The Infiniti FX – or Infiniti QX70 following the brand’s renaming of its models in early 2013 – is the largest car in the line-up of upmarket vehicles from Nissan’s luxury car brand. It competes against the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and Range Rover Sport but claims to be more driver-focused than all of the alternatives.

Unlike the Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, the FX has no off-road ability. However, it has the presence of a large 4x4, and – Infiniti claims – the agility of a coupe. This is the second-generation FX model, the original having been a success in North America and a few private imports of the earlier model made it to the UK. Now the interior has a less mass-produced feel with expensive looking trim and excellent attention to detail. If petrol really is your thing you’ll go for the thirsty 3.7-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is more UK-friendly, offering better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Strong performance

Whichever engine you choose in the Infiniti FX, they all offer good performance. Quickest of the bunch is the 5.0-litre V8-powered 50 S that has some 385bhp at its disposal to get the large SUV from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, working smoothly through its seven speed automatic gearbox.

Next quickest is the 3.7-litre V6 used on the 37 models that has 315bhp and deals with 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. It also offers useful overtaking urge and is a little more economical than the V8 petrol.

If you want reasonable economy in the FX you’ll need to choose the 30d model that has a 235bhp V6 turbodiesel. It covers 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and overtakes with easy strides. The limited edition FX Vettel has a 414bhp version of the 5.0-litre V8 for a 186mph top speed and 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.