2013 Infiniti JX Crossover Debuts At Pebble Beach [Video]

Infiniti has been teasing us with the JX for some time now, but today the pieces finally fit: the luxury crossover was unveiled in its entirety at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The JX is Infiniti’s second vehicle that seats 7 people across three rows of leather-clad seats. The first was the QX56, the Nissan Patrol-based behemoth that is more comfortable crossing the Serengeti (or in the back of rap videos) than the JX would ever be. But that’s ok. Seeing as off-roading isn’t the JX’s forte, it makes up with more curvaceous styling—a front end cribbed from the M and the Essence concept, and some deep sculpting along its flanks.

The result is akin to a two-box station wagon, with Infiniti’s bulging carp-like face. Packagewise, the JX hides its size well: the strangely-sculpted rear D-pillar makes this apparent. Infiniti says that the JX “shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla” that make up its 3-row rivals. It’s certainly an unmistakable presence—take that how you will.

And inside is where it counts: the 2nd row can tilt and slide forward to allow access to the third row, even with a child seat in place—though Infiniti advises you to take the child out first. All three rows should be able to fit full-size adults, though past 3-row seaters have always called this claim into skepticism. The passengers that do fit, however, will be treated to a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system with Waveguide bass, Infiniti Connection Telematics to schedule appointments and calendars, and Infiniti Personal Assistant, a 24-hour concierge system that’s free on all 2012 Infiniti cars.

The JX uses one of Infiniti’s V6 engines, which will most likely be the 3.7-liter V6 shared in the G37. It can be had in front- or all-wheel drives, attached to a continuously-variable transmission—Infiniti’s first, designed to balance fuel efficiency and freeway-worthy acceleration. (Infiniti also claims “driving exhilaration,” but c’mon—let’s not kid ourselves here.)

Further details regarding the powertrain will be announced when Infiniti debuts the production version, in a few months at the Los Angeles Auto Show. By then, we’ll see if Infiniti’s claim of sportiness and 3rd-row roominess are accurate or not.