Infiniti JX (2011): first sketch of new crossover

Infiniti is planning an R-class rival – the Infiniti JX. Announced today at the 2011 New York motor show, we have a first sketch on the big new Infiniti crossover wagon.

The Infiniti JX is a large crossover SUV, designed to slot in to the Infiniti line-up between the FX and the QX luxury off-roader. Infiniti describes the JX as being ‘an antidote to traditional ho-hum luxury crossovers’ on the market at the moment.

The JX has the ‘crescent’ rear pillar design seen on the Essence and Etherea concept cars, melded to a high-riding crossover SUV body which should fit in with the existing EX and FX in the Infiniti model line-up. 

Inside, Infiniti is talking up a luxurious and versatile interior for the JX, with easy access to the third row of seats and the latest in-car infotainment systems. Compared with the behemoth QX, the JX should also offer a lighter, more efficient seven-seater package, better suited to on-road use.

A spokesman said the JX and QX would reflect the relationship between the Mercedes R-class and GL-class – three rows of seats, but one vehicle has an on-road focus, the other an off-roader. The JX sits on a new platform, and isn’t spun-off the current FX architecture.

If you’re reading this at home in the UK, then the bad news is we don’t. The JX is primarily planned for the Americas, so expect large-displacement petrol engines that don’t sit well with our diesel-buying large car market. Infiniti is expanding its Americas sales network into Mexico, Panama and Chile, and having another crossover in the range would be ideal for emerging markets.

Infiniti plans to release details of the JX in concept form at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2011, prior to the production Infiniti JX appearing at the 2011 Los Angeles motor show in November 2011. Sales are scheduled for spring 2012.

By Mark Hamilton