Wow, that seems like a huge jump. Anyone else surprised by this increase. $500-1000 would seem normal, but for a non-refresh price increase, this seems like it is something to offset rebates or other incentives. Won't the higher entry price decrease the traffic coming into showrooms, since heated seats aren't exactly what get people to pay their dealerships a visit?

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Well, that depends on how much the previously-optional-now-standard features were previously charged for. If they made $4200 of options standard and raised the price by $4200, then, while not exactly a bargain, isn't strictly a price increase, either.

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Infiniti's just rationalizing the option structure. They wouldn't try to pass of a price hike this big without an increase in standard equipment - not when 2005 models have so clogged the lots that 2006's are released in January 2006.

Sounds like at least part of the Touring Package ($2900 in 2005) is now standard. Blose audio, heated leather seats, and power telescoping wheel were all part of that package. The article doesn't mention if the Touring Package's sunroof has been made standard as well.

I had wondered why leather wasn't standard on the FX when it's even standard on the G now.

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As the proud owner of an '04 FX35, I can say that all Infiniti has done, is make some of the options in the "Tourning PKG, and the Tech PKG" standard. The true test will be what the final out the door price will be. My car with all the goodies except for DVD in the back, was a little under 47,000 before negotiations. The base price doesn't matter, its the out the door price. Oh yea and if you want to accelerate in an SUV like the V6 FX35 be prepared to pay 55,000 for an X5 4.4, 65,000 for a Cayenne S, or 50,000 for an ML500 (Base prices of course)

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Wow, considering sales for the FX were down 13% in 2005, a price increase is hard to justify.

I know, more features... blah, blah, blah, but the competition (Q7, X5, M-Class, RX, GX) offers the same amount at similar price points.

Could be a tough year in 2006 for Infiniti.

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#5 - MN_Audi

I agree about the price hikes not making much sense in light of a 13.5% drop in sales.

But...I don't think it's going to be a tough year for Infiniti. Especially with the new G35 on the way.

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Looks like they weren't selling many of these with cloth non-heated seats and the lower level stereo, so they just eliminated the stripped model. There may be a price increase in there too, but it's not the full increase as stated, because they made a bunch of stuff standard.

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If you look at Infiniti's website (not yet updated):
http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,action-IPriceOptions_modelId-38368,00.html

We can guess that for the FX35 the Touring Package became standard (2900 vs. 2700 price hike), and that for the FX45 the Premium Package (2500) and some of the Tech Package (4200 - probably everything but the navigation/rearview camera) became standard.

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Sorry about that link - lets try again:

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,action-IPriceOptions_modelId-38368,00.html

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If you do not need any leg room in the rear, and don't mind a really inconvenienced rear entry by contorting your legs, beit that of your passengers or kids - then this high tech FX is for you. However with sales slumping it's strange that Goshen moved for a price hike. I don't see this model working out sorry to say. I give it 3 Stars out of 5.

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wow, that is quite steep.... i say FU infiniti, I'm going for the Acura....

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Torque 335lb/ft! Bose soundsystem! Infiniti is on its' way to surpassing the almighty Lexus. I liked the look of Subaru's B9 Tribeca, but it's got no torque! I appreciate that Infiniti makes such a luxurious SUV that can still be called an SUV; and not just a yuppie showcar.

I'm sure that Infiniti will continue to progress in the upcoming year and in the years to come.

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