PEBBLE BEACH, CA - The JX Concept is a preview of Infiniti’s new 2013-MY seven-passenger, three-row luxury crossover, slated to join the lineup in spring of 2012. The automaker said it plans to release its full specs at the LA Auto show later this year. Nissan said the JX is designed to excel in interior flexibility and space, safety, and innovative “hospitality” features.

The performance information Nissan has provided so far say this model will have a V-6 engine and all-wheel or front-wheel drive. It’s also the first Infiniti model to use a continuously variable transmission. The automaker said the CVT will mimic a step transmission when the driver engages the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector.

Beyond what Infiniti expects will be class-leading interior space, the JX features a second row seat design that tilts and slides forward for third-row access. In terms of safety, the JX will offer the company’s available Blind Spot Intervention and a new feature called Backup Collision Intervention. This feature will allow the JX to detect objects crossing behind the vehicle when the transmission is in reverse. The system will automatically engage the brakes to avoid colliding with whatever’s behind it.

An interior feature of interest to busy executives would be the Infiniti Connection Telematics system. It can synch a calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments. The vehicle will also feature the Infiniti Personal Assistant, a concierge service that gives access to a team of professional assistants. This benefit comes free of charge with every 2012 Infiniti vehicle purchase.