2009 Infiniti FX50 Review

The 2009 Infiniti FX50, aka the Bionic Cheetah, is a luxury midsize crossover which has been refreshed and now offers proud owners more performance and style than ever before. It is all-new for 2009 and it offers new choices for engines, transmissions and loads of optional features. The FX50 is so named as to refer to the 5.0L V8 engine. It has been upgraded and serves as a replacement for the FX45.

The FX50 offers passenger room to rival crossovers like the Nissan Murano and has enough rear passenger legroom to compete with the Honda Civic. It can also tow a small watercraft or even a pair of motorcycles or snowmobiles. Sales volumes have never been high and the FX50 always is a great eye catcher. Cargo space is generous, easily accommodating even your large gear, luggage and equipment.

The Infiniti FX50 is a stylish vehicle that has been designed with stitched leather, real wood and various other luxurious amenities. The outside styling is sometimes questioned, but the classy interior is almost always truly appreciated. You won't find plastic or false chrome details here. The price point is fair for the features given. Of particular interest is the Around View monitor that is unique to Infiniti at this time - at least for a few more minutes anyway. The FX50 is a fully loaded vehicle that has tons of standard goodies and just about everything else imaginable as an option.

Voice recognition navigation, XM Satellite Radio, a powered hatch closer, rear entertainment system, and powered moonroof are all standard features along with many others. The BMW X6 serves as the primary competition for the FX50. While the BMW X6 costs thousands more than the FX50 MSRP of $58,400, it doesn't perform any better when you're behind the wheel. The 2009 FX50 from Infiniti has the same platform as the Infiniti G37 and the Nissan 300ZX. And it moves quick - just like the cheetah it is.

Infiniti takes safety seriously and offers you a nice set of standard safety features on the FX50. Dual stage front, front side-impact, and both rear and front side curtain airbags are stock. Electronic stability and traction controls systems, active restraints for the heads of front passengers, tire pressure monitors and first aid fits are all included. Optionally available for safety are pre-crash belts and the Infiniti intelligent cruise control system with the distance control feature.

The 2009 Infiniti FX50 has a 5.0L 390hp V8 that creates 369 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. It is all wheel driven with a 18.3 foot turning radius. Fuel efficiency ratings are 14/20 mpg city/highway and the fuel tank holds 23.8 gallons. The basic warranty covers everything for 48 months or 60,000 miles. This fast and stylish car is one of the sleekest on the roads. It sits waiting for you - ready to pounce.