 2013 Infiniti JX. Click image to enlarge |
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Article and photos by Grant Yoxon
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2013 Infiniti JX
Los Angeles, California – Infiniti introduced a new luxury crossover utility vehicle at the Los Angeles International Auto Show that will fit between the FX five-passenger crossover and the full-size QX, bringing the total number of crossovers and utility vehicles offered by the luxury manufacturer to four (EX, FX, JX and QX).
With the JX, Infiniti hopes to capture market share from competitors like Acura (MDX), Audi (Q7), BMW (X5), Lincoln (MKT) and Buick (Enclave) who offer mid-size utilities with three row seating, and arguably from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz: RX and M-class intenders who want more seating. To encourage buyers to switch to the Infiniti brand, the JX will offer an attractive combination of functional three-row seating, luxurious versatility and technically advanced comfort and convenience features.
The Infiniti JX has been designed around the concept that a vehicle with third row seating should actually be functional and not a “penalty box” for children and adults who pick the short straw. Rear seat access is made easy by second row seats that fold forward easily to allow access to a rear area with plenty of head room and leg room. Even when a second row seat is occupied by a child seat, it can be folded forward.
 2013 Infiniti JX. Click image to enlarge |
“With the new JX, you are able to leave a child seat securely latched to the second row while getting in or out of the third row – just another example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “It might seem like a small detail, unless you’ve ever tried to use a third row in a vehicle with child seats, and then it’s ‘why didn’t someone think of this before?’”
Cargo carrying capacity and leg room is enhanced by nearly six inches of fore and aft travel for the 60/40 split second row seats. As well, the third row seat is split 50/50 and reclines for greater occupant comfort. A flat floor throughout the vehicle provides better leg room for everyone.
The new JX doesn’t compromise interior headroom despite a low roofline. The JX provides the benefits of a large family passenger vehicle without the usual exterior styling restrictions. Combining modern design that incorporates Infiniti’s new design language (and styling cues from the Infiniti Essence concept), the new JX exterior is highlighted by a dramatic, double-arch front grille and headlight shape, a double-wave hood, and crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design. The JX stands out without trying to be something it’s not, with good visibility from every seat, easy entry to, and exit from, all rows, and practical access to the cargo area.
 2013 Infiniti JX. Click image to enlarge |
Notable exterior features include automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights that feature manual levelizers and standard fog lights. Large LED taillights add a distinctive touch to the rear, while a standard power rear liftgate enhances utility. Stylish 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18-inch T-rated all-season tires are standard while 20-inch split five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels or polished forged aluminum-alloy wheels and 235/55R20-inch H-rated all-season tires are also available.
A power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade is standard, while an available panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade adds an open, airy feeling for rear passengers. The JX’s interior design is both luxurious and functional. Key features include Infiniti’s signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents and soft finishers and satin pieces, and Wheat, Graphite or Java leather appointments. A maple trim package is available.
