The factory navigation, for example, confidently led me to where the Zhivopisny Bridge doesn't even exist, even though it was completed over a year ago. And the settings were entirely in English — it seems the software developers had no idea the Russian market existed.
BMW IS STILL WORSE
On the way back to the office, I counted only one fellow sufferer — the owner of another five-liter FX, but at least three BMW X6s and a dozen Porsche Cayennes. The question "which would I choose from this trio" arose on its own. I tried to brush it off, but failed. In the evening, poring over forums with "owner reviews," I realized I wasn't alone in my indecision. Choosing a "wild" heavy-weight crossover still torments people, even though, it would seem, these arguers should already be selling off their mansions just to pay for electricity and kindergarten. What's funny is something else: those who've already bought the FX50 quickly forget their doubts. One of them wrote: "I'm driving and see a guy in the next lane on a 'Ficus.' I look and admire — what a beautiful car. I envy him. And then suddenly I think: I'm driving an Infiniti myself!"
In terms of behavior, the FX50 is very similar to the Cayenne. Their appetites are the same: 25–30 liters per hundred. You can only really tell the difference in driving dynamics on a test track — in the city or on the highway, the differences come down to design. But the Porsche's looks attract car thieves too much, so due to its lower theft rating and lower price, I choose the Infiniti.
The comparison with the BMW X6 also favors the "cap" (as the FX is nicknamed for its profile). The Japanese car is noticeably more comfortable and requires less effort to handle. BMW's engineers, it seems, didn't bother and just bolted an incredibly heavy steering wheel to the X6 to emphasize sportiness. Such a wheel would only please lumberjacks or gym regulars, but for us office plankton, weakened by air-conditioning bacteria, it quickly gets tiresome. Both the X6 and FX50 are pure driving pleasure, but to strike a spark from the "Japanese" car, you don't need to exert titanic effort.
THE ARTIST WON
It's a pity that the Infiniti's interior seems from another world — it doesn't resemble a rocket cockpit but sends us to some retro casino with blue tones. All that's missing is a roulette wheel and green felt with candelabras. However, there are almost no "blind" zones among the controls. Only the engine start button and mirror adjustment remain out of the driver's field of vision, which is tolerable. But the seat heating toggle is dangerously placed — it's often used while driving, yet it's hidden down below, even though there's plenty of space on the center console. Other functions — hazard lights, radio search, air conditioning off, recirculation — are in plain sight, but among identical buttons, you won't find them right away! It's clear that the front panel was drawn by artists, not ergonomists. So the main visual accent is the retro clock, exactly like the one in the Lada Priora. That definitely catches the eye without fail.
Buyers, by the way, really like these "Zhiguli" clocks. They also appreciate that you don't need to look in the rearview mirror — it's empty. On the road, you're always ahead of everyone. And in the yard, it's useless to look back: you'll only see massive rear pillars, each half a meter wide. Better to trust the rearview camera, if it shows anything besides snow, dirt, and dust on the screen.
NOWHERE TO BOLT IT
For the first couple of days, I didn't even touch the sport mode of the gearbox. The dynamics are impressive enough — more than enough for any needs. On the third day, I finally decided to move the selector to DS (DriveSport) and immediately regretted not doing it earlier. Imagine: an already peppy car becomes even angrier in an instant. But it all ended sadly — with fatigue. The desire to drive non-stop has its limits. The FX50 won't adapt to your mood — you must play by its rules, the main one being 5.8 seconds to 100 km/h. It's good that this rule doesn't apply off-road. Already for that reason, it was worth turning onto the snowy field near the village of Terekhovo.
Before heading into the field, I inspected the underbody on a lift at the "4x4 Club." The wide and thick front subframe, which covers part of the components, pleased me. But the open oil pan of the automatic transmission and the impossibility of installing an aftermarket skid plate — there's simply nowhere to mount it — disappointed. What a pity! Once again, pressing the gas and cutting through the white virgin snow, I'm convinced how good luxury crossovers are on moderate off-road. The suspension is stiff, and on asphalt it doesn't provide the desired smoothness, but it's energy-intensive. The Infiniti briskly swallows speed bumps, and in the field, it doesn't shy away from potholes and mounds. But the main charm is the multi-liter engine with 400 hp.
Once you turn off the stability control, all that power is left alone with the wheels. Oversteer, understeer, and slides will immediately come knocking without a knock — just be ready to greet them.
SPECS: INFINITI FX50
LONGING FOR SOMETHING SALTY
I return to the asphalt and again try to understand those who on forums extol the wonderful qualities of the "Ficus." On ice, the Infiniti's rear-wheel-drive character instantly shows. The front engages only when slipping, but in those fractions of a second, the rear has already managed to slide out. Without ESP, driving would be quite uncomfortable. The engine and seven-speed automatic unquestioningly follow any driver command. Body roll in corners is almost nonexistent. But the suspension is too tight, and on our broken roads, you want more comfort, not sport. However, sound insulation is top-notch.
The FX50 is a worthy rival for any premium crossover and, importantly, against the "Europeans," it looks more attractive in price. But where do you drive it? Where do you floor the pedal? The average speed of the "Ficus" in the capital, where it's so loved, is 24 km/h. Don't believe it — check the onboard computer. I tried to speed up. I fought for a place in the lane with an Audi Q7 and even overtook a minibus (which, by the way, isn't easy). I sweated, took off my jacket, and put it back on so the cabin wouldn't smell. I rushed to be first, squeezing between two trams — almost made it. The computer showed 24.5… But I know where the FX50 will be in its element. A quick trip for a jar of salted mushrooms to Bryansk or to my aunt in Yukhnov. Fast there, fast back. Load up on adrenaline and hand out some 7–8 thousand to corrupt officers. There's no rational explanation for the existence of heavy jet crossovers. It's not even a toy, but something like a special tool for super agents.
