For those who need a touch of extra style and convenience in their midsize family crossover, Nissan debuts its 2012 Murano LE Platinum Edition. Equipped similarly to its standard LE siblings, the Platinum Edition adds several exterior and interior accessories to its already well-endowed midsize profile. Accommodating up to 5 passengers in the roomy cabin, as well as 64 cubic feet of total cargo area, Nissan’s top-shelf Platinum Edition Murano embraces exterior amenities such as 20-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels, unique Sapphire Black paint, a power rear liftgate, stainless steel rear bumper protector, a rear spoiler and roof rack, front power sunroof and rear fixed glass sunroof. Inside, expect leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, heated reclining rear seats and leather, chrome and simulated wood cabin accents.
Additionally, look for standard cruise control, full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors aboard the top-end Platinum Edition, as well as a heated power-adjustable telescoping and tilting steering wheel, also of leather and simulated alloy construction. Of course, memory for driver's settings come with this princely ute, as do heated rear seats, a universal remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera, cargo organizer and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. All of this is ensconced in dual-zone climate control, as well as an MP3-capable single-CD player with 11 Bose premium speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection.
Bluetooth hands-free communications technology comes standard in the 2012 Murano LE Platinum Edition, but where it stands above the crowd is in the standard hard-drive-based navigation suite, with its 7-inch color display, Zagat Survey dining selections, NavTraffic/NavWeather, and Bluetooth streaming audio.
Needless to say, there are few exotic options available or necessary to this high-end crossover, though such available accessories do include roof-rail crossbars, splash guards and a Class II tow hitch and wiring.
Powering the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Murano LE Platinum Edition is the ubiquitous 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed V6 engine. The six-banger melds with a silky smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, all of which provides for 3,500 pounds of towing with the proper equipment, as well as mileage estimates of 18 mpg city/24 highway.
Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further standard safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and a remote antitheft alarm, with LED daytime running lights remaining optional.
