We’re on the Road in the 2008 Infiniti EX-35
The Good: Handles like a sports sedan, good acceleration, nice design
The Bad: Not much for utility or legroom in the rear seats
Overall: If you’re looking for a higher eyeline than your luxury sedan, and don’t need a lot of stowage, the all new EX-35 should make your short list.
Let’s ‘Go on the Road, in the 2008 Infiniti EX-35.
The 5 passenger compact crossover SUV segment is still growing, and 2008 brought another strong contender, the EX-35 from Infiniti. The safety, styling, comfort, convenience, technology, and fit and finish are all very good in this vehicle. Technology in the EX-35 is some of the very best available as is the driving experience. There are some shortcomings however in this vehicle: lack of much utility capacity and smallish rear seating space. Small families or those that prefer a compact SUV, and don’t need a lot of space may overlook the lack of space, especially if you don’t need it and just enjoy the comfort of a luxury sedan, with a higher eyeline. If so, the EX-35 provides comfort, sporty handling, and luxury interior with stellar technology, and a friendly welcoming personality, whatever your driving style.
Pop the hood of the Infiniti EX-35 and find a standard 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35HR – same as in the G35) rated at a hearty 290 horsepower; and a five speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and adaptive shift control. The front engine/rear wheel drive also has All Wheel Drive optionally, which uses Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all wheel drive system, which is also available on the M, FX, and G sedan. The great technology continues in the engine block, which features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs (The best of the best plugs; iridium spark plugs fire where conventional platinum plugs fail), it’s this kind of attention to engineering that has Infiniti lead the competition. The dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure to help improve engine breathing.
SAFETY
The 2008 Infiniti EX-35 has some of the most advanced safety features and technology we’ve seen. A full array of airbags they call AABS (Advanced Air Bag System) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification system, which is becoming available in many new vehicles. It’s incredible technology that’s furthering the state of airbag engineering, so the system considers body size and position at time of impact. The EX35 features Infiniti’s advanced Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment. The vehicle also comes with the full compliment of other standard safety features: ABS; EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist; VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), with Traction Control System; Vehicle Security System, Infiniti Vehicle Engine Immobilizer; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Front-Seat active Head Restraints; LATCH – Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren.
There’s some impressive technology in this five passenger SUV. We were most impressed with Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention System. There are two ‘levels’ to the Lane Departure system, the Lane Departure Warning (which simply notifies the driver using visual & audible alerts) and the Prevention System, (takes corrective action to get the vehicle in the lane). The system is optional (in Technology Package) and can be deactivated. The Warning System notifies the driver by audible and visual alarm when they depart from their lane of traffic without using a turn signal and are traveling at over 45 mph. This side effect of this phase of the system is that it helps remind drivers to use their turn indicators when changing lanes. The second level is the Lane Departure Prevention, activated at over 45 mph, when the driver drifts from the traveling traffic lane, without using a turn indicator, the system takes corrective action to get you back in the lane. The Lane Departure Prevention system does not steer you back into your lane, but generates part of the yaw movement using the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) brake actuator to control the brake pressure and produce the intended movement. As we tested this system it seems to allow the driver a lot of control. So if for example you’re passing a large semi truck on your right and need to allow it space so you use the left side of the lane you’re in, while not going over the line, the system does not interfere with this type of maneuver, we found it to be non-intrusive and if the system is on, and you need to change lanes without using turn indicators, (like you might in an emergency situation) the system will not interfere, will not mandate that you stay in your lane. It’s smart technology that is practical and works very well. Another feature within the Technology Package is ‘Intelligent Cruise Control’ which as the name states, is smart technology. Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control is computerized laser-based sensors that monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead of you. If traffic slows, the system automatically decelerates or brakes to maintain your preset following distance, then resumes your cruising speed when traffic clears up. The system is not a collision avoidance system, and will not bring the vehicle to a stop; it’s not for use on congested highways. It is another highlight of some of the great technology from Infiniti!
Crash test ratings; Infiniti’s EX-35 scored good results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal offset and side impact test results.
Warranty: The EX35 comes with Infiniti’s 4 year/ 60k mile limited warranty coverage; 6 year/70k mile powertrain limited warranty; 24 hour roadside assistance, and service loan vehicle.
Driving Impressions - On the Road in the 2008 Infiniti EX-35! From the EX35’s front double-wishbone setup – borrowed from the G sedan, and it’s rear multilink design – borrowed from it’s SUV sibling - the FX, it may seem like a mixed bag, or mismatch but the suspension combination fits quite nicely in this mid level vehicle which is really combining the ride quality of the G and some of the utility ability from the FX. It makes sense then, to borrow from each line to combine suspension and it comes together nicely here, offering great ride quality and stellar handling capability.
Self Healer: A standard feature on the Infiniti EX35 is the scratch shield paint that heals itself (close to the original state) from scratches – like a fingernail scratch, using a highly elastic resin applied within the conventional clearcoat. Pretty cool.
A great (optional) safety feature of the EX35 is the AVM (AVM- Around View Monitor system) four camera system in the Technology Package. It’s very helpful in urban settings and situations that demand an extra set of eyes as you move into or out of parking situations. The system deploys four cameras around the vehicle that can really help you keep an eye on that corner that would otherwise be out of mirror range. This system goes above and beyond, what you’d be able to see with unimpeded use of all mirrors. There’s a camera in the under side of each of the side view mirrors which provide great views as you’re backing into a parking space or other uncertain situation, and then there’s a camera on the underside the Infiniti insignia on the front grill and then in the license plate tag in the rear as well, and it’s called around view, because it really provides a view of all sides of the vehicle simultaneously! Cool technology from Infiniti. The Technology Package is $1950.00 and includes AVM, Lane Departure Prevention/Warning System, and intelligent Cruise Control.
The Way You Feel Inside – On the road – Driving the 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a joy. Plenty of power at your beckon call, but never jumping off the line. Power from the V6 is smooth and potent, and the brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The sound from the engine is a pleasure, the balance between ride quality and handling is stellar. The cabin feels larger from the inside than from the outside. If adults are seated in both front seats, the legroom in back is great, for junior. If you’re looking for great rear seat comfort and real utility the FX would be a better choice. The EX offers little utility ability. Where this Infiniti excels is performance, comfort, convenience, and stellar technology. The EX has 16.8-cubic feet of stowage space in the luggage bay, but hit the power rear seats (which go up and down at the touch of a button) you’ll have additional stowage space. Also for $200.00 you can add the roof rails, which do not take away from the nice curved lines of this SUV.
We really like the EX-35! If you’re a small family this SUV will work for you. It’s true to the crossover name, combining sport, luxury, zippy handling with some utility ability. With a starting price in the mid-thirties it’s best dressed with the optional packages (Nav, Lux Style Package, Premium Package, and Technology Package) which can easily put your into the low to mid 40’s. If you’re going to drive an Infiniti, drive it dressed up, avoid cloth seats! This SUV is more itself, when equipped with equipment Infiniti is becoming known for. Stellar Lane Departure Prevention System, The 11 speaker sound system (two Subwoofers (one of which secures your spare tire) with the Premium Package, 8 way drivers seat, His and Hers Climate Control, Heated front Seats & outside mirrors, Voice Recoginition HVAC, Audio & Nav – great tech! Thoughtful engineering, great fit & finish, and stellar technology options, despite the lack of room behind the front seat, make this a great entry in the compact SUV segment, from Infiniti.
By the Numbers:
The Infiniti EX-35 is available in the following trim levels:
MSRP (starting prices listed, including destination charge)
The 2008 Infiniti EX-35 - 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift
EX35 RWD $31,300
EX35 RWD $34,850 – Journey
EX35 AWD $32,700
EX35 AWD $36,250 – Journey
EPA Fuel Estimates: The EX35 is rated at 17mpg/city & 24mpg/highway for the RWD model, the AWD is rated at 16/city 23/highway. We averaged over 20.5 mpg on premium fuel combined city and highway driving.
EX35 Journey models include power slide/tilt moonroof with one-touch activation, front and rear leather-appointed seating surfaces, power-folding second row seat, auto-dimming inside mirror with electronic compass, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, front and rear sonar system and auto on/off headlights.
A number of packages and options are also available, including Premium Package, Luxe Elite Package, Wood Trim, Navigation Package, Technology Package, Luxe Style Package and Roofrails.
More...GO on the ROAD