2011 Infiniti EX30d Black Premium Review

Demonstrating that where you go can be just as rewarding as how you get there, Infiniti's latest limited edition - the most seductive EX ever - comes with a VIP pass to a selection of the world's most beautiful hotels and restaurants.

Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of Infiniti's European markets. This exclusive car marries Infiniti's passion for luxury and performance with the passion for hospitality and fine cuisine that is Relais & Chateaux. In what could be the most unique automotive partnership of 2011, each owner of an EX Black Premium is automatically entitled to join the Relais & Chateaux Club 5C. Membership is otherwise by invitation only and the benefits simply cannot be bought.

THE GETTING THERE

Launched simultaneously across all of Infiniti's European markets, each 238 PS V6 diesel-powered Black Premium offers both a stunning drive and a spectacular way to arrive. Setting off its exclusive (for an EX) Malbec Black paint are 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof and polished aluminium roof rails. The interior is just as special, with its Bose® sound system, graphite leather interior and highlights of aluminium and black lacquer.

Hailed as one of the world's first coupé crossovers, the Black Premium delivers everything the EX30d is known for including dashing looks, refinement, luxury and a class-leading 550 Nm of torque.

Based on the top-selling GT Premium, the Black Premium is comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of advanced technologies to top anything in the compact crossover class. Standard features include Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Scratch Shield paint, cornering xenon headlamps, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Warning as well as state of the art entertainment, navigation and communication systems.

THE STAYING OVER

As official automotive partner to Relais & Chateaux - a unique association of more than 500 of the world's greatest hotels and restaurants - Infiniti is proud to be able to offer EX Black Premium owners something that literally cannot be bought - membership, for two years, in the exclusive Relais & Chateaux Club 5C programme.

Created in 2004 as a way of sharing more of the Relais & Chateaux experience with its most loyal clients, these Relais & Chateaux "ambassadors" are looked after more like house guests than hotel customers.

Like Infiniti, the Club 5C is based on a philosophy of hospitality and in particular a passion to share some of the treasures behind the five key words - Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine - at the heart of the Relais & Chateaux experience.

Each Relais & Chateaux hotel has its own individual take on offering 5C members some unique gift or "Discovery Privilege". Thus, the 5C member might create their own, customised scent in the Galimard studio, or visit the market with the chef to select the produce for lunch that day. They might enjoy a guided tour of the grounds from the head gardener, or be privy to cultural or historical insights on the property and the surroundings from the general manager.

It is on top of what 5C members can expect in every Relais & Chateaux establishment: a VIP welcome, personalised attention from a dedicated Concierge Service and invitations to exclusive events. Just what the Infiniti customer is already used to, in other words. And of course, every 5C member on arrival benefits from a room upgrade, availability permitting.

So that the 150 EX Black Premium owners can fully appreciate what the Club 5C offers, the first sumptuous night is on Infiniti. In fact 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 & Chateaux hotels around the world.

From the grandest establishments in capital cities to spectacular rural or coastal retreats, the EX Black Premium driver's destination could be Europe - another excuse to take the EX for a drive then - or as far afield as Morocco. Or Mexico. Or French Polynesia.

With typical Infiniti attention to detail there's even a Relais & Chateaux guide in the glovebox to help owners decide where to enjoy their memorable stopover.

Available to order now, the EX Black Premium costs £45,671.