The Infiniti FX looks like the muscle-crossover it is, particularly with the monster 20-inch wheels. The BMW X5 comes with 20-inch wheels, but on the curvy FX they look disproportionately larger. The FX35 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, which are larger than what you'll find on most SUVs. Once you get used to the monster wheels, Infiniti's poised-for-takeoff styling begins to sink in.

The FX is supposed to look like a sports car from the beltline up with its elegant, gracefully curved upper body, while evoking feelings of substance with its heavy SUV lower body.

The proportions of the FX are striking. Its wide stance and short overhangs (the body work that extends beyond the bumpers) are dimensions normally associated with sports cars. Its long, bulging hood looks high and its oversized grille adds to its aggressive appearance.

The 20-inch wheels, a shiny chrome grille, darker accents around the headlights and taillights, and polished chrome roof rails help visually distinguish the FX45 from the standard FX35, though the Sport Package gives the FX35 the same look.

The engine in the FX sits behind the front axle, giving it a front-mid-engine layout. This gives the FX excellent balance; the FX 2WD achieves a near-optimal weight balance of 52 percent front, 48 percent rear, which enhances handling.

Even the protruding, stylized taillights have performance functions beyond their looks. The lip of the lights that extends past the rear hatch adds aerodynamic downforce on the rear end, like a spoiler.

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