so would a Lazy-Boy with a Boss 429. What is the point?

true the M45 is more spacious. And the M56 will be something too.
What does this have over the M56?

@wizard8873 I'm 6'6 and sat in the back of an FX35 for about 30 minutes on a test drive, I had plenty of room and was very comfortable.

The back seat leg room in the FX50 is nearly the same as the back seat of Subaru WRX STI, and only 2 inches greater than BMW 1 series.

The back seat of this SUV (or CUV, or whatever it is), is a joke.

Coletrickle, I bought my FX50s ten months ago. I actually was going to get the Lexus IS300 (they dont sell the 350 here in Dubai), but it really lacks rear leg room. I then planned on getting the GS460, but then I saw the FX50S at a car exhibition and loved its mean looks (looks like a shark in my opinion). That week I booked a test drive and Infiniti and after abusing that lovely engine upfront, I just knew I had to have the car.

I always despised 4x4 cars (Hummers/Range Rovers etc) and Crossovers, but honestly this Infiniti handles real well.

As for it being "cramped". Well I am single, dont have any kids and only on a few occasions have people sit in the back. I do lower and push my driver seat all the way back which leaves no space for anybody to sit behind me, but there is enough space for people to sit behind the passenger. Also you can recline the back seats which makes them quite comfy.

Like I have said before, if I had the choice to buy my white FX50S all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. It truly is an amazing piece of machinery and you need to drive it in order to appreciate it. And while we are it, compared to a V8 X6/ML/X5/Range Rover etc, the FX50S is a bargain at $63k :-)

Yes well you can't shoehorn a V8 in a big swoopy sporty crossover without overall space being compromised for better balance. Same goes for the swoopy styling in the back.

@jeepsrt how big was the person in front and how far forward was their seat? I've sat in the FX50 while getting my car serviced and it was ridiculous. I judge a car's rear legroom by how comfortable the front passengers are. i'm 6'3" and once i'm comfortable up front, it is too cramped in back even for my dad who's 5'11".

had the Altima and now M45 and now such issues in the car even with the front seats all the way back. been in the back of the Altima for a trip from Indiana to Colorado and spent 1/2 in the back without issues and the M45 is just a tad bigger in the back.

Not trying to knock it as I really like the car but there is just no reason to get it imo. there are better cars out there to do what this thing is for. if it's for two people then I would def get the FX50 in a heartbeat as its performance is amazing and it would have a lot of room in the back for luggage or anything but once you have 4 people, it just doesn't seem like a valid option.