Day-by-Day Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

By James Bergeron

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2008 Infiniti EX35

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Can you believe this is the first Infiniti vehicle I have reviewed? I still amazes that I can get a new vehicle nearly every week and yet I have still not sampled something from every manufacturer. This week, my ride is the new 2008 Infiniti EX35, a small crossover with luxury and sporting intentions.

Like most Nissan and Infiniti products, the EX35 is powered by Nissan’s acclaimed 3.5litre VQ V6 engine. In this particular form the engine is capable of 297hp: quite substantial in a vehicle that is not that large. The only transmission available in the EX35 is a 5-speed automatic with a manual mode that rev matches on down shifts.

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The EX35 starts at $40,400 and comes standard with its sharp looks, powerful engine and ATTESA E-TS All-Wheel Drive system. Also included as standard is Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint that is supposed to prevent swirl marks and small scratches; as well, there is the usual flurry of acronyms such as: EBD, TCS, ABS, BA, TPMS and VDC.

My tester is not fully loaded but very nearly so. Included on my tester is the Journey package ($1,600) which adds: a power moonroof, power folding second row seats, automatic dimming review mirror, front and rear sonar systems and automatic headlights.

Also included is the premium package ($3,100) which adds a ton of features including: Bose premium 11-speaker stereo system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, eight-way power passenger seat and two memory driver’s seat, 18-inch wheels and Xenon auto-leveling adaptive headlight system.

But it doesn’t end there. This vehicle has to be the most technically feature rich vehicle I have ever driven, as it also is equipped with the $3,250 navigation package which adds the obvious navigation system, but it also adds: voice recognition for the audio system and HVAC controls, 9.3GB music box and compact flash slot and rear view monitor.

And as if that isn’t enough, my EX35 tester is also equipped with the technology package for another $1700 which adds a bunch of acronyms: AVM (Around View Monitor), LDW (Lane Departure Warning), LDP (Lane Departure Prevention) and ICC (Intelligent Cruise Control). Needless to say, this EX35 is a techno-junkie’s dream!

2008 Infiniti EX35
MSRP as tested (including destination): $51,700

For more information on Infiniti and the EX35 visit Infiniti Canada

Day 2:

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Gorgeous is the perfect word to describe the interior and exterior of the EX35. If its exterior design draws you to it, then the interior will seal the deal the second you get inside. Forget the electronics for a moment and look at the swooping dash, all smooth contours and soft touch materials — gorgeous.

If you like buttons, you will like the interior as well; there seems to be a button for everything. On top of that, there is a touch screen for the navigation system and audio system configuration.

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Sometimes with this many buttons, an interior becomes cluttered and confusing. Somehow, though, Infiniti has managed to keep the clutter down and everything is right at your fingertips and really simplistic and easy to use.

Some of the technology is just plain cool, like the around view monitor which not only gives you a view of the rear when backing up but a shot of the sides and front as well. You can also switch the view to the right side to see how close you are to the curb — great for impressing onlookers as you come within inches of the curb while parallel parking but manage to not scrape your 18-inch rims.

The interior is warm and inviting and comfortable to boot. The driver’s seat offers all the adjustments you need, including lumbar and power tilt, as well as telescoping steering. The rear seats are fairly comfortable as well with a surprising amount of legroom for the size of the vehicle.

Trunk space is limited slightly by the sloping rear, which is what gives the EX35 its distinctive looks. The loading height is fairly high too, so you do not gain much vertical space at all. I was able to fit five 18kg boxes of cat litter and a bunch of groceries inside, but cargo capacity is no larger than that of a small hatchback car.

Day 3:

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By now most everyone has heard that Lexus makes a vehicle that parks itself, but did you know that Infiniti makes a vehicle that drives itself? Okay, maybe it doesn’t actually do that, but it has enough electronics on-board so that it nearly does.

My tester EX35 has the LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and LDP (Lane Departure Prevention) systems. Couple that with ICC (Intelligent Cruise Control) and you can nearly close your eyes on the freeway ( though this is not recommended).

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ICC will ensure that you do not ram into a car in front of you by matching speed with it, while LDW will beep if you stray from your lane without signaling. But that is taken a step further when you turn on LDP, as it will prevent the car from actually crossing the lane divider; it’s an eerie feeling as the computer takes control of your steering.

But what about when you are doing the driving? I’d describe it as very car-like with a higher ride and outward visibility. The ride is smooth-yet-sporty and compliant and handling is very car like as well, with never a worry that you may tip over.

The turning radius is not all that great, though, which is most likely due to the AWD system, so parking in tight spaces can be a little bit of a pain until you get used to it. Visibility is excellent, though, especially with the extra-large side mirrors and the rear glass behind the C-pillar.

As expected on the highway, the EX35 is very quiet and comfortable, and, for that matter it is in the city as well. The EX is easy to maneuver, with a light steering feel at low city speeds. With ample power on tap for passing and acceleration, the EX35 really is a joy to drive in all conditions.

Day 4:

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With all the talk of horrible fuel mileage, I was a little worried about what I might achieve during the week. Quite the opposite of the comments on the forums from those with G35 sedans, I was quite surprised by the EX35’s fuel mileage.

I averaged 10.7L/100km with an average speed of 73km/h. On the highway, during my trip to Montreal, the fuel consumption computer read as low as 9.1L/100km but rose quite quickly while idling in traffic downtown and circling the block over and over and over again while I was searching for parking.

The EX35 is a good sized CUV; not extremely large but big enough to carry four adults in comfort plus a good amount of cargo. I enjoyed every aspect of the EX35 except the rear tailgate handle that is / was held on with only a bit of sticky tape and constantly fell out when trying to close the hatch. I was surprised by this as it seems out of character with the rest of the vehicle’s build quality. Perhaps there are some broken clips on this model, one can only hope.

*Rating out of 5: