2008 Infiniti CX35

Infiniti will join the BMW {{{X3}}}-fighter fray for the 2008 model year with a smaller V-6 and four-cylinder counterpart to its FX35/45 crossover. Named CX25, for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder version that'll be the volume seller in Europe, and CX35, for the hotter 3.5-liter V-6 version expected to take most sales in the U.S., the CX will share many of the FX's bold styling cues. It'll be built on a shortened next-generation FM front mid-engine platform. The versatile FM underpins FX35/45, M35/45, G35, {{{Nissan 350Z}}}, and the next Skyline GT-R.

And the new-wave crossovers it has to beat...
The all-new Infiniti CX's 2007 introduction comes in the midst of a flood of compact-luxury crossovers. All these designs have two rows of seats, like the X3, and the subsegment has proven especially popular in size-conscious Europe. The new category could become more important here, however; J.D. Power & Associates reports huge drops in full-size SUVs sales, off 31 percent in January and 21 percent in February, according to the Power Information Network.

Acura RDX Powered by a 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and using the Super-Handling AWD system from the new RL, the racier baby brother to the MDX is scheduled to go on sale early next year. It shares its platform with the next-generation Honda CR-V.

Cadillac BRX Based on an upgraded version of the Theta platform that currently underpins the Chevy Equinox, Caddy's baby crossover will make its first public appearance at next January's Detroit auto show. Base engine will probably be the 2.8-liter V-6 from the CTS, with a 3.6-liter V-6 available for top-of-the-range models.

Mercedes-Benz MLK Tentatively set to make its debut in mid-2008, the MLK is said to be based on an AWD version of the next-generation C-Class platform, which means 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter and 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engines for U.S. buyers and the possibility of a V-8-powered AMG version later in the vehicle's lifecycle.