Review and photos by Jil McIntosh
Photo Gallery: 2008 Infiniti EX35
Oshawa, Ontario - Whenever I drive a test vehicle, I always have a notebook in the door pocket. My notes tend to be hastily scribbled when stopped at red lights, and I often use odd little short forms. So when I looked at the notes for the Infiniti EX35, one acronym stood out at the top of the page: "GLS". And then I remembered: "Goes like stink."
The EX35 is an all-new model for Infiniti, slotting in below the FX35 and FX45. I thought at first that it might be Infiniti's version of the new Nissan Rogue, but it's not. Instead, it's built on the company's "FM" platform, which also underpins the FX, as well as the G35 sedan and G37 coupe, and is closer to a "tall wagon" version of the G35. (The FM stands for "front mid-ship", and means that the engine is placed behind the front axle for better weight distribution.) Prices range from $40,400 for the base model to $50,650 when all possible packages are added.
2008 Infiniti EX35. Click image to enlarge
Power is provided by a 3.5-litre V6 that's also found in the G35, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. All models include Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS, which translates into a mouthful: Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. In short, it's an all-wheel drive system that runs mainly in rear-wheel but can seamlessly send up to half its torque to the front wheels when necessary. It's an extremely sophisticated setup - Nissan uses a version of it on the GT-R - that gives the sharp feel of rear-wheel but which provides extra support when needed to maximize traction. A rear-wheel-only version is available to U.S. buyers, but it's not coming north of the border.
The result is a compact SUV that isn't all that large to begin with, and which gets even smaller and lower-slung once you start spinning it around a few curves. It feels almost like you've loaded a G35 with passengers and some luggage in the trunk; it's got sports sedan handling, it takes corners impressively with just a touch of understeer, and once you're out of them, it powers up with 253 lb-ft of torque and 297 horsepower to get you very quickly to the next one. The brakes bite right where they should, and the ride is firm enough that the EX35 feels tight and confident, but smooth enough that it's luxury-comfortable. Many "sport-cutes" are a compromise when it comes to handling, but Infiniti has nailed it with this one. In short, I simply loved driving this vehicle.
2008 Infiniti EX35. Click image to enlarge
If you're familiar with Infiniti's G cars, then the EX35's interior will feel very familiar. The "twin cockpit" design includes a padded dash area in front of the passenger, a sweeping centre stack, and deep-set instrument cluster with attractive blue and white gauges. Even the cupholders are thoughtfully designed, with a push-down shelf that accommodates taller or shorter cups. All of it is put together extremely well and all surfaces have a high-quality, soft-touch feel. Standard features include heated leather seats, automatic climate control, XM Satellite Radio, speed-sensitive wipers, and an "Intelligent Key" with my personal peeve, a pushbutton start.
Some of the controls could be a little larger for my liking, as they require a bit too much attention, but overall, the systems are very easy and intuitive, especially the optional navigation system. It works both with the controller or a touch screen, and unlike many that require you to study the manual in order to get anywhere, it's easy enough to figure out right off the bat.
2008 Infiniti EX35. Click image to enlarge
Infiniti has chosen to debut some of its new technology on the EX, and my tester was loaded up with all of it. It's the second Infiniti to offer a Lane Departure Prevention System - the 2008 M was the first - and the first to offer an Around View Monitor System and "self-healing" clearcoat paint called Scratch Shield. I never got a chance to try out the paint, fortunately, but apparently it has special elastic resins in the clearcoat, which slowly repairs fine scratches, such as the ones your fingernails put into the paint around the door handles. Depending on the depth of the scratch and the outside temperature, it takes anywhere from a day to a week to return to its glossy finish.
The Lane Departure Prevention System actually consists of two systems. One is the Lane Departure Warning, which can be shut off but which comes back on again each time the car is started; the other is the Lane Departure Prevention, which has to be turned on by the driver. The system uses sensors to "read" the lines on the road at speeds over 72 km/h; should you stray over them without turning on your signal first, the warning system will beep and illuminate a light in the dash. If the prevention system is turned on, the warning chime still sounds, but you'll also get a quick jab of the brakes. It's just enough to wake you up, and you have to steer back on your own. I'm hoping drivers don't use it in place of putting down the cell phone and paying attention to the road.
The most fascinating, at least in terms of technology, is the Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which Infiniti says is the world production car debut on the EX. It uses four tiny cameras and projects a "bird's-eye" image on the centre screen, showing a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The view can also be changed, via the touch screen, to show a full view of only the front, rear or passenger side. I'm still not absolutely sold on its usefulness, since it's a lot cheaper to just tilt the mirrors when backing into a parking space (although I will admit that I do like having just a backup camera on SUVs, especially when there's a much smaller car behind me). The system is part of a $1,700 Technology Package that also bundles the Lane Departure Prevention System and intelligent cruise control, and you have to buy the $3,250 Navigation Package first.
2008 Infiniti EX35. Click image to enlarge
The intelligent cruise control can also be shut off, and that's a good thing. The system uses a radar sensor to determine when the EX is gaining on traffic, with driver-selectable pre-set limits as to how close it can come to other vehicles. When I use the regular cruise control and there's traffic I can't get around, I hit the "cancel" button well in advance when I realize I'm going to get too close, and then regulate my speed. The intelligent cruise can't do that; instead, it runs up on the vehicle in front and, when it gets close enough that the radar "sees" it, the system abruptly backs off or hits the brakes. The result is very jerky operation that quickly becomes very annoying.
I'd like to take the base EX with only the $3,100 Premium Package, which adds items like a six-CD stereo with iPod interface, power tilt and telescopic wheel, Xenon headlamps and dual-zone climate control. However, the option packages are stacked so that I must first check off the $1,600 Journey package of auto headlamps, sunroof, power-folding rear seat and corner sensors. I realize this is a premium brand and most buyers will load it up, but the leeway would be nice. Other packages include the Navigation Package and a Custom Leather Package, but they must all be added on top of the Journey.
2008 Infiniti EX35. Click image to enlarge
Up front, the EX is an extremely comfortable vehicle, but things fall apart in behind. The rear seat is cramped, with very restricted legroom, and a wide, high sill makes it very awkward for those with large feet to find manoeuvring room to easily get in and out. Unless the front-seat passengers are sitting as far forward as they can, those in the rear seat will have their knees wedged into the seats in front. The EX's narrow footprint also makes three across a very tight fit. The cargo area is 84 cm long with the seats up; folded, they go almost completely flat, and open it to 163 cm. The Journey package adds power-folding seats, which include buttons in the centre console so that they can be remotely pushed back into place.
Like the G automobiles, the EX is more tuned to driver than to extra passengers. A week of spirited driving netted me 11.8 L/100 km, in keeping with its published rate of 12.9 in the city and 8.5 on the highway. Premium fuel is recommended, but given how much fun this Infiniti is to drive, I didn't mind the cost. As compact SUVs go, the EX isn't cheap to buy, but if you're willing to move up into Infiniti's price territory, this is one GLS model that you need to try.
