2008 Infiniti EX35
A very fine EX-perience
There aren’t many ways to travel the highways and byways that are more luxurious, more responsive, or prettier inside or out than the 2008 Infiniti EX35.
It’s a manageable-sized package that asks for few compromises — even on a budget. Although my tester carries a hefty $10,250 premium in options, you can start thinking about an EX for $40 grand. Of those options, I’d be inclined to think seriously about the technology package at $1,700, which includes features that should make driving (even in reverse) just about idiot-proof for all but the biggest idiots. The most expensive one, a custom leather package at $3,700, is comprehensive and fun with iPod interface, 18-inch alloy wheels, maple door and centre console trim and more, but even a bare-bones EX comes with power you-name-it, leather seating, cruise, automatic climate control, cargo cover, ABS and traction control, active head restraints and a whole bunch more.
It’s a sexy machine — if not quite as distinctive as a Murano or Rogue, it bears a strong resemblance to its larger FX cousin.
The first thing I notice when I get into my tester is that brown doesn’t have to be boring. The soft, toffee-coloured leather that surrounds me manages to somehow be striking as well as comforting. Fit and finish are uniformly good, and all materials feel high-end.
What strikes me next is the sheer number of controls. This is definitely a car for the 21st century, with numerous user-oriented goodies; as opposed to those technologies that may run invisibly somewhere in the belly of the beast, many of these are user-controlled. I particularly love the iPod connectivity that allows me to control audio from the dash display. It’s daunting at first, but once I get used to it all — Bluetooth, nav system, power adjustable seats, dual climate controls, steering wheel audio controls, XM satellite radio, to name a mere few — I love how much control I have over the smallest details of my environment. The EX definitely embodies our decade’s penchant for personalization.
My first day in it, I notice a light “ping” coming from somewhere I can’t quite pinpoint, but at last notice it seems to coincide with a wee yellow light on the dash — it turns out to be a lane departure warning system (part of the technology package), a handy gizmo particularly if you’re prone to losing concentration (or falling asleep) at the wheel. A small camera behind the windshield detects lane markings in front of the vehicle and the vehicle’s relative position to alert you to lane drift unless you signal. Smart. Turn on the lane departure prevention system and the computer will actually take control to prevent you from leaving the lane. I bet not even the Jetsons’ family hauler had this.
The package also includes an around view monitor that gives you not only a good look out the back when reversing, but also features side cameras mounted under the mirrors that together offer a composite video feed showing an aerial view of the vehicle; guidance lines on the nav screen show you where you’re headed and you can switch the view to the right to help you get “thisclose” to the curb when parallel parking. Intelligent cruise control kicks in to gently back off a vehicle in front of you if you’re gaining ground on it.
The nav and audio systems use a touch-screen interface, and even the interior lighting was smart, adjusting to give optimal visibility whatever your outside environment, for example in a tunnel.
It’s all rather mind-blowing stuff for those of us who were around when we all thought Commodore 64s and Pong were the waves of the future, and nicely juxtaposed with an analogue clock in the centre stack.
Somehow, it all manages to not look cluttered.
Even though it’s isn’t a large vehicle, the rear seat offers good legroom; cargo room is slightly compromised by the sloping rear end, but it would certainly do for the average grocery-getting, pet-toting, hockey-arena-going family most of the time.
The engine it shares with the G35 sedan, a potent 3.5-litre V6, taps 297 horses to offer stellar acceleration; combined with a light steering feel, it makes it a pleasure to drive around town as well as on the highway, although the turning radius is deceptively large, probably owing to the all-wheel-drive system.
Although the automatic transmission is only a five-speed, it remains quiet and composed and I never particularly yearn for the sixth or seventh gear offered by some of its competitors.
The EX35 may have crossover looks, but it definitely has sedan sensibilities. It has a floaty ride feel that’s comfortable without completely sacrificing road feedback, and it always feels stable with good grip in the corners.
While it’s safe to consider this review a rave, I would hate to appear unbalanced in my reviewing, so I am trying to find something negative to say. This is what I came up with: the “driver” and “passenger” notation above the climate controls is redundant, what with the driver’s side being the driver’s and the passenger’s side being the passenger’s. So there you go. Balance restored.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - chock full of nifty technologies that aren't hard to master
- - lovely ride
- - good handling
- - great acceleration
- - limited cargo space
Editors Rating:
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