Infiniti releases keen pricing ahead of August launch

Japanese luxury car maker Infiniti has thrown down the gauntlet to its predominantly German rivals, announcing pricing and specifications for its first two models, the Infiniti FX crossover and Infiniti M sedan, which launch in late August.

Infiniti has undercut its direct rivals in most cases, while offering a compelling list of well specified models in a bid to establish its credentials in the cut-throat prestige sector. But the competitive pricing is not a factor the company's General Manager, Kevin Snell is going out of his way to highlight.

“Infiniti knows Australian luxury car buyers want three fundamental things when they select a luxury car,” he said.

“They want an engaging brand that reflects their values; they want a dynamic car that is exciting to drive; and they want service that matches both the luxury nature of their chosen brand and the scale of their purchase.

“Infiniti’s Australian model range, equipment levels and prices have been developed with these three facts front of mind and they all deliver according to Infiniti’s brand trademarks of performance, luxury and technology.”

The two new Infiniti models will carry the brand’s hopes in the ultra-competitive luxury segment, going head to head with German heavyweights Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Japanese rival Lexus. 

The Infiniti FX is a direct rival for premium SUVs like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, while the M sedan goes up against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus GS.

Featuring generous standard equipment lists that Infiniti describes as “simple and transparent”, the brand launches with an impressive four-year/100,000km new car warranty that includes a 24-hour roadside assistance program, plus roadside help for any Infiniti customer’s car — including cars not branded Infiniti.

The FX crossover will be available in three grades, with the choice of petrol V6, diesel V6 and petrol V8 engines, all with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The petrol V6 variants start at $83,900 for the FX37 GT, rising to $92,900 for the FX37 S, and topping out at $95,900 for the FX37 S Premium. All models feature a 3.7-litre petrol V6 boasting 235kW/360Nm and returning average fuel consumption of 12.1L/100km and 282g/km of CO2.

The turbodiesel V6 FX30d steps off with the $85,900 FX30d GT, rising to $94,900 for the FX30d S, through to the $97,900 FX30d S Premium. The 3.0-litre powerplant delivers 175kW/550Nm while sipping a frugal 9.0L/100km and 238g/km.

At the top of the tree sits the FX50, available only in S Premium spec and priced at $114,900. Its 5.0-litre petrol V8 punches out a muscular 287kW and 500Nm, returning 13.1L/100km and 307g/km. 

Base FX models all come with an impressive list of standard equipment, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a 30GB HDD navigation system, Bose 11-speaker sound system, rear-view camera, adaptive xenon headlamps and tyre-pressure monitoring system.

Further up the range the Infiniti FX S and S Premium models include Lane Departure Prevention, Around View Monitor and Forward Collision Warning, as well as Active Damping Control and Rear Active Steer.

The Infiniti M sedan, meanwhile, carries the challenger brand’s hopes into battle against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus GS range.

Described by the company as “a driver’s car for those who want luxury that feels special and exclusive”, the Infiniti M offers the choice of three V6 engines, all with seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Infiniti M37 GT starts at $85,900, rising to $87,900 for the M37 S Premium. Both models are powered by the same 3.7-litre petrol V6 found in the FX range, boasting an identical output of 235kW/360Nm but thriftier fuel consumption of 10.2L/100km and 235g/km of CO2.

The M30d is likewise available in GT and S Premium, priced at $87,900 and $99,900 respectively. The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 returns an identical 175kW/550Nm as in the FX range, but sips a lighter 7.5L/100km and 199g/km.

At the top of the price and performance tree is the M35h, available in GT Premium spec only and priced at $99,900, its 3.5-litre petrol V6 hybrid produces 268kW/350Nm, with an additional 270Nm kicked in by its electric motor. Fuel consumption is an impressive 6.9L/100km and 159g/km of CO2.  

The petrol-electric-powered Infiniti M35h offers a key point of difference for the brand in a segment where only Lexus offers a hybrid rival, the GS450h — although BMW's ActiveHybrid 5 is on the way. Infiniti’s so-called ‘Direct Response Hybrid’ delivers a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds, a turn of pace that has given it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. By contrast, the Lexus 450h claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.

In superior grades the Infiniti M boasts features such as Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot intervention, and Bose Studio Surround premium sound system. 

Infiniti plans to launch two additional models, the Infiniti G37 coupé and matching G37 convertible, in December, with further new models to be added in 2013.

2012 Infiniti range pricing (MRLP):

Infiniti M37 GT $85,900
Infiniti M37 S Premium $85,900
Infiniti M30d GT $87,900
Infiniti M30d S Premium $99,900
Infiniti M35h $99,900

Infiniti FX37 GT $83,900
Infiniti FX30d GT $85,900
Infiniti FX37 S $92,900
Infiniti FX30d S $94,900
Infiniti FX37 S Premium $95,900
Infiniti FX30d S Premium $97,900
Infiniti FX50 S Premium $114,900 

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