Infiniti FX 5.0 Review

While Toyota has Lexus, Nissan has Infiniti as its luxury arm. For about 20 years, Infiniti models were only officially sold in the United States. In 2008 though, the brand finally ventured across the pond to Europe and in recent years, onwards to the rest of the world. Infiniti has now officially entered the competitive Singapore market with its FX SUV.

Despite the brand being introduced here officially for the first time, the FX SUV isn’t the first Infiniti model to be sold here in Singapore. Back in the early 2000s, official Nissan distributor Tan Chong offered the Infiniti Q45 saloon as an alternative to the Germans, but with little succeess due to a lack of marketing among other reasons. I remembered it for its distinctive headlights though – the main beam lens had a pattern that mimic the barrel of a Gatling gun.

While the last Q45 is a rebadged JDM Nissan Cima, Infiniti’s new FX SUV is the brand’s first bona fide model that is not available as a Nissan badged model anywhere in the world. The FX is a large sporty crossover SUV that is often compared to the BMW X6. At 4865mm in length, the FX is just 8mm shorter than the X6. The FX’s 2885mm wheelbase  is 48mm shorter than the X6’s while the BMW is also wider and taller than the Infiniti. With its GT-like long bonnet proportions and curvaceous roof line, the FX does look sporty and purposeful. The scuplted shark-like headlamps give it an aggressive face but the large chrome grille might look a tad too fussy for some. The curvaceous roof is supplemented by the bulbous curves on the bonnet and front wings. The rear end styling has hints of the Porsche Cayenne and Nissan crossover models like the Murano. Details like the functional air vents on the front wings, the 21-inch alloy wheels on the FX50 and the large tailgate spoiler accentuates the FX’s sporty and muscular stance even further.

There’s no doubt about it, the FX is a dramatic looking crossover that has unmistakable and imposing road presence. Its styling certainly looks more resolved than the somewhat clumsy looking X6.