The Infiniti EX35 is a small luxury crossover with responsive handling from its rear-wheel-drive platform and a potent V6. It also boasts sleek styling that takes its toll on rear-passenger and cargo space.
Infiniti recently updated the EX35 in the powertrain department. While the strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, carries over, it now pairs with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The duo is good for 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway in both rear- and all-wheel drive models.
Exterior highlights include a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights and distinctive LED taillights.
Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, an available power tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver's side door mirror as part of the Hospitality Lighting Concept.
The EX35 comes standard with Nissan's fluid finish paint technology. The technology allows for minor scratches in the EX's clearcoat to disappear in hours or days thanks to an elastic resin that flows back into shape after being damaged.
The EX35 is available with Infiniti's "Around View Monitor." The system utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle, helping reduce blind spots when parking.
The driver-focused cabin layout features an Infiniti double-wave instrument panel, high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console.
The instrument panel also features a seven-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive. A Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control system is standard.
Other technology systems include available Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition. Available technology features include Rearview Camera (available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system), front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Bose Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including two subwoofers, six CD in-dash changer and iPod connectivity.
An 8-way power driver's seat with two-way manual lumbar support is standard, along with a 4-way power passenger's seat. A driver's seat memory system is also offered, along with available heated front seats and 8-way power front passenger's seat. Also available is an unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat, operated from the front or hatch area.
Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking is optional. The EX35 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels on offer.
Other standard safety equipment includes front seat Active Head Restraints, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for outboard occupant head protection, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then uses the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.
Key Competitors
The EX35 faces competition from premium small crossover rivals like the newly V6-powered Acura RDX, the luxurious Audi Q5, the surprisingly stylish Volvo XC60 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK350.