Special FX

Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, confirms UK pricing and delivery for the first model in its range of performance cars: the V6 or V8 powered, all-wheel drive FX.

A new name in automotive luxury, a new line of performance cars headed by the ground-breaking FX, and a whole new ownership experience arrive in the UK from September with the launch of Infiniti.

UK prices and specification, announced today, position the FX at the heart of the large crossover market where its dramatic styling, comprehensive standard equipment and peerless quality are ready to stand comparison with any rival. The three-model FX line-up starts at £42,600 on the road (OTR) for the FX37 GT and rises to £53,800 for the FX50S. This performance champion of the range can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.

As well as a complete specification aimed at the enthusiast driver, the FX offers something else as well: an ownership experience to make every FX customer feel like a VIP. Infiniti can promise this partly because it is not aiming for large volumes – unusually the company is happy for its products to be a rare sight on Britain’s roads. Infiniti expects its customers to appreciate this level of exclusivity, too.

The FX is exceptional as a full-size five-seater crossover for its relatively light weight – aluminium parts make it the lightest SUV in its class – and engine technology that takes V6/V8 efficiency to new levels, benefiting both performance and economy.
Infiniti takes an intelligent view when it comes to specifying its products, standardising the sort of features luxury buyers expect … and some they don’t, including Scratch Shield paint. A long equipment tally means less time wasted by the customer ploughing through an options list. For example, every FX comes not only with leather upholstery but also electrically adjustable, heated AND ventilated front seats. Yet Infiniti still offers a high degree of personalisation possibilities, not least through a wide variety of colours and trim.

Exceptional equipment across the FX range include Infiniti’s new Connectiviti multimedia platform. Comprising a host of entertainment, information and convenience features in a notably user-friendly format, Connectiviti is an integral part of every Infiniti FX in the UK. The 30GB hard-disk drive satellite navigation version, Connectiviti+ (optional on the FX37 models and standard on the FX50S) comes with smart route recalculation and speed camera warnings, as well as access to 22,000 hotels, restaurants and points of interest in a world first tie-up with Michelin Guides.

The buying and running of an FX also aim to raise the bar with the inclusion of Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience. Although new to UK customers, this initiative has been part of the Infiniti offering since the brand’s inception 20 years ago. The unique Infiniti experience starts out with a visit to an Infiniti Centre. Elegant and welcoming, the Centres aim to capture the ambience of a boutique hotel rather than traditional car showroom. The emphasis is on hospitality, just as it is in the country Infiniti comes from: Japan.

The first Infiniti Centre in the UK will open this September on the outskirts of Reading, near to the M4, with other sites to follow shortly afterwards. In all, Infiniti expects to have around 12 Centres open across the UK within the next two years. With an online experience second to none and VIP service which offers annual free collection and delivery of an Infiniti up to a 150 mile radius, customers will never feel far from an Infiniti Centre.

Indeed, with an emphasis on recognising Infiniti customers as individuals, everything is done to make choosing, buying, running and owning an Infiniti FX as rewarding and stress-free as possible. But if that sounds a little dull, remember Infiniti’s minimum 320PS power output … which thanks to a sports-tuned exhaust, sounds truly glorious.

INFINITI FX37 GT - £42,600 OTR

As well as all the standard FX features (see list above), the GT gets a true GT’s engine: a new 320PS (316bhp) 3.7-litre version of the group’s award-winning, petrol-fuelled V6 with Infiniti’s variable valve event and lift technology. In the FX it offers 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed where the law and conditions allow of 145mph.

Ease of driving is assured by a hefty 360Nm (266lb ft) of pulling power while in league with the FX GT’s high performance is an official combined fuel cycle figure of 23.4mpg. The engine is ahead of emissions requirements, being compliant with the Euro 5 standard. For the record, its CO2 emissions figure is 282g/km.

With a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox and magnesium paddle shifters, near perfect weight distribution and such a high power output, the GT offers a dynamic drive with superlative comfort, luxury and safety.

This model also fits the GT bill with its standard 20in alloy wheels and three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel. In addition there‘s a push button engine starter and an intelligent I-Key that can be programmed with each driver’s preferred seat/steering wheel/mirror settings.

INFINITI FX37S - £44,600 OTR

With its subtly different exterior trim and decidedly purposeful wheel and tyre combination, the S takes the GT package a sporty step further. But the S is about more than just looks.

The front seats get a sports makeover for more cornering support. The driver seat’s 14-way adjustment includes side bolsters that move in and out at the touch of a button for a bespoke driving position whatever the driver’s shape or size.

Technology in the S is boosted by the addition of CDC dampers. These are electronically controlled shock absorbers which, via a variety of sensors, continuously tailor the level of damping to suit road and driving conditions. CDC can be left in automatic, for optimal ride and handling at all times, or switched to Sport mode in order to call up every ounce of the FX’s handling prowess for the most challenging of roads.

The FX37S uses the same 3.7-litre 320PS (316bhp) V6 engine as the GT and claims 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph.

INFINITI FX50S - £53,800 OTR

As befits the marque’s flagship, the FX50S doesn’t compromise. But the FX50S isn’t just exceptionally well-equipped, it is a technological tour de force offering levels of performance and handling for thoroughbred sports machine status.

Its combination of power, equipment, standard technology and all-weather usability is arguably unique at this price.

At the heart of the FX50S is a new 5.0-litre V8 which, thanks to Infiniti’s patented Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, combines a high power unit of 390PS (385bhp) with torque of 500Nm (369lb ft). It is enough for breathtaking performance: 0-62mph takes just 5.8 seconds while the top speed is limited to 155mph. On the official combined fuel cycle the FX50S returns 21.7mpg. It is fully compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations and produces 310g/km of CO2.

To control this amount of power with maximum safety and driver involvement Infiniti called on everything it knows about handling – including the SUV-first of Rear Active Steer. This electronically controlled system enhances agility at low speeds and further improves the car’s awesome stability at the very high cornering forces of which the FX50S is capable.

Like the FX37S, 21in wheels and CDC damping are standard – along with all other features from that model. But the FX50S gets in addition its own exclusive technology designed to make life on board easier and safer.

Around View Monitor utilises cameras around the car to generate a 360 degree bird’s eye view so not even the tightest parking space holds any fear for the driver. Intelligent Cruise Control uses laser sensors to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front, at any speed from 0-112mph. And Intelligent Brake Assist could be a life-saver: when it detects that a collision with a car in front is imminent, it first warns the driver and then brakes the car automatically. All are standard fare on the FX50S; some rivals do not offer these features even as extra-cost options.

The FX50S also comes with Connectiviti+, a fully featured information and entertainment system that combines class-leading ease of use – via touch screen, voice recognition, dashboard or steering wheel controls – with huge hard disk memory and a high resolution display with 3D graphics. Sound quality is ensured by a BOSE 11-speaker system acoustically matched to the FX’s cabin.

FX OPTIONS

So well-equipped is the FX50S that the only options relate to colour and trim. FX37 owners who want to add certain FX50S features can, however, do so. These include Connectiviti+ which at £1700 costs less than half what the same features would add to the price of certain German rivals.

FX DELIVERIES

The Infiniti FX can be reserved online now at infiniti.co.uk. Deliveries are due to begin in September when the UK’s inaugural Infiniti Centre, in Reading, opens its doors.

When the first FX with a 59-suffix registration plate hits the roads in September, it will mark the culmination of a 20-year journey to bring Japan’s boldest new luxury marque to the UK. Infiniti already enjoys a large and enthusiastic following in other parts of Europe, the Middle East and the US.

The FX sits at the top of Infiniti Europe’s five-model range which also includes the G37 Saloon, G37 Coupé, G37 Convertible and EX37 crossover, all of which are also due on sale in the UK this year at the same time.