Infiniti line-up at the motor show

New names always attract attention at car shows and when you’ve got a stand full of them, they’re bound to stand out. That’s the enviable situation Australia’s newest prestige carmaker, Infiniti, finds itself in. 

This is the first time most of you will have seen Nissan’s prestige brand. There are five of them for you to see and discuss. The standout is the FX50S SUV. Displayed in Iridium Blue, the high-powered SUV runs a 5.0-litre V8 with 287kW/500Nm. That’s good for a sub-six-second sprint to 100km/h from standing.

It charges hard all the way to the 250km/h electronic limit but the high-riding wagon is as safe as it is quick, courtesy of lane departure and blind-spot warning software, adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system. The FX has earned a deserved reputation as a prestige powerhouse and, priced from $114,900, takes on the likes of BMW’s X5, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the Lexus LX570.

Adding to the mid-sized SUV’s appeal is the inclusion of a quality diesel model in the form of the FX30d. The oil-burner gives away more than 100kW to its petrol V8 sibling but has another 50Nm and prices start at a more realistic $85,900 for the GT-spec version.

The Infiniti range is marked by signature humped front quarter panels which give the cars a scalloped front-on look. That styling is evolving, as seen in the Evolve-e concept which was on show at the Paris Motor Show earlier this month, but for now it is the standout feature of the range.  

The show also marks the launch of the G37 Coupe and Convertible. Both of these cool two-doors go on sale here in December.

Both are powered by that rousing 3.7-litre V6 with 237kW/360Nm and both are capable of hitting triple figures in less than six seconds. Little wonder Infiniti prides itself on its “performance luxury’’ tag. Put us down for one of each.

M30D
Price: $87,900
Date of release: Out now
Engine: V6 turbo-diesel
Thirst: 7.5L/100km

Infiniti do petrol, hybrid and diesel. This is arguably the standout of the latter – a 175kW/550Nm four-door diesel sedan that’s the best combination of practicality and affordability.

It still doesn’t lack for performance either, with a 6.9-second 0-100km/h time but those looking for the ultimate go-fast Infiniti should inquire about the hybrid-assisted M35h, which pulls a staggeringly quick 5.5 seconds to hit triple figures.

Infiniti Australia general manager Kevin Snell says: “This will be Infiniti’s first exhibition at the annual Australian International Motor Show, so it’s a very important event in our calendar.” 

FX50S
Price: $114,900
Date of release: Out now
Engine: V8 petrol
Thirst: 13.1L/ 100km