The engine, the first in the brand's 20-year history, has been specifically designed to deliver high levels of refined performance in line with Infiniti philosophy. It will initially be available in both the EX and FX crossovers and later in the Infiniti M luxury performance sedan.

The new diesel is a key element to Infiniti's continued growth in Europe and opens new opportunities. Launched barely a year ago, the Infiniti range now has five established model lines – G37 saloon, coupé and convertible, plus the EX and FX ranges – and more than 2,000 Infinitis have been sold across 15 markets despite the global recession.

A sixth model, the Infiniti M Line, will be launched during 2010 and will also be available with a choice of petrol engine and the new 3.0d unit.

According to Jim Wright, vice president, Infiniti Europe, the brand was aware from the outset of the need for a diesel engine, especially in the European premium SUV market.

He commented: 'Although we did investigate the possibility of adapting an existing large capacity diesel for Infiniti, we quickly established that nothing on the market met our exacting requirements. We needed an engine that delivered not just stunning performance but exemplary refinement too. For that reason, with the Alliance we decided to develop our own engine, a performance diesel worthy of the Infiniti badge.'

Designated V9X, Infiniti's new V6 diesel has been developed in Europe by Infiniti, Renault and Nissan engineers at a facility in Cleon in France, some 100km west of Paris. The new unit was created to answer Infiniti's demands for a powerful but exceptionally refined diesel engine, quiet enough in use to match the high standards set by the petrol engine.

The 238PS engine offers 550Nm of torque, with standard seven-speed automatic transmission, and sends the EX30d to 100 km/h from rest in 7.9 seconds and the FX30d in 8.3 secs. Infiniti also promises excellent overtaking performance.

The unit will also be used in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models from Renault and Nissan.