Infiniti, FX/QX70, S51 Overview

Overview

The Infiniti FX (FX35) and QX70 (FX50S) are a series of luxury crossover SUVs produced by Nissan's premium brand, Infiniti. The S51 trim level was introduced in 2009 as an upgrade to the previous model.

Design and Features

• The Infiniti FX/QX70 S51 features a sporty exterior design with a sloping roofline, rounded wheel wells, and angular headlights.
• It comes with a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 (FX) producing 303 horsepower or a 3.7-liter V6 (QX70S) delivering 325 horsepower in the S51 trim.
• A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models, while a manual mode allows drivers to take control of gear shifts.
• The QX70S features a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes, and a distinctive rear diffuser.
• Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, and anti-lock braking (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution.

Interior and Comfort

• The FX/QX70 S51 interior is designed to provide comfort and luxury, featuring premium leather upholstery, heated seats, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
• A navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an Infiniti-unique "Intelligent Key" system are standard features.
• Rear legroom is relatively spacious, but not as generous as some competitors.
• The QX70S features exclusive interior trim materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum.

Performance

• The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the FX produces 303 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds.
• The more powerful 3.7-liter V6 (QX70S) generates 325 horsepower and achieves a faster acceleration time of approximately 6 seconds to 60 mph.

Warranty and Maintenance

• Infiniti offers a comprehensive warranty package for the FX/QX70 S51, including a 4-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty and a 5-year unlimited-mileage powertrain warranty.
• Regular maintenance is relatively affordable, with recommended services every 7,500 miles.

Reliability and Safety

• The Infiniti QX70 has received generally positive reviews for its reliability and safety features.
• In government crash tests (2012-2013), the FX/QX70 S51 earned a perfect 5-star rating in frontal and side impact crashes.
• Additionally, it was named a "Top Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its impressive performance in moderate overlap front crashes.

Comparison to Other Models

• The Infiniti QX70 competes directly with other luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 35i, Audi Q7 3.0T, and Mercedes-Benz ML350.
• While the FX/QX70 S51 boasts strong performance and a comfortable ride, some critics have noted its limited cargo space and lower towing capacity compared to rivals.

Specifications

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (FX), 3.7-liter V6 (QX70S)
• Transmission: 7-speed automatic
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive (AWD) with intelligent torque distribution
• Curb Weight: Approximately 4,300-4,400 pounds (depending on engine choice and trim level)

Price History

• The base price of the Infiniti FX35 S51 in 2009 was around $44,000.
• By 2013, prices had increased to approximately $47,000 for the QX70S.

Recall History

• In 2012, Infiniti recalled over 6,500 FX and QX70 models due to a software glitch that could cause unintended acceleration.
• A separate recall in 2011 affected around 22,000 units of various Infiniti models, including the FX/QX70 S51, for an issue with the brake system's electronic control module.