2009 Infiniti FX50 vs 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

5MTenthus submitted on 07/17/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:43 PM
from: www.automobilemag.com

Tags: 2009 Infiniti FX50, 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

Tag Links:

2009 Infiniti FX50

2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

2009 Infiniti FX50 vs 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

The laws of physics don't apply in Toontown, where cartoon characters live and SUVs act like sports cars. In Toontown, Infiniti's new FX50 accelerates quicker than a G37, matches its outstanding braking performance, and then - as its pièce de résistance - rounds corners even more quickly than the sport coupe. The story is similar with Toontown's BMW X6 - it sticks with the twin-turbo 335i coupe in a straight line and can almost match its performance-benchmark prowess in braking and cornering.

Here in the real world, height and weight are the biggest enemies of acceleration, braking, and handling. So how is it that these tall, heavy SUVs can dance with their low-slung coupe siblings? Cue the Looney Tunes music.

The 2003 Infiniti FX wasn't the first SUV with performance credentials - the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne had already proven that even elephants could do ballet. However, the low-roofed, big-wheeled FX was the first SUV that looked the part, sacrificing utility for a lot of sport. Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

pushrod27 - 7/17/2008 1:22:55 PM

-9 Boost

the x6 is certainly the looker of the two.

reply to this comment

hao420 - 7/17/2008 2:04:18 PM

+11 Boost

Infiniti took the gold.......<

_43LE - 7/17/2008 2:33:20 PM

+12 Boost

From the article:

"If the X6's buyers don't take it to the track, then it's left to win buyers on its looks alone. And that doesn't bode well. "

kthor - 7/17/2008 6:05:58 PM

-12 Boost

"The X6's performance on a racetrack is downright shocking."
"The X6's ride is even more supple than the FX50's, thanks to active antiroll bars and BMW's EDC system."
"The X6's blistering acceleration, however, leaves nothing to complain about. It's slightly faster than the FX50, beating the Infiniti to the 60-mph and quarter-mile markers by 0.3 second."
"The X6 actually has more cargo space than the X5 (and even the FX) with the seats up."

DOMINATION. Gee, I wonder why it costs more.
(And, the X6 is certainly the looker of the two.)

F1_Driver - 7/17/2008 8:36:43 PM

+7 Boost

^^^^^And yet the X6 lost to the FX50.

golfer38 - 7/17/2008 1:25:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Here we go...

reply to this comment

bigmotov - 7/17/2008 1:53:14 PM

+18 Boost

"The xDrive50i model starts at $63,775, but our fully equipped tester shocked us like a party buzzer with an estimated price of more than $80,000."

LOL!!! Wow, for that much, that's a long list of other vehicles I'd rather have.

reply to this comment

JRobUSC - 7/17/2008 2:33:43 PM

-3 Boost

yes, it's a lot of money, but still less than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, ML63, or Range Rover Supercharged, which are the vehicles BMW is targeting with the X6 xDrive50i. The Infiniti is absolutely a great value by comparison, but that's always the case with the Infiniti models. They sell by targeting the next rung "up" the ladder, which is BMW, and undercutting them on price. That's Infiniti's perogative, but BMW is doing the same thing and targeting vehicles above Infiniti with the X6. That doesn't make the BMW (or MB/Rover/Porsche) overpriced, they're just a different class of car.

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 4:28:41 PM

+3 Boost

lol, well for one the FX has about 5 options and maybe 5 accesories ....so sure if you check every option box on the X6 i mean seriously its going to cost thousands more, $17,000 in options in actuality the 2 with the same equipment arent that far apart in price a loaded FX is 66,000 not 62 grand a comparable X6 should run about 72-74 grand.....but 80 grand thats crazy compare similar models

FactsRule - 7/17/2008 7:58:55 PM

0 Boost

Staar, have you ever driven a BMW?? I seriously doubt it, judging by the comments you leave on this site.

I've owned Audi's, MB's, BMW's, Lexus', and Acura's and can make an informed comment: " BMW blows away all the other brands except Porshe, which is in a league of it's own."

Get a life dude, preferably one where you actually get to drive a BMW for once...

reply to this comment

F1_Driver - 7/17/2008 8:42:09 PM

+5 Boost

We don't see the X6 blowing away the FX50. In fact the FX50 blew away the X6 in this comparison test. I think it's due time that you got over the fact that BMW ain't all that and a bag of chips anymore. By the way, good job Infiniti!!!

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 7/18/2008 11:45:41 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

FI driver - which comparison test was that? It hasnt happened. Price Price Price is the sole reason the Infiniti bests the BMW .. The X6 was not designed to compete with an Infiniti. Same was the reason before and the same it will always be. If price was left out of the decision, then Infinti would never win a comparison test vs a BMW. It costs alot of money to get 50/50 weight balance, near perfect braking, handling, drivetrain, suspensions ... Think of it like this. The Nissan GTR is about a perfect race street car, but without the body or fit and finish inside and the cost for this car is $70k+. If infiniti had such a car in their stable, it would cost close to $100k. Why because to build the best street and race performer it is very challenging.

reply to this comment

F1_Driver - 7/18/2008 7:01:24 PM

+1 Boost

^^^^^You sound like a typical Bimmer crybaby when you get spanked by the competition. Boo hoo hoo hoo!LOL!!!

reply to this comment

Maverick2020 - 7/17/2008 2:23:37 PM

+15 Boost

I'm not a big fan of Infiniti, but the 2nd gen FX is a pretty well executed SUV.

I particularly like the interior with the Bentley-like diamond-pattern stitching.

reply to this comment

asevilla0507 - 7/17/2008 2:24:25 PM

+10 Boost

I took a look at the new FX when I took my g35 in for service and I got to say it is very nice, better than any of its class by far.

reply to this comment

bigmotov - 7/17/2008 2:36:04 PM

+11 Boost

I took a good at it too and I have to agree...very nice and like most, much nicer than the photos. Yes, the interior is extremely nice.

SVXXX - 7/17/2008 6:46:32 PM

+5 Boost

The interior of the new FX is plain out AMAZING!
Anyone here who has not sat in one should go and check it you!

fooi - 7/17/2008 2:34:24 PM

-2 Boost

yeah ive seen both up close in person and the x6 definitely has more road presence...looks a bit more extravagent but other than that wouldn't say either are any better than the other

reply to this comment

PlanB - 7/17/2008 2:51:00 PM

+2 Boost

I don't think one could go wrong with either pick, they'll both turn heads. My personal choice (mainly due to price) is the FX. But if money was no object then I'd probably choose the X6.

reply to this comment

amazinBimmer - 7/17/2008 3:21:37 PM

Show Comment -18 Boost

lexusrox123 - 7/17/2008 3:22:48 PM

+8 Boost

fx50 in black or dark graphite is awesome!!

reply to this comment

MichaelTaylor - 7/17/2008 3:25:38 PM

-13 Boost

The Infiniti looks so awesome. If there is an SUV that deserves a design award it is the new FX. Wow! Just wow! I like it more than the LX570, which also looks tough and badass!

reply to this comment

Dr550 - 7/19/2008 1:42:38 AM

+1 Boost

The LX570 looks like a Toyota Landcruiser with a LS460 front end. Boring and plain.

mmeecc - 7/17/2008 3:37:25 PM

+2 Boost

Hey JRobUSC,

How are you comparing the X6 to a Cayenne Turbo, ML63 and so on? These are purpose built racing SUV's with over 500hp!!! Not in the same league my friend. If BMW had an M Version of the X5 or X6, then maybe. But til then, you can only compare it to a Cayenne S or an ML550.

Keep up!

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 4:16:38 PM

-3 Boost

no your actually wrong there.......but im sure the truth will be lost on you.......the Ml550 competes with the X5 4.8i as does the Cayenne S.....the X6 performs alot better than the S in fact the I6 variant is as quick as the S is so your comparison makes no sense........but hey again the truth Im sure will be lost on you

JRobUSC - 7/17/2008 4:43:02 PM

-1 Boost

I don't care if they have more power on paper (we all know the BMW turbo engines are underrated power-wise), I care about price and performance. I compared the X6 xDrive50i to those cars because aside from being priced similarly it also performs similarly to those cars. The X6 has been clocked at 4.8s 0-60 and 13.3s in the 1/4 mile, which is much better than the Rover, better than the FX50S, and on par with the Cayenne Turbo and ML63. It also handles as well as or better than all of them. If you'd rather make it price equivalent, fine, then the Cayenne GTS is the closest competitor, and the X6 xDrive50i would run rings around that (let alone a regular Cayenne S).

Listen, I'm not buying an X6, so I'm not defending it out of loyalty to the car. I just don't get what the problem is here. Frankly my guess is the majority of people here couldn't afford the X6 xDrive50i even if it WERE $60k loaded to match the Infiniti FX. But that was never BMW's goal, so get over it. BMW didn't come out with the X6 with you in mind, they're after people who WOULD buy one of those more expensive cars. Infiniti targets BMW, BMW targets MB and Porsche. Infiniti could come out with a vehicle priced to match the BMW/MB/Rover/Porsche if they wanted, but they choose not to because without the value people would just buy the higher tier brands. That's just reality, fair or unfair. The day BMW is concerned more about being price competitive with Infiniti than they are about being performance and status competitive with Porsche and Mercedes is the day BMW stops being BMW. Maybe you want that, but personally I don't. Infiniti can abandon the value price strategy if they want, let them see how well received they are if they're priced like the big dogs. If not BMW doesn't need to be the value leader just because a bunch of people who couldn't afford the X6 either way are pissed off that an Infiniti is cheaper.

JRobUSC - 7/17/2008 4:57:52 PM

-1 Boost

and by the way, a dealer friend of mine brought by a new Lexus LX570 the other day, that and ugly boxshaped landyacht MSRP'd for $83k. And like the X6, it's sold out, despite the looks, the 13/18mpg, and the retarded split-sideways folding 3rd row.

So BMW is hardly alone for charging $80k+. MB, Porsche, Rover, and Lexus are all up there too. Infiniti just keeps chugging along selling value. I'm sure that strategy works fine for them, but you're out of your damn mind if you don't think they'd absolutely love to be able to charge BMW/MB/Porsche money for their products.

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 11:13:00 PM

+1 Boost

deboosted for telling the truth lol....funny pull times on the Cayenne S it is no faster than the X5 xdrive 35i while being both more expensive, uses more fuel, and doesnt perform better. Not to mention both the ML,and Cayenne are much more pratical than the X6 making them comparable to the X5, hence the naturally aspirated engines in the X5 vs the X6 but hey anyone that saids a Luxury car should win a test based on price......im sure lacks logic..

ghosthunter - 7/19/2008 2:05:06 PM

+1 Boost

kinna funny when you compare a LX to X6. those two are are apple to orange. why don't you compare G500 to X6? X6 is a road monster, but LX can take you to almost everywhere a car can go.

mmeecc - 7/17/2008 3:42:11 PM

+2 Boost

BTW, the Cayenne GTS is $71G and the ML63 is $89G and are both better performers and value than that $80G X6.

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 7/17/2008 3:56:52 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

no they are not. The BMW X6 is faster than both, by a wide margin.

BMW4me4ever - 7/17/2008 4:03:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

the infiniti wins on price again. Not because it is the best performer of the two. Again, the Infiniti Fx is not the intended market for this vehicle. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, ML63 buyers. People that want exclusivity and performance and status. On a side note, $80k is with every available option. The X6 5.0 that I ordered for one of my clients very well loaded came out to $ 74k ...

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 4:12:21 PM

+3 Boost

your kidding right.....Porsche and Mercedes and Value dont go in the same sentence....A Cayenne may base at that much but with that said the X6 has a base some 8,000 less with similar equipment the GTS runs into Turbo pricing easy, so again no value there, and $17,000 in options saids alot about how this car was outfitted thats an outrageous amount of options i mean seriously......thats like checking every box and saying wow this is to much...you think...

adamsaf723 - 7/17/2008 3:53:19 PM

+4 Boost

They couldn't pick two uglier colors to demo in.
I'm really trying hard to figure out the market for the car. For 60-80k, there are much better vehicles you can get.

reply to this comment

TexLandRover - 7/17/2008 3:57:17 PM

+3 Boost

BMW needs to go back to the drawing board on the X6 value equation. They are pricing themselves out of the USA market. No way would any reasonable person pony up $80K for this X6. It has no real purpose? It has NO utility, NO off road capability, and really should be MSRP at $50K fully loaded to be competitive. Not enough BMW fans to support many sales in the current "real world".

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 7/17/2008 4:06:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

tex . what are you speaking about? They have not priced themselves out of any market. Competitive to whom, Infiniti? Get a clue. Infiniti may think they are a competitor to this vehilce, but they really arent. Our dealer is sold out of X6's as are most in the country. Apparently, only the people on Autospies that cant afford this car think it is a waste of money.

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 4:18:53 PM

+1 Boost

oh for the record.....the X6 has MORE CARGO ROOM THAN THE FX, among other things...so this no utility thing is rediculous....it is no more pratical than the X6 is save the cramped possibility of a third person in the rear seat. other wise thats it.......

MPowerDK - 7/17/2008 5:24:05 PM

+1 Boost

80.000 USD for an X6 that is cheap :) Here in Denmark for 80.000 USD you only get an 316 i 122 bhp. An X6 cost a lot more i guess around 230.000 USD for the cheapets one.

SHOoff92 - 7/17/2008 4:04:23 PM

+5 Boost

The people who will buy the X6 really don't care about how much it costs, if they did they wouldn't even dare walk into a BMW dealer.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 7/17/2008 4:11:37 PM

-10 Boost

Clearly the awesome BMW X6 xDrive50i is 1,000,000 times better than the snaggletooth Infiniti.

:-/

reply to this comment

_43LE - 7/17/2008 4:19:39 PM

+10 Boost

Clearly the awesome Infiniti is 1,000,000 + 1 times better than the bucktooth BMW X6SRT xZWDrivesZM50ipod

:-/

kthor - 7/17/2008 5:08:57 PM

-9 Boost

Asian companies copy German companies.
Asian fan copies German fan.
Balance is good.

answer - 7/17/2008 5:13:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+10 Boost

What took so long kthor?

Tied up in another meeting of the Hypersensitive BMW Fanboy Club (HBFC)?

F1_Driver - 7/17/2008 8:46:03 PM

+5 Boost

^^^^^LOL ... Nah, kthor just forgot his medications!

ICON - 7/17/2008 7:09:47 PM

+1 Boost

Take your meds Staar(k raving lunatic) you keep repeating yourself over and over and.....

reply to this comment

EL34 - 7/17/2008 7:36:00 PM

-7 Boost

Staar, oh yeah?

Infiniti shouldn't have copied Sigmund and the Sea Monsters for this SUV.

http://thehub.capcollege.bc.ca/~sstubbs/krofftsite/images/sigmund.jpg

reply to this comment

Agent63 - 7/17/2008 11:48:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Staar,

Can you even afford this "econo-box?"

You talk down on everything like you drive the best cars in the world but even people who drive ultra premium vehicles own cars like these.

Sorry but I don't like people who live in make believe worlds.

reply to this comment

truthpursuit - 7/17/2008 6:21:12 PM

-9 Boost

I'll take BMW over infiniti(low quality)and BMW's better resale.

reply to this comment

_43LE - 7/17/2008 6:34:39 PM

+2 Boost

Actually, Infiniti was rate higher than BMW for quality by JD power and according to Kelly blue book there were two infinitis in the top ten for best resale value and one BMW.

F1_Driver - 7/17/2008 8:48:03 PM

+3 Boost

I bet you'd take a turd if it had a blue and white roundel on it.

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 11:21:43 PM

-1 Boost

uh so was Lincoln.....so JD Power has no clout,,, this is the same company that has rated the MKZ as highest initial quality in its class...and anyone that uses them as reasoning for anything is as full of it as they are.....as far as KBB Mini, and BMW have won several years in a row, besides having models that have higher resale values than comparable Japanese makes and are ranked in the top 10 in overall resale value of every brand

JRobUSC - 7/17/2008 7:18:40 PM

+2 Boost

you trying to write a haiku or something?

reply to this comment

dlin - 7/17/2008 7:22:14 PM

+1 Boost

I'll say we'll see some TT 2.5 OR 3.0 V6 from INFINITI in a few years.

reply to this comment

Agent63 - 7/17/2008 7:22:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

If it wasn't for the awkward X6 rear end I would like the Bimmer. The FX also has a weird front end but overall I like the FX more. Infiniti really has worked hard to refine it's interior. The level of luxury in this new FX is greater than that of the G models.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 7/17/2008 7:38:28 PM

-7 Boost

I like the BMW dash about 250% better than the junky Infinitis.

BMW #1 ;->

reply to this comment

auto001 - 7/17/2008 9:32:22 PM

+2 Boost

I guess you like to take a trip back to the 80's, cause that's a 80's interior.

NISSANINFINITI - 7/19/2008 12:08:20 AM

+1 Boost

What are you talking about?...The BMW's interior hasnt changed in years....matter of fact in decades.

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 11:17:39 PM

+1 Boost

crap BMW's thats hilarious.....since you love the dash im sure you love the other cars that have the exact same dash
1.maxima
2.ex
3.fx
4.murano
lol

reply to this comment

NISSANINFINITI - 7/19/2008 12:11:51 AM

0 Boost

bmwdrvr
and im sure you like dash in all the BMW's... they all look alike to and havent changed in decades....look at the interior of a 10 or 15 year old BMW....whats the big difference????? no lights all dark....the Nissan / Infiniti 's have different colors and lots of buttons and gadgets.....appeals to me!

reply to this comment

pnsb24a - 7/17/2008 9:24:40 PM

+1 Boost

As usual infiniti did a better job than bmw with a lower cost. When are people going to learn that bmers are just not worth the money. And since everyone has to have a bmer, and every other car on the road seems to be one, they are just plain boring.

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 7/17/2008 11:09:54 PM

-1 Boost

they didnt do a better job....it was cheaper....AGAIN thats like any test with the G and 3 series, if the G wins it wins on price with the same review stating the 3 is the better car, same with the 5 vs the M the BMW's are better cars, more refined, overall better but of course a BMW is more expensive than an Infiniti...and I think those walking into a BMW dealership(by the way there are more that leave with a BMW than an Infiniti)are well aware of this price difference and are willing to pay more for the better car......

Dr550 - 7/18/2008 3:09:19 AM

+1 Boost

To me, BMW is "worth" the money. Feel that everyday when I hit starter button and hear V8 roar.

NItePhire - 7/17/2008 10:58:43 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah..GO Subaru .... ;)LOL

reply to this comment

JRobUSC - 7/18/2008 9:12:56 AM

+1 Boost

everyone knows you're a troll and eventually you'll get booted, but tell you what, I'm bored so I'll play your game and hit you back using your own idiot logic. Porsche needn't worry about BMW because BMW can't even beat Infiniti you say?

Fine, then neither did Porsche when the magazines tested the Cayenne GTS versus the FX50S. Not only was the Cayenne more money, but waaaay down on performance. At least the X6 walks the walk for the money (the X6 xDrive35i is as quick as the Cayenne GTS, the 50i is as quick as the Cayenne Turbo).

The 911 Turbo has also lost several comparison tests to the Nissan GT-R. The M3 on the other hand recently won a comparison test between all three.

So, by your logic I guess Porsche doesn't need to worry about BMW because they're too busy losing to Nissans.

Moron.

Agents, can't you just get rid of these people already? Staar, Teknik, MichaelTaylor, AmazinBimmer, auto001, the list goes on. They have nothing of value to add to the site and you know it. EVERYONE knows it. There's nothing wrong with being selective about who you allow on your boards.

reply to this comment

JRobUSC - 7/18/2008 10:27:42 AM

+2 Boost

you don't have real opinions, you're on this site for one reason and one reason only -- to incite arguments. You hop on, post the same BS comment 50 times in each thread ("BMW is an econobox taxi company, every model is an econobox 1-Series"), and then sit back and watch as people who don't recognize you're a troll have a conniption trying to argue with you. I bet you have a big smile on your face the whole time, pud in hand, as you survey the SPAM you end up filling the thread with.

People who are on this board enough recognize you for what you are. The moderators do too, I'm sure, but unfortunately I believe that however worthless and meaningless, the fact that your posts do result in more posts matters more to them than the integrity of their site. And that's a shame, because if they kept out the riff raff this could be a pretty enjoyable place.

reply to this comment

xj13 - 7/18/2008 6:39:40 AM

+1 Boost

X6 all the way..........anyday.

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 7/18/2008 11:33:05 AM

+2 Boost

More pointless press for two pointless cars!
Nice, but who cars. The X5 is a better car then either, and more practical. The Infiniti is the winner of the Who Cares Bowl. Brought to you by Tostitos and TBS.

reply to this comment

PerformanceGuy - 7/18/2008 1:26:22 PM

+2 Boost

Nice work Infiniti. They seem to be on a roll of taking down each car in the BMW lineup, first the 3 series, now the X6. Keep up the good work!

reply to this comment

areuforreal - 7/18/2008 2:12:36 PM

+2 Boost

Perhaps some of you who sit behind a keyboard, read magazines and drive done up Honda Civics and then some how become Automobile experts can consider that there is a huge difference in driving, fit and finish, refinement and overall driving pleasure between these two vehicles. You can't gain this perspective until you have driven both of them aside from what a middle aged white guy has to say. I don’t care what the price is, if you can’t afford the $10,000 premium for a more premium vehicle then don’t look at it or try to debate the value difference.

How many of you can say that you have driven an X6 xDrive50i as well as the Infiniti FX50 and then say you think that the Infiniti is a better/equal/comparable vehicle? That's what I thought.

There is a clearly distinguishable difference in drive feel, driving feedback, quality, driving experience, noise, comfort and aura of a German car over (nearly, with some exceptions) any Japanese car in the market.

I currently sell BMW's. The company that I work for owns and Infiniti dealership as well. In the past I have sold Lexus and Mercedes as well as nearly every other "premium brand" as pre-owned cars. I have driven also virtually every desirable car in the market admittedly aside from a Lamborghini, Newer Ferrari, R8 and GT-R etc.

It boggles my mind some of the asinine statements you guys have made on this website. LOL. I have for some reason viewed this website probably for the past 2 years with out making a comment but I felt now that I should jump in the ring too and share my two cents. There are only a few of you who seem here to consistently show some common sense when opening your mouth.

reply to this comment

MeanVulcan - 7/18/2008 10:05:44 PM

+4 Boost

I saw my first X6 in Weston, MA the other day and the thing is ugly. Did BMW use the same designer as the Pontiac Aztek? It's a bad impression of an already bland X5 with a sloping chop off the rear end.

FX50 runs away with the styling and performance points, any day.

reply to this comment

JudasLease - 7/19/2008 3:35:27 AM

-1 Boost

I rarely hear of anyone buying an Infiniti b/c its better. They buy it b/c its comparable and very easy to obtain, dealers scramble to sell their vehicles.

The X6, wow 80k, that is just nuts, sorry.

THey both are utterly pointless, especially with gas prices the way they are. Great for 2001, not 2008. They will both sell like crap, watch.

Also, both are AWFUL looking in person, downright scary!

reply to this comment

henbmw - 7/23/2008 5:16:46 PM

+1 Boost

Why buy either? I'd spend my money on a sport wagon and be the far better man.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).