Already at the cusp of luxurious practicality, the new-for-2012 Nissan Murano LE Platinum Edition is further elevated in stylish utility with the inclusion of Intuitive all-wheel-drive (AWD). Thus behold the Murano LE Platinum Edition AWD.
This handsome and traction-heavy midsize crossover, of course, boasts the 64 cubic feet of total cargo area and 5-passenger occupancy of its lesser siblings, while sporting 20-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels, a stainless steel rear bumper protector, a roof rack and rear spoiler, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, a power liftgate, special Sapphire Black paint, a front power sunroof and a fixed glass rear sunroof.
Inside, look for such classy adornments as leather upholstery, leather, chrome and alloy cabin accents, and a heated leather and simulated alloy steering wheel, with heated power-adjustable front seats and heated reclining rear seats adding to the overall decadence. Then there’s standard cruise control, power-adjustable telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a cargo organizer and full power accessories, as well as a universal remote garage door opener and rear-view camera, not to mention upgraded driver's memory settings, all contributing their convenience bit.
Entertainment is offered via an MP3-capable single-CD player with 11 premium Bose speakers, and satellite radio and a USB port additionally added in. Bluetooth hands-free technology is standard aboard Nissan’s classy midsize ute, but where it truly shines is in the standard hard-drive-based navigation suite with its 7-inch dash-mounted color display. Zagat Survey dining options, as well as real-time traffic and weather, come with the navigation suite, as does Bluetooth streaming audio.
Options available to the 2012 Murano LE Platinum Edition AWD include a Class II trailer hitch and wiring, roof-rail crossbars and splash guards.
As with the entire Murano lineup, a 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed V6 engine mates with a well-wrought continuously variable transmission (CVT), allowing the Platinum Edition AWD to pound out 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. These ponies are good for up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, while mileage is estimated at 18 mpg city/23 highway.
Nissan’s Intuitive AWD system, meantime, allows this top-shelf crossover to cruise in economical front-wheel drive, while instigating automatic and appropriate torque split to front and rear wheels in corners and, of course, on slippery roads.
Safety-wise, Nissan’s classy new Murano LE Platinum Edition AWD sports standard 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Additionally, look for standard front fog/driving lights, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and a remote antitheft alarm. Finally, LED daytime running lights can be delivered as optional safety equipment.
