The Infiniti FX is among the sportiest and style-focused crossovers, and while it can still turn heads three years after its last major redesign, it�s time for a refresh. When the current model was released in 2009, we ordered one up for a long-term test, and one of our favorite aspects was its sport-wagon-on-big-wheels look. This year, Infiniti carefully nipped and tucked, subtly tweaking the FX�s grille and front fascia while adding a limited-edition FX35 called the, uh, Limited Edition.
Etherea-Inspired Snout
The 2012 FX�s new grille marks the biggest change, morphing from the 2011 car�s elegantly simple opening into a more aggressive, pinched form cribbed from Infiniti�s Etherea concept (which in turn borrowed its grille design from the Essence concept). In addition to its new shape, the grille now is made up of thin chrome slats instead of black mesh. The lower front fascia gets more visual oomph courtesy of thin bands of chrome outlining the fog-light nacelles. Unfortunately, the FX�s chrome fender vents survived the refresh. The interior largely was left alone save for the instrument cluster, which gets a classier-looking, white-on-blue information display between the gauges that replaces the garish orange-on-red unit from before. The 2012 FX35 still is powered by a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and available with rear- or all-wheel drive, while the FX50 carries over its 390-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel-drive.
Infiniti didn�t outline any specific equipment shuffling for the 2012 FX, but buyers can still spec their FXs with Premium, Deluxe, Touring, Technology, and Sport packages. As before, a bevy of highly annoying techno-gizmos is available, including active cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention systems, brake assist, and collision warning. Every FX will come standard with Infiniti�s Personal Assistant, a phone-based 24-hour concierge service, which owners can call to get directions, emergency assistance, restaurant suggestions, and the like. While not touted as part of the press release, we know you can also use the PA to find answers to off-the-wall stuff like �Is cheerleading a sport?� or have the service check you in for a flight. The Personal Assistant service is free for the first four years.
Pricing Plus Limited Edition Deets
New this year, Infiniti will offer an all-wheel-drive FX35 Limited Edition trim that packs unique 21-inch turbine-look wheels wrapped in V-rated rubber, plus many of the FX�s more popular options, including adaptive headlights, navigation, and the Around View monitor. Any exterior trim bits that are chrome on normal FXs get a dark-graphite finish on the special FX35, of which just 550 will be built. Paired with the Iridium Blue paint that�s exclusive to the Limited Edition, the muted trim and wheels look great.
As to prices, they�re up only slightly over last year�s. The FX35 costs $850 more, which means $44,345 for a 2012 rear-driver and $45,795 for an AWD model. The 2012 FX50 jumps by $1750, to $60,245. The FX35 Limited Edition costs $52,445, the same amount required for a similarly spec�d 2011 FX35 (which means Deluxe Touring and Premium packages), with the added bonus that you�ll likely never see another one. The 2012 FX hits Infiniti dealerships in early October. View Photo Gallery:
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