Infiniti JX Concept finally revealed at Pebble Beach

Infiniti JX Concept finally arrives at Pebble

Infiniti has finally taken the wraps of the Infiniti JX Concept – a seven seat crossover – at Pebble Beach, after endless PR teases.

We’ve managed to stick with all the teases we’ve seen for the Infiniti JX, or at least from then second JX tease onwards. Despite terminal boredom by the end.

So it seems fitting that we should bring you the Infiniti JX in all its glory now it’s finally arrived at Pebble Beach. Sadly, despite the artfully taken teaser photos we had of the JX, it’s a bit of a dog’s dinner in the cosmetics stakes. Not quite as bad as the cosmetically woeful QX, but getting there.

The nose is an improvement on the QX; the grill masking some of the bulk and the lights a little better balanced. And we’re sure that a seven-seat crossover (this is just a tarted-up people carrier – in what sense is it a crossover?) will have an appeal for a certain type of family. Perhaps ones from US family soaps?

Infiniti want us to consider the JX a part of their ‘Inspired Performance’ model range, but we really are struggling to see what on earth is sporting about a seven-seat van with posh insides that runs a V6 through a CVT ‘box (why a woeful CVT ‘box?) to either the front wheels or, if you spend more, the back as well.

Infiniti shoot themselves in the foot a bit on the blurb they’ve divvied up, where the ‘Performance’ mantra makes way for the real aim of the JX which, Infiniti says, is to offer “…interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative hospitality features”. So, a van with a nice interior, then.

Infiniti seems to have thrown all the comfort and safety toys it can think of at the JX, with everything from Backup Collision Intervention (which puts a halt to your fun and games if you try to back over something you shouldn’t) and Blind Spot Monitoring, to Bose and Infiniti Personal Assistant (a numptie on the end of the phone like the BMW ConnectedDrive).

Infiniti’s Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, declared:

The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover.
From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment.

But we’re pretty certain that this box on wheels in posh clothes isn’t going to hit Europe. This is a people carrier designed for well-off American families to move their brood. It’s very unlikely we’ll get it in the UK – for one very good reason.

The Land Rover Discovery 4.