2008 Infiniti EX35 San Diego CA

November 18, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2008 Infiniti EX35
DriverSide Overview
Infiniti’s bid in the compact luxury SUV segment – a niche market if there ever was one – comes in the form of the 2008 Infiniti EX35 . The EX predictably inherits several technology and design cues from its big brother sports crossover, the Infiniti FX , but don’t go thinking the cheaper EX is a budget compromise for FX buyers sitting atop the fence. More than anything else, Infiniti’s compact ‘ute feels like a bargain, with its upbeat-for-an-SUV dynamics and well-appointed interior. A host of next-generation technology features add additional appeal to the EX, and drivers can spec such enticing options as a 360-degree Around View Monitor and satellite navigation with real-time traffic updates. If innovative design and high-tech gadgetry are your top qualifications in a new car, then Infiniti has put together quite the package for you because, in fact, the EX feels more like a G Sedan with a taller roofline than anything else.








What's to Like
Sedan-like driving characteristics make the EX35 nimble and wieldy both on the highway and in the city – after all, it is based on the G Sedan. The seats are incredibly comfortable and well supported, making the car ideal for long trips. The design is pretty much like nothing else on the market, in a good way of course.

What's Not to Like
Rear seat passengers don’t have a whole lot of legroom to work with but if they do manage to squeeze into the back, there won’t be too much space in the rear cargo area for whatever they’ve brought along. It gets pretty spendy with all the options.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
If it weren’t for the raised seating position of the EX, you’d swear you were driving an Infiniti G35 Sedan. The EX35’s steering is slightly softer than that of the G, but aside from that the EX feels every bit as nimble and engaging as its lower, four-door stablemate. The Nissan/Infinity V-6 powerplant provides the EX with ample power, and revving it above 6,000 rpm reveals very non-SUV acceleration, which makes for a more appealing drive, though with gas prices on the rise you’re likely to feel some pain from repeated high-rev sprints. The overall ride is very compliant and smooth, even on broken city surfaces, and road noise from both the tires and air resistance is practically non-existent at freeway speeds.

Engine and Drivetrain
The EX35 is powered by Infiniti’s familiar, award-winning VQ 3.5-liter V-6, in this guise making 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models are available and are driven through a 5-speed automatic transmission, which rev-matches downshifts for smoother gear changes.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Nissan offers a highly recommended navigation package that provides dri...

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