Infiniti 2009 FX 35 AWD

2009 Infiniti FX (Courtesy of Infiniti of America)

The Infiniti FX 35 stands tall with an elegant stature, performing in the mode of luxury. Head-on, the vehicle looks stellar, nearly exotic, or even predatory. But there’s a sophisticated air about it that beckons everyone to enjoy the galaxy of features, some mentioned in the block above.

Near our home in South Dallas, Texas, a series of hills justify what little elevation there is in the county. About two miles north of the hills’ base is an industrial area that is alive with trucking companies and light industrial businesses that warehouse products for such companies as Frito Lay and Target stores. The roads running to and fro, and around and through, this area are made of 12-inch thick concrete. But over the years the roads have been damaged to their base. They are bone jarring, rough, and can be damaging to the front end or steering of your vehicle. It is those 100,000 lb. truck monsters traveling on the roads that have done considerable damage.

Each time I get a vehicle to test drive, I use those damaged roads to determine the vehicle frame stability, wheel balance, driving comfort, handling, and steering. The Infiniti FX 35 won the contest hands down. There was little bounce and no vibration, even surpassing more expensive models such as Mercedes and BMW. Even those moderate sized hills caused the Infiniti little pause or loss of breath.

The 2009 Infiniti FX-35 gets 16 mpg in town and 21 on the highway, and sells for $49,500.

 

Features

303-HP V-6
Sports car driving dynamics
Hand-stained maple wood
Enhanced interior
21-inch Enkei wheels
Scratch shield paint
Functional side air vents
Advanced climate control system
Intelligent cruise control
Distant control assist
Comprehensive safety features
Bose audio products
7-speed automatic transmission Intelligent brake assist

Durhl Caussey is a car writer whose columns are read around the world.