Funny you should mention bimmer.org, I think it is turning into an FX site now... Really odd the reaction of some people there, makes you wonder if they are owners or the kids of the owner...

 

I was comparing the ride of the sport pkg to a BMW sport pkg. Nobody seems to be able to match BMW on that front. I didn't mean to sound like I thought it was harsh, just not what I'm used to. As far as looks go I really like it. I like the way the dash pod moves with the wheel. Storage could be a little better, but again not all that bad. I really want to wait for the new RX330 and the BMW before I make a choice, but the FX is making the wait vary hard. The salesman is going to call me when they get a FX45 with tech. The only worry I have with the Lexus is I feel it will won’t handle very good. And Pres Bush thinks he has problems......

 

What about the FX35? Cause a FX45 is a V-8 with 20" tires standard, so naturally it will handle better and outperform the RX in every aspect. I even think the FX35 is RWD, no? So IMO, apples to oranges here.

I think the RX 330 offers 18" tires as an option but I don't see it being anywhere as sporty as the FX.

For those that have never driven a car or truck with 20" tires (including our beloved Lexus) the ride is simply harsh. No matter what car your in. If your willing to live with this, cool.

 

Hey RXKen...noticed your tow hitch cover...Rock Chalk!!

 

I read that the FX45 has to have 20s to support the weight of the V8 in the FM platform.

 

RXKen,

How'd you manage to get your fully loaded FX45 for mid-high 40's? I priced that car at Carpoint and it came out to over $52,000 fully loaded. Was the car discounted? It MSRPs at $44K to start. Please inform. Thanks!

 

For a taste of the FX's utility check this very interesting video out:

http://autos.msn.com/media/asx/Infin...45_COM_300.asx

 

i would get that in a heartbeat too!!

 

Questions:

1. How is the seating position of the FX45, is it carlike or trucklike?

2. Did your butt dyno feel a big difference between the lighter FX35 at 280hp vs the heavier FX45 at 315? On paper, it seems like the FX35 would be better value?

3. Can you assess from the wheel gap if there's any room to lower the vehicle with an after-market suspension? I'd be looking at the FX35 as an Audi S6 avant killer bcs I don't need the ground clearance.

BTW, cargo volumes from carpoint:

FX45 27.?
RX300 39.8
X5 16.1
Murano 32.6
Merc ML500 34.7

I think the slight decrease in the FX45 has to do with the fact that the rear seats are reclined which cuts into the rear somewhat.

FWIW I test drove the Murano and it felt too "trucky". Does the FX45 really handle like a G35??? I hope so!!!

 

Infiniti has a program where you can buy at employee price and we took advantage of that so the FX45 with a sticker of $53K was more like $46K, it's called VPP I believe and we qualified through my wife's work, although there is a dealer in Dallas - Grubbs Infiniti offering VPP pricing to people coming in off the street in order to move more vehicles. Don't pay anywhere near MSRP for these.

 

1. More car like to me, although my wife thinks she sits up high, but I find her seat jacked all the way up too, vs. me dropping it to the floor, so it may just depend on your seating position.

2. The FX35 is only what 150 lbs lighter? Not much, so yes the FX45 was noticeably faster. The 45 runs 0-60 in 6.3 seconds the 35 is 7.2 seconds according to magazine tests. YMMV.

3. I've heard there will be aftermarket springs, but not something I've checked into, check freshalloy.com and see if someone there has something yet.

4. The FX45 handled very close to the G35 on a local racetrack, I was suitably impressed with the performance for what it is.

 

I agree..

I too have driven an FX45 and must say the ride is stiff at best. I have a BMW 540i with sports suspension (read, can count expansion joints in road) and felt the FX45 had even stiffer suspension. Don't believe me, then check the freshalloy infiniti fx forum for confirmation of fx45 owners which changed the 20" tires to 18" for all year driving.

I couldn't picture the wife driving the Fx with the kids to the grocery store or going on long family vacations without the suspension eventually becoming bothersome.

Just my $.02
Fern