Model Strengths:
Sleek, sexy design with pleasing styling inside as well; luxurious cabin; proven front-midship chassis; excellent engine and drivetrain; competitive pricing.
Model Changes:
The Infiniti EX35 is a new-for-2008 crossover SUV based on the 2007 EX Concept first seen at the New York Auto Show. The EX35 calls to mind the sporty, popular, G35 coupe and sedan, and its branch in the Infiniti SUV family tree sits below the FX35 and FX45 models. It is designed to be far more "sport" than "utility."The EX35 shares its capable front-midship (FM) chassis and excellent, free-revving, 297-horsepower 3.5L V6 with several other Infiniti models (G35, M35, FX35), and that power is put to the wheels through an advanced five-speed automatic. The EX35 comes in two trim levels-base and Journey-and with rear-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive.The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is available in eight colors: Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Scarlet Silver, Platinum Graphite, Blue Slate, Tidewater, Dark Currant, and Black Obsidian. Pricing starts at just over $31,000.
Model Value:
Infiniti was one of the first car companies to emphasize the "sport" in sport utility vehicle, and the 2008 EX35 furthers that philosophy. By blending world-class performance, advanced technology, and a luxurious, user-friendly interior, the EX35 will leave drivers wanting for nothing. The fourth-generation 3.5L V6 that powers the EX35 has been one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for more than a decade, and the car wears the same familiar, attractive face that many of its Infiniti siblings wear. For 2008, the Infiniti EX35 offers more power than both the Acura RDX and Lexus RX 350, and is priced less as well.
Model Overview:
Infiniti is on a roll these days, and the 2008 EX35 should do well to keep the company's momentum. It's a sleek design in keeping with Infiniti's overall look, and in terms of sheer style, it trumps the more sedate lines seen on Acura and Lexus SUVs.The EX35 is available in either base or Journey trim, and with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Infiniti's terrific VQ35HR 3.5L V6 powers the vehicle, putting out 297 horsepower at a singing 6,800 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. An electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is also standard, and it features Infiniti's trick Downshift Rev Matching and Drive Sport (DS) mode, which help keep the emphasis on driving dynamics.The entry-level EX35 comes with a bevy of standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED taillights, dual power mirrors, speed-sensing wipers, a rear integrated spoiler, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Also standard is Infiniti's pioneering Scratch Shield Paint, a clear coat that "heals" minor imperfections like scratches and polish swirls.Inside, creature comforts abound, with push-button ignition, automatic temperature control, power locks and windows with remote Infiniti Intelligent Key, a 12V power outlet, power adjustable seats, and a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls. The standard audio system is a six-speaker CD stereo with Radio Data System and XM satellite radio.EX35 Journey models add a power moonroof, leather seats, a one-touch power folding rear seat, HomeLink, front and rear sonar, and automatic headlights.AWD models use Infiniti's Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split (ATTESA E-TS), which means the EX35 has a sporty rear-wheel drive bias under normal driving circumstances, but the system actively senses and adjusts to slick conditions to allow complete traction when necessary.Several optional packages are available for the EX35, and all require the Premium Package, which features an 11-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats, Bluetooth, driver's seat memory, and more. The Navigation Package includes touch-screen navigation, voice-activated HVAC system, and XM NavTraffic. The Technology Package, which requires both of the above, features two of Infiniti's most ingenious innovations: Around View Monitor (AVM) is a system of body-mounted cameras that display a composite image of what's around the EX35 during parking situations; Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) actively adjusts the EX35 through individual wheel braking and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to avoid wandering out of the lane of travel. Three appearance packages-Luxe Style, Luxe Elite, and Wood Trim-add amenities like leather or maple wood console and door panels, 18-inch wheels, and xenon auto-leveling headlights.Like all Infinitis, the 2008 EX35 is loaded with standard safety features like dual-stage front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, side curtain air bags front and rear, active head restraints, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, stability control, and a tire pressure monitor.