2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey
09/11/2008
Shahed Hussain
As some customers transition from truck-based SUVs to more fuel-efficient vehicles, crossover sport utility vehicles are becoming a popular alternative. Manufacturers have responded with a diverse range of crossovers from the sporty, expensive BMW X6 to the luxurious, yet semi-affordable Lexus RX350, or the Acura MDX. For drivers who desire the higher seating position of an SUV and sporty handling at a reasonable price, the BMW X3 and Infiniti FX35 have been the only choices. When Infiniti moved the new FX further upscale, it opened up room for the new EX35, a compact crossover that shares its platform with Infiniti G sedan.
Infiniti offers the EX35 in two models; the rear-wheel drive EX35 Journey starts at $35,450, while the AWD Journey equipped with Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system currently has a base price of $36,850. Our early 2008 AWD Journey model stickered at $36,250; options included the Technology Package ($1,950), Premium Package ($2,150), Navigation Package ($2,150), Wood Trim ($450), and Luxe Elite Package ($1,650). With the $815 destination charge, the test vehicle list price was $45,415. Customers outside the Snow Belt may prefer the less expensive rear-drive EX35, which is otherwise identical to the AWD model.
Compared to the G sedan, the EX35 distinguishes itself with a significantly more luxurious "business class" interior. Sweeping curves, two-tone trim, and chrome-rimmed oval vents lend a voluptuous appearance to the EX35, in contrast to the decidedly sporty interior design of the G sedan. Optional glossy maple veneer adorns the center console and along the doors, while contrasting polished aluminum accents are on the shift lever and center console. Chocolate brown trim on the dashboard and upper door panels complements the available "wheat" interior hue. Infiniti's optional Luxe Elite Package adds leather trim to the doors and center armrest.
Front passengers benefit from 8-way power adjustable leather seats; the driver's seat includes 2-way power lumbar control. The supportive seats offer exceptional comfort for long road trips, yet are wide enough to accommodate most occupants. Rear seat passengers also benefit from comfortable seats, but many may find the legroom insufficient. Passengers over 6' tall will find restricted headroom in both front and rear seats due to the standard sunroof. Despite the relatively compact proportions, the rear hatch and 60/40 split folding rear seats in the EX35 provide significantly more usable cargo room than the G sedan. Conveniently, the rear seats can be automatically raised or lowered via a button on the left side of the hatch. With the rear seats upright, the EX35 offers 18.6 cu. ft. of luggage capacity. Under the rear cargo floor is a full-size temporary spare, with a cleverly packaged subwoofer integrated within the wheel.
The G sedan and EX35 share an identical gauge layout, with an identical 8,000 RPM tachometer and 160-MPH speedometer, flanked by smaller fuel and coolant temperature gauges. A central driver information display shows transmission mode, fuel consumption, and other trip computer data. Arrayed around the steering wheel are buttons for audio, cruise control, Bluetooth phone, and lane departure warning. Navigation, audio, and climate control functions are shown on the touch screen display on the center console, or you can use the buttons and knobs below that duplicate these functions. Infiniti's signature analog clock is inset between audio controls for the Bose AM/FM/CD/XM satellite radio system. An intuitive layout for the dual zone climate control system eliminates any need to consult the owner's manual.
While rearview cameras have become commonplace in most luxury vehicles, Infiniti went one step further with its Around View Monitor (included with the Technology Package). At low speeds, the center console video display shows a simulated overhead view of the EX35, synthesized from cameras in the front, rear, and within the exterior mirrors. Parallel parking on city streets becomes trivial; maneuvering within the tight confines of a garage is no problem. In addition, the exterior mirror cameras can look forward to ensure that you don't gouge the alloy wheels on a curb. Other features of the Technology Package include Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, and a laser-based Intelligent Cruise Control. Fortunately, the Lane Departure Warning can be turned off, as its muted, but insistent beeping quickly becomes annoying.
Even though the EX35 leans towards luxury more than its sedan sibling, it retains the quick reflexes and nimble handling to please most enthusiasts. The Luxe Elite package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with P225/55R18 Dunlop SP7000 M+S rated tires; the Dunlops offer a quiet, refined ride, but with sharp turn-in response. The front suspension is an aluminum double wishbone layout, with coil springs, dampers, and a stabilizer bar. At the rear is a multi-link setup with aluminum upper and lower links, dampers, coil springs, and stabilizer bar. The sophisticated suspension design results in a compliant ride, but with superb damping control that keeps the EX35 snubbed down; high speed stability is exemplary. Despite being over four inches taller than its sedan sibling, the suspension minimizes dive and squat, but body roll is significantly more noticeable. Nonetheless, we expect that most EX35 customers aren't likely to push this crossover as hard as G sedan drivers.
The EX35 is equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes: 12.6" diameter vented rotors in front with 12.1" diameter solid rotors in back. ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) are standard. Infiniti's optional Preview Braking system energizes the brakes if the active cruise control senses a vehicle in close proximity; this reduces reaction time for shorter braking distances. Subjective brake performance is excellent; a firm pedal combined with the powerful brakes reins in the EX35 with ease. Infiniti's VDC stability control is unobtrusive in operation; in dry weather we never felt it in intervene in normal driving.
Infiniti powers the EX35 with the same V-6 as in the midsize FX35, but in this smaller crossover, the 3.5L DOHC V-6 cranks out six fewer horsepower and nine lb.-ft. less torque. However, with 297-bhp @ 6,800 RPM and 253 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800 RPM, the VQ35HR in the EX35 compares favorably with other luxury crossovers. Although both maximum power and torque are achieved at relatively high RPM, the CVTCS (Continuously Variable Valve Timing System) flattens out the torque curve to provide ample low and midrange torque. We rarely needed full throttle to merge into city or highway traffic. If you do hammer the gas pedal, the V-6 responds with immediate thrust, accompanied by a melodious growl from the dual exhausts. Fortunately, during steady highway cruising, the powerplant remains muted and unobtrusive.
Unlike the G sedan, which offers the option of a 6-speed manual, both EX35 models are equipped with a 5-speed automatic. For more enthusiastic drivers, a DS (Drive Sport) mode maintains high revs for improved throttle response. A fully manual shift mode allows the driver to select shift points at will. We found that the DS mode was perfectly adequate for street driving, and rarely invoked the manual shift mode. Nonetheless, we do appreciate that Infiniti does allow the driver to full control of the transmission if desired.
With so many luxury crossovers vying for attention in the marketplace, it's a difficult task to stand out from the pack. We think the EX35 will appeal to the discerning customer looking for near sport sedan performance and handling, but with the luxury features and higher seating position appreciated by SUV owners. On the debit side, the EX35 may be too small for typical American families, as this Infiniti lacks the cargo capacity for families not accustomed to packing lightly. Fully loaded, the EX35 becomes somewhat pricey, but relative to its competition such as the new Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLK, the EX35 is actually an exceptional value. Obviously, the Germans must think that Infiniti has found a lucrative niche, because their imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
