Cars And Automotive: Infiniti EX

A new special edition version of the diesel-powered EX30d crossover has joined Infiniti's European lineup. Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of the firm's European markets, with all buyers receiving a special VIP membership to a selection of high-class hotels and restaurants, usually available only by invitation.

All examples are finished in an exclusive for the EX Malbec Black paint. Other features include 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, polished aluminium roof rails, Bose sound system, graphite leather interior and, aluminium and black lacquer trims.

The EX30d Black Premium is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel delivering 238-horsepower and 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque. Matted to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) with 224 g/km of CO2.

As part of the package, all buyers will receive a two-year membership in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Club 5C. According to the company, with this VIP pass owners will be "looked after more like house guests than hotel customers." In addition, each of the special EXs comes with a Lys d'Argent, valid for a double room for one night, dinner with drinks and breakfast for two people in one of more than 200 Relais & Châteaux hotels around the world.

The EX Black Premium is available to order now, with pricing in the UK starting from £45,671.

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Infiniti has rolled out the revised 2011 EX that is on sale now at the firm's dealerships across the U.S. Pricing (not including destination and handling charges) for the EX, which is offered exclusively with a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, starts at $34,150 for the entry level RWD model and tops out at $37,750 for the Journey with all-wheel drive.

The most important update for the new model year is the introduction of a new and standard 7-speed automatic transmission that replaces a five-speed automatic version. Furthermore, there's a new white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display while all models come equipped with standard 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch) and Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (previously on Journey models only).

Other changes for 2011 include the introduction of three new exterior colors, the availability of Infiniti's advanced Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, a revised Premium Package that combines previous Bose and Around View Monitor Packages and the renaming of the Premium Package to Deluxe Touring Package, which now also offers the option of 19-inch wheels.