Which of the cars is better – BMW X5 or Infiniti FX35? These vehicles differ in many aspects – in finishing, cost, and appearance. What unites them is that they are both high-class SUVs. However, Infiniti is manufactured in Japan, while BMW X5 is produced in Russia, in Kaliningrad.
Certainly, here only assembly is done from original components. Therefore, the buyer is guaranteed German car quality. To understand which of these cars is of better quality, a detailed review of the interior, exterior, and technical characteristics is necessary.
Exterior of BMW X5 and Infiniti FX35
Infiniti
They say clothes make the man, so the exterior is sometimes the most important criterion when choosing a car. Hardly anyone will buy a car whose appearance they do not like. The exterior of the Infiniti FX is attractive, even experienced critics have positively evaluated it. The appearance of the SUV also appealed to ordinary motorists.
Atypical, daring, unconventional, highly original – these words can describe the appearance of the Japanese car. This can be attributed to both the first and second generations. They stand out among their competitors and classmates. The exterior combines assertiveness and beauty – this is the main highlight of the Infiniti.
Respectable and calm exterior on one hand, hidden power on the other. The work of designers is simply magnificent. The two generations of Infiniti differ not very significantly from each other, as only a slight restyling was carried out.
The reason being – the first generation still satisfies all the demands of the target audience. Why change what is reliable and liked by buyers? The distinctive elements of the car have remained untouched – a sloping roof, an incredibly long hood (which is unusual for cars of this class), high seating, and a massive rear part.
Changes in the second generation:
- Increased wheelbase. This improved the wheel balance.
- Increased body strength.
- The total mass decreased by 90 kg.
- Reduced resistance to oncoming airflow.
But these are just the main changes, there are many other, less noticeable ones. Designers focused on improving what was already in the car.
Aluminum and its alloys were used in the manufacture of body parts. This helped reduce weight without losing strength. By changing the shape of the body, it was possible to reduce aerodynamic drag. Changes also affected the front bumper – its new shape allowed for better direction of air flows. The appearance of the taillights and spoiler also changed.
Diffusers appeared on the front fenders, not for decoration, but to direct the airflow from the engine compartment. It was only thanks to these diffusers that it was possible to reduce the lift of the front of the car by about 5%. This leads to improved high-speed handling.
And what about the exterior of the new BMW?
The exterior of the 2019 BMW X5 model differs little from its predecessor. Changes are noticeable only upon closer inspection. The front of the updated X5 became more menacing due to the headlights and bumper. The optics even in the base configuration are equipped with LEDs and an adaptive system. In more expensive configurations, the optics are matrix and there is the ability to automatically control high and low beams.
The LED «eyebrows» emphasize the «anger» of the car. They are tilted towards the radiator grille and also serve as turn signals. The hood has hardly changed, with curved lines appearing on it. In the base configuration, there is windshield heating near the wipers, and in top modifications, there is heating around the entire perimeter.
The side of the car has also changed, but not drastically. The lines have become more modern, the curved line near the side mirrors has disappeared, becoming straight. The window trim is black or chrome, depending on the configuration. The side vents that divert air from the wheels have become slightly smaller. A couple of similar air ducts are also located at the bottom of the sills.
The changes in the rear are immediately noticeable – the taillights have acquired a new shape. Some sectors are recessed, others are convex. The trunk lid is not monolithic, as in previous versions. This has made it easier to open the trunk and slightly improved the style. At the top is a spoiler with turn signal repeaters on LEDs.
Interior of BMW X5 and Infiniti FX35
Infiniti FX35
But what to expect inside the second generation Infiniti? A bold and quite angry exterior is good and beautiful, but the driver and passengers should be comfortable during trips. In terms of comfort and convenience, Infiniti can please even the most fastidious buyer.
The design in pastel beige tones suggests sophistication and aristocracy. The finishing materials are of high quality, they will not disappoint even upon closer inspection and touch.
And if an interior element looks like chrome, then it is. Many details in the interior have chrome plating. The stylish, interesting, and readable instrument panel with convenient placement of all indicators. The high ergonomics of the cabin are a characteristic feature of Infiniti. The controls are simple, even considering that the car is simply packed with various technological innovations.
It is worth mentioning the welcome lighting separately – the car literally starts winking with illumination in the external mirrors and cabin when the owner approaches closely. And when the driver sits behind the wheel, the seat immediately starts adjusting its position. All that's left is to start the car by pressing the «Start/Stop» button.
What is also convenient is that all the most important control buttons are on the steering wheel. And in the upper part of the instrument panel, there is an onboard computer, which also has many settings.
It is also worth mentioning the very spacious trunk, in which very bulky cargo can be transported. Although the car is not intended for cargo transportation, this is evident from its appearance. But for trips to the sea and to the stores with the family, there is more than enough space inside the cabin and in the trunk.
Interior of BMW X5
The updated X5 has taken many features from its predecessor externally, but the interior hardly resembles it. There are differences both in various interior details and in functionality. A completely new front panel, which is completely different from what was in previous models. The panel houses the display of the multimedia system.
The instrument cluster can be either entirely digital or combined (part analog, part digital). The digital one is the most interesting – it is a color display with a diagonal of 12.3 inches. A display of a similar size is installed for the multimedia system.
The climate control panel has also changed, instead of buttons and a large display, a color screen has been installed between the central air vents. And the control of windshield and seat heating is done by buttons.
The BMW X5 steering wheel is leather-wrapped and equipped with a heating function. Behind it are the paddle shifters for gearbox control. There are also buttons on the steering wheel to control various car systems. At the bottom is a button that activates the steering wheel heating. The steering wheel adjustment is carried out by electric drives for reach and height.
Everything is here and even more in this car – an engine start button, controls near the gear lever, even front seat heating. And in the expensive configurations, there is also seat cooling and massage function.
Excellent lateral support, comfortable seating, and high headrests – the seats are very comfortable and cozy. Color displays with a diagonal of 10.2 inches can be installed on the back of the front seats.
Three adults can comfortably fit in the second row. And this row folds down, allowing to increase the cargo hold volume. The fold is fully mechanical, and the partition between the trunk and the cabin is equipped with an electric drive. There is an option for the crossover with a third row of seats.
A total of 8 interior colors are available to buyers. Everything depends on the preferences and possibilities of a specific person. There are even more than five options for decorative inserts.
Technical Characteristics of Infiniti
The basis for creating the FX35 was the Nissan 370Z. The front MacPherson suspension is simple, reliable, inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. Disc brakes all around with stability control system. There are three engines in the lineup:
- A 3.5-liter gasoline engine with 307 hp V6.
- A 4.5-liter gasoline engine with 330 hp V8.
- A 3-liter diesel engine with 240 hp V6.
The last one is perhaps the most budget-friendly in the entire lineup. The rear-wheel-drive version of the SUV is equipped with a system that automatically engages the front-wheel drive in case of slippage. The driver can also manually engage the front-wheel drive.
All the engines installed on Infiniti are proven and reliable. These are the best units available from Nissan. Therefore, the car turned out to be agile and quite fast. The car weighs almost 2 tons, but this fact does not prevent it from reaching a maximum speed of 235 km/h. And it takes 7 seconds to reach the first hundred.
While driving, the electronics closely monitor the car. At the moment of start and when cornering, control of the rear and front drives is carried out to avoid slippage. From a technical point of view, there are no complaints about Infiniti.
Technical Characteristics of BMW X5
In the lineup of engines, the Bavarian also has three engines – two diesel and one gasoline. They all have the same displacement – 3.0 liters. But the power of the gasoline one is 340 hp, the diesel ones are 265 and 400. One with a turbocharger, the other without.
The fastest and most powerful engine accelerates the car to the first hundred in 5.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The other engines lag behind, but only by fractions of a second in acceleration and by 10-20 km/h in maximum speed.
All configurations are all-wheel drive and equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission. Unlike Infiniti, the Bavarian has a double-wishbone suspension – it is more complex, but driving the car with it is much more comfortable. As an option, buyers are offered to install an air suspension.
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What to Choose: Infiniti FX 35 or BMW X5
When comparing the exterior and determining which is better – BMW X5 or Infiniti FX 35, the choice is in favor of the Bavarian. Its design is more balanced. The exterior of the Infiniti seems slightly awkward in comparison. The elongated front end and overly smooth lines do not look as impressive as the harmonious lines of the BMW.
Overall, the interior of Infiniti and BMW X5 is luxurious. But the Bavarian still wins – you can feel that the materials are of higher quality and more reliable. Moreover, there is a wide choice of colors, unlike the Japanese competitor.
When comparing in terms of reliability, both cars are made with quality in mind. All suspension elements, engines, brake systems, and steering are well thought out and work flawlessly. But the suspension of the Infiniti has a greater strength margin than that of the Bavarian.
Both cars are sensitive to fuel quality. If low-grade fuel is used, the catalytic converter on the Infiniti quickly deteriorates. The fuel sensor also fails. On the BMW X5, the injectors are the first to suffer.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the X5 is more attractive. The fuel consumption is relatively low – on average 11 liters, 14 in the city, and 9 on the highway. The Infiniti is slightly more, but consumes about 1 liter more in all modes. However
