2008 Infiniti EX Review

EX-hibitionist

The expressive Infiniti EX35 is both stylish and sporty, with an expansive assortment of extraordinary high-tech features.

The Infiniti EX35 debuts for the 2008 model year in an expanding universe of compact luxury crossover SUVs. It is a smaller, sportier sibling to the automaker's FX35.

The Infiniti EX35's styling is sleeker than the FX's muscular bodywork, with short front and rear overhangs and a sweeping coupe-like roofline. Still, there is a family resemblance between the two models, particularly in their front-end treatments.

The exterior body panels are treated with a unique clear-coat paint finish that uses a highly elastic resin to absorb fine scratches (like fingernail scrapes near the door handles) in about a week.

• Infiniti EX35 Summary

The Infiniti EX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which it shares with the G35 sedan. It employs technology like continuously variable valve timing and electronic throttle control to generate close to 300 horsepower. While this gives the compact crossover more than ample acceleration, it's not particularly fuel-efficient. A five-speed automatic transmission includes manual-shift capability, downshift rev matching for smoother operation, and a feature called Adaptive Shift Control that shifts quicker in sporty driving situations.

A fully independent lightweight aluminum alloy suspension and speed-sensitive power steering system help the Infiniti EX35 feel sportier through the curves than most crossovers. The 18-inch wheels and tires are standard, with large (especially for a vehicle of its size) 20-inch alloy rims optional. Standard chassis-control features include Vehicle Dynamic Control for added handling prowess, traction control, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

Like several other Infiniti models, the EX35 offers an advanced all-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts the amount of power sent to the front and rear wheels, even while cornering. The power ratio varies from a 50/50 front/rear split to 100 percent going through the rear wheels. In addition to added traction on slick roads, this power distribution helps the Infiniti EX35 retain a sporty rear-wheel-drive character on dry pavement. Despite having all-wheel drive, the EX35 is not engineered for off-road use.

• See all Infiniti models in the Infiniti Showroom

While the Infiniti EX35's interior is less roomy than those of most midsize models, it is attractively cast, with the automaker's signature "double wave" instrument panel, backlit white and violet gauges, and a piano black-trimmed center stack of controls that features a seven-inch color LCD screen and an analog clock. Cloth seats with power controls for the front passengers are standard, with assorted upgrades optional, including multiple leather treatments.

Like many other Infinitis, the EX35 offers a gaggle of the latest high-tech features. These include an Around View Monitor that uses four small roof-mounted cameras to give the driver a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's exterior for easier and safer parking. A Lane Departure Prevention system not only gives the driver visual and audible warnings if the car inadvertently crosses highway lane markers, it gently engages the Infiniti EX35's Vehicle Dynamic Control system to help get the vehicle back on track.

Other available technology for the Infiniti EX35 includes a rear-seat DVD player, navigation system with real-time traffic alerts, Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone interface, laser-guided intelligent cruise control system, adaptive headlamps that illuminate around curves, keyless entry/start, and a Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback.

A single platform provides the basis for most of Nissan's and Infiniti's rear and all-wheel-drive models. Both the EX35 and the FX35 ride on a modified version of this platform.

The Infiniti EX35 is nearly seven inches shorter and five inches narrower than its FX sibling. The EX35 also rides on a wheelbase that's two inches shorter, which translates to less space inside the car, particularly with regard to legroom. Still, in most dimensions it's slightly larger than the Acura RDX. It is also a bit longer, wider, and lower than the BMW X3.