?Infiniti?s JX adds classy player to its utility team for 2013?

Infiniti just introduced the 2013 JX to their vehicle lineup. The JX is an all-new luxury crossover that was created to deliver inspired style, performance, roominess and innovative features, challenging the status quo in the segment. JX is a 7 passenger crossover with third row seating, an abundance of luxury, versatility and state-of-the-art advancements in technology.

So, if the Infiniti QX56 is too big for your tastes or needs, the JX35 should fill the bill quite nicely for considerably less money, and with better fuel economy. Powering this latest Infiniti model is a 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC, 24-valve, 60 degree V6 engine with sequential multi-point fuel injection that makes 265 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, while also generating 248 pound feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine resides up front in an East/West orientation, and?is coupled to Infiniti?s first application of a fuel efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is capable of mimicking a step transmission when the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged. The CVT meters motive force to either the front wheels or optionally to all four wheels via Inifiniti?s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

The all-new Infiniti JX is no Vanilla creation ? it evokes an emotional response from nearly all who behold it. The design concept addresses Infiniti?s DNA without coming across as a clone of any other vehicle in their lineup. It?s styling is more contemporary and less futuristic in scope than some of its stable mates. One particularly nice touch is the bright cabin glass surround that traces the greenhouse profile. Lines are smooth and curves are gentle, delivering a most pleasing and attractive exterior form.

The interior displays an elegance that befits the exterior. The dash and center console exhibit a graceful wave-like effect. The dash itself is relatively non-reflective, while the polished wood trim of the center console is highly reflective in bright sunlight, making it virtually impossible to read any if the buttons and controls. This is the only fault that I could find in the JX, whose key features include: the emotive styling and old world quality craftsmanship that showcases Infiniti?s new design language direction, which was initiated with the Essence concept vehicle; segment-leading overall passenger volume and rear cargo????? volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position);?more 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade; access to 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat; Infiniti Connection with Google Calendar, Drive Zone/Speed Alert and Infiniti Personal Assistant, Around ViewMonitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection; extensive safety and security technologies, such as the available world’s first Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system; available Bose? Cabin Surround? 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and a new Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer.

?Essentially, the elements in the Infiniti JX were designed to connect the vehicle occupants to the world around them, rather than shelter them from it. The JX35 represents a bold interpretation of what a 7-passenger luxury SUV should be, with the demarcation line between it and other 3-row luxury crossovers beginning with the concept that 7-passenger seating should actually and easily welcome all seven passengers. Utilization of a flat platform floor enhances 3rd row roominess while providing a long 2nd row total adjustment of 5.5-inches fore and aft for flexible roominess and cargo carrying capacity.

The JX features a long wheelbase and short overhangs, along with a low roofline that doesn’t compromise interior headroom. the platform provides the benefits of a large family passenger vehicle without the usual exterior styling restrictions. The JX?s aerodynamic shape delivers a drag coefficient of 0.34 that enhances fuel economy while adding to its design appeal. A front underbody spoiler, integrated rear spoiler and rear tire deflectors aid in achieving its zero front and rear lift for enhanced road holding. The warm, modern exterior design is highlighted by the dramatic, double-arch front grille/headlight shape, double-wave hood, and crescent-cut D-pillar greenhouse trim. A power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt action and sliding sunshade is standard fare, while an available panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade adds an open, airy feeling for passengers in the aft cabin.

An installed child seat moves forward with the 2nd row seat (40 percent side of 60/40 split-folding seat) without limiting 3rd row access. In addition, both 2nd and 3rd row seats are split folding (60/40 2nd row, 50/50 3rd row) and recline for greater occupant comfort. Leather-appointed seating is standard, along with heated front seats featuring an 8-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power front passenger’s seat. Climate-controlled front seats (heating and cooling) are optionally available, as well as heated 2nd row outboard seats and heated steering wheel. A dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering?wheel and outside mirrors is also offered, as is an Enhanced Intelligent Key that stores an occupant memory position and last-used audio, climate control and navigation settings (an Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition is standard).

My test 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD was a prototype vehicle, but delivered outstanding quality in construction and performance. The exterior was sprayed in a rich Midnight Garnet, while the interior was executed in Java (a Bronze metallic effect) and Charcoal tones with polished wood trim accents. The base sticker read $41,550 while the addition of the Premium Package, Theater Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Technology Package and Destination and Handling charges elevated the final price to $54,800.

SUMMARY:? The 2013 Infiniti JX35 sets an admirable standard for both interior space and comfort. It is loaded with a host of standard amenities and features as standard, with state-of-the-art technology that encompasses both personal connectivity and safety, with comfort and convenience aspects covered as well.

The JX is the first vehicle in the Infiniti lineup to offer Infiniti Connection and Infiniti Connection Plus services, which will be added to other Infiniti navigation-equipped models in the near future. Infiniti Connection services include 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Alarm Notification, Maintenance Alert, Scheduled Maintenance Notification and My Schedule (via Google Calendar).

The Infiniti JX continues Infiniti’s tradition of developing world’s first technologies, adding a new feature, Backup Collision Intervention, to the currently available Blind Spot Intervention system. Another advanced system integrated as part of the all-around protection philosophy is the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. The addition of BCI is the latest of nine technologies that comprise the “All-around Safety Shield” of the new JX.

Power is more than ample and the CVT delivers smoothly graded shift points. The ride quality is comfortable, flat and stable. The JX comes in two models ? the JX35 FWD and JX35 AWD offering five available equipment options (Premium, Theatre, Deluxe Touring, Technology and Driver Assistance Packages) and four drive modes (Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow) through the Infiniti Drive Mode selector. Other available options include: Roof rails, a Tow Package, polished 20-inch forged alloy wheels and a ?no charge? Maple accents Package

The Infiniti JX comes out as a Tour de Force in the company?s first venture into the 3-row luxury crossover market segment.

SPECIFICATIONS: Infiniti JX AWD -?13

Base Price:?????????????? ??????????? $41,550.

Price as Tested:??????????? ??????????? $54,800

Engine Type and Size:??????????? 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC, 24-valve, 60 degree V6 with sequential multi-point fuel injection.

Horsepower (bhp):??????????? ??????????? 265??????????? @ 6,400??????????? rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.):??????????? ??????????? 248??????????? @ 4,400??????????? rpm

Transmission:??????????? ??????????? Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Drive Train:??????????? Transversely mounted front engine / 4WD

Suspension:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Front ? Independent strut with solid 26 mm stabilizer ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? bar.

??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Rear ? Multilink with solid 26.5 stabilizer bar.

Brakes:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with 4-wheel? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ABS, BA and EBD.

Tires:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Bridgestone Dueler H/T 235/55 R20 102H M&S ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? mounted on 20×7.5- inch split 5-swirl-spoke silver ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? painted alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 114.2??????????? inches

Length Overall:??????????? ??????????? 196.4??????????? inches

Width:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? 77.2??????????? inches

Height:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? 67.8??????????? inches

Curb Weight:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 4,419??????????? lbs.

Fuel Capacity:??????????? ??????????? 19.5??????????? gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates:??????????? 18??????????? mpg city / 23??????????? mpg highway

Drag Coefficient:??????????? ??????????? 0.34

0 – 60 mph:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Not Tested.