There are some substantial standard features on every FX, including the lowly FX35, but others that often come standard on the competition are packed in an expensive option group. Standard equipment includes a rear spoiler, leather seats, scratch-resistant paint, xenon headlights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, eight-way power front seats, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, a rearview camera and cruise control.

There are a dizzying six option packages available for the FX35, two of which are standard on the FX50. I'll try to detail them as simply as possible.

First, there's a Premium Package for $2,350 that comes standard on the FX50. It includes heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth, iPod interface, power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel, aluminum pedals, quilted leather seats, aluminum roof rails and a cargo cover and net. Besides the cargo cover, which I found useless because the back window is completely tinted, I think all these features are what one would expect in a luxury vehicle these days, and they often come standard on the competition. If you think these features are frivolous, there's another problem: You have to get this package in order to add the Navigation Package.

The Navigation Package costs another $2,850 and is also standard on the FX50. It includes a navigation system with real-time traffic, a 9GB hard drive for music, a compact flash slot, voice recognition for audio and navigation functions, and Infiniti's nifty Around View Monitor.

My tester came with both of these packages, and I think it's fair to say most buyers would opt for both, bringing a $40,950 base price to a more realistic $46,150.

Infiniti's navigation system is one of the industry's better applications, with touch-screen, control knob and voice activation. The upgraded sound system from the Premium Package also features an iPod adapter that displays song titles and playlists.

The other packages will probably be less common. They include a Technology Package ($2,900) with a forward collision warning system, lane departure prevention and adaptive cruise control. Having tested these features on the EX35, I can attest that they're very good safety features, but I'm not sure they warrant the price.

A $3,000 Sport Package is available only on the FX50, and it will be worth it for those who want a more performance-oriented ride, with rear active steering and continuous damping control, which allows drivers to select the type of suspension they want. Heavily bolstered sports seats are also included.

For the flashy, there's a Deluxe Touring Package ($2,650) that has 20-inch wheels and maple wood trim. A rear-seat DVD system ($1,600) includes a 9-inch flip-down screen.