When the 2013 model year comes around, the likes of Acura’s MDX and BMW’s X5 will have one more rival to compete with: the Infiniti JX. With third row seating, luxury galore and loads of technology, the next luxury Nissan looks to challenge the other mid size luxury crossovers by offering a fluid body to the, as Infiniti puts it, “many flavors of vanilla currently dominating” the segment. “The all-new Infiniti JX embraces family customers in a way no luxury crossover has done before – recognizing their need to grow up, but without growing old,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “Responsibility should come as a reward, rather than as a restriction on the things and activities you enjoyed as a single person or a couple.”
The JX dimensions put it right in the middle of the mid size SUV class. A wheelbase of 114.2 and overall length of 196.4 inches means it carries a similar size to the BMW and Acura. The unibody construction features fully independent suspension using struts up front and a multi-link set up in the rear. A hydraulic electric steering keep the JX with the trends while under the hood is Nissan’s tried and true VQ35DE V6. Powering the standard front wheel drive with all wheel drive optional JX is the 265 horsepower version of the 60 degree engine. Making sure the JX35 gets moving is 248 lb-ft of torque and a CVT transmission. At first release, this will be the only powertrain offered.
In all honesty, drag racing isn’t the JX’s top priority. Fuel economy might not be either as Infiniti expects the crossover to average 23 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city. Those ratings are right on par with the segment as they’re not fantastic but not horrible. The main motivation behind the JX’s existence is people hauling. Infiniti wanted each of the seven seats to actually be welcoming to all seven occupants. The front wheel drive layout offers a flat platform and the vehicle’s long wheelbase means when it hits the market, it will carry a segment leading overall interior volume. Both the third and second row are split folding and feature reclining. Leather is standard as well as heating in the front. The climate control is a tri-zone system so all rows can pick how hot or cool they want to be. For $1,850, buyers can opt for the ultimate family option: a rear seat DVD entertainment system.
Inside the JX, technology reigns supreme. Standard is Infiniti’s fantastic seven inch touchscreen media display. Bluetooth, auxiliary audio/video inputs, USB ports, XM Satellite radio and a six speaker stereo all come standard. Optional are numerous levels of Bose supplied premium audio systems, navigation with real time traffic and weather, and Infiniti Connection. The JX will be the first Nissan product to offer the system which is similar to GM’s OnStar. Features such as 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, remote door lock/unlock and maintenance alerts/reminders are all a part of Infiniti Connection. Also included with the system will be parental controls such as Drive Zone boundaries and speed alerts. If any of the user-inputed parameters are broken, the JX will send parents a text message, email or phone call to notify. For another added safety measure, the JX can be fitted with blind spot warning and back up collision avoidance. When activated, the system will prime the brakes just in case a driver misses an oncoming vehicle.
The 2013 Infinit JX35 should hit dealership floors spring 2012. At first, only two trims will be offered: an all wheel drive and front wheel drive model. Base MSRP will be $41,550 and $20,450 respectively while five added cost packages will be available. Ranging from the $1,700 Theater Package to the $4,950 Premium Package, a loaded to the teeth JX shouldn’t break much past the $50 grand mark. That price puts it right with the Acura MDX and undercuts most BMW X5 offerings. “The all-new 2013 Infiniti JX, as Infiniti’s first venture into the 3-row luxury crossover segment, is true to both the Infiniti brand and to Infiniti design,” said Poore. “Infiniti has always been about standing out from the crowd, combining intelligent technology, refined performance, and sophisticated craftsmanship. That’s exactly what this new JX achieves.”
Source: Infiniti
