Infiniti pricing revealed
Last week Infiniti held a single launch for their entire brand and product range. Motoring scribe, GG van Rooyen was there.
We’ll have to drive them long-term to give you more information, but here’s his first impression of Nissan’s luxury brand.
The message during the launch of the Infiniti brand last week was clear: the company should not simply be seen as the luxury arm of Nissan. Infiniti is a luxury brand in its own right.
The company views its main competition as marques such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
Will buyers be willing to shell out the same sort of money for an Infiniti as they would for a German vehicle? That remains to be seen, but the company seems realistic about its prospects. It does not plan on selling hundreds of vehicles right out of the gate. It wants to establish itself in the market and build relationships with potential customers first.
The big question, of course, is whether the premium price of an Infiniti can be justified. Does an Infiniti offer the same sort of comfort and performance as an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
For the most part, yes. Comfort and performance levels in the FX that we drove during the launch were impressive – certainly in line with what one would expect from a luxury SUV. That said, it did not blow us away completely. And since it will be competing for the hearts, minds and wallets of brand-aware South Africans who love German cars, Infiniti might face an uphill battle. Simply being on par when competing with well-established brands is not enough.
The compact EX model is available in two engine derivatives and three trim levels. The first powerplant is a 3,7-litre petrol mill that offers 235 kW and 360 Nm of torque, while the second is a three-litre oilburner that generates 175 kW of power and 550 Nm of torque.
The larger FX boasts the same engines, though the high-end S model is also available with a five-litre V8 petrol engine that offers 287 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque.
The FX is available in four different trim levels.
All Infiniti vehicles come with a three-year/100 000km warranty, and a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan. 24-hour roadside assistance is also provided.
PRICES
INFINITI EX:
Standard model
EX 30d R595 000
GT Grade
EX37 R626 000
EX30d R635 870
GT Premium Grade
EX37 R667 406
EX30d R677 276
INFINITI FX:
GT Grade
FX37 R676 000
FX30d R699 000
GT Premium Grade
FX37 R718 076
FX30d R741 076
S Grade
FX37 R703 537
FX30d R726 537
S Premium Grade
FX37 R745 613
FX30d R768 613
FX50 R856 000