Luxury shoppers are people looking for exclusivity. Infiniti appeals to that personal desire for exclusive status by building something no other automaker has: a coupe crossover SUV.
Drivers who are looking for the interior flexibility of a SUV, the ride comfort of a crossover unibody SUV and the handling of a rear-wheel drive sports vehicle will find it in the EX35.
The all-new 2008 EX35 is a compact SUV at first glance, but look closer. This new model’s taut and swooping roof lines show all the dynamic tension of a youthful, sport-oriented vehicle. In fact, the EX35 has the platform of the Infiniti G37 coupe and G35 sedan. Getting the exterior design right was Infiniti’s big focus for its all-new addition to the luxury lineup. The exterior also includes a sporty long hood, accented by short front and rear overhangs. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard — 18 inchers are optional.
I can see how people will be drawn to the timeless, sleek appearance of the EX35. It’s an elegant look that never grows stale, particularly since the EX exudes motion and speed in its sweeping lines from front to rear.
Infiniti is not relying on window dressing to draw consumer interest in the EX35. This vehicle showcases the world debut of the Around View Monitor. The test vehicle did not have this feature, however, Infiniti described that the AVM system uses four small cameras atop (front- sides- and rear-mounted) to give the driver a top-down view all around the outside of the vehicle while parking. It makes sense to introduce this new technology on a coupe-like designed vehicle, since coupes are notorious for inherent blind spots.
The EX35 also features as an available option a new technology that debuted on the 2008 Infiniti M last fall. The Lane Departure Prevention program works with a number of other systems, including electronic stability control to prevent lane drifting. I don’t think sport-oriented crossover buyers are going to go for this option; the override of braking and beeping will annoy their driving spirits.
With its rear-wheel drive configuration and power ratings, I was surprised at the EX35’s eagerness to take off. The Infiniti gets its motive force from a 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The V-6 generates 297 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 253 pounds-feet at 4,800 rpm. Using premium gasoline this RWD crossover SUV with a base curb weight of 3,752 pounds is EPA-rated to achieve 17 miles per gallon city and 24 mpg highway.
Here’s another marvelous technology showcased on the EX35: “self-healing” paint. I did not inflict scars on the test-vehicle so that I could see this magic act for myself, however, Infiniti purports that Scratch Shield clearcoat paint will maintain its gloss level over time. An elastic resin increases the clearcoat’s flexibility and strength by increasing the resin density, according to Infiniti. The automaker says the paint repairs fine scratches and that the process can take anywhere from one day to one week.
The Infiniti 2008 EX is offered in four models: the EX35 RWD starting at $31,300, the EX35 RWD Journey priced at $34,850. The EX35 AWD begins at $32,700 and the EX35 AWD Journey tops out at $36,250.
All models come standard with a full airbag system, including roof-mounted curtain head airbags, plus active head restraints.
The EX35 is in a class of its own — ready for someone who’s looking for exclusivity.
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