Tall boy
The little EX35 is powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder mill generating 297 hp coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission that adapts to your driving style. The ATTESA all-wheel drive is standard. With those lovely specs, Infiniti and Nissan aficionados will have quickly ascertained that we’re dealing with the famous VQ engine for which the automaker is renowned.
Quick and flexible, it accelerates easily despite the heavier weight it’s responsible for moving. As for the transmission, it also features a manual mode and allows you to play at being a race car driver: when downshifting it matches the engine’s revs in a good imitation of heel-and-toe. This results in greater control of the actual power as well as a delightful exhaust note.
And the EX35 also stands out from the crowd where driving is concerned. As the centre of gravity is slightly higher, you tend to limit abrupt manoeuvres for fear of exaggerated roll. Which is not the case here. The EX35 stays adamantly on track, its extremely efficient suspension system keeping roll to a minimum. And you really have to push it to the very limits to feel any of the understeer that often plagues this kind of small AWD.
Technology-wise, the Infiniti EX35 is also exemplary. It has for instance inherited safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning.
It also benefits from an exceptional monitoring system: four cameras located around the car provide a simultaneous image of your surroundings and almost give you a bird’s eye view of the car. Good luck fudging your parallel parking, unless you want to look like a real idiot!
The only true fault I can find with the Infiniti EX is its size: it poses as a crossover but offers very little room for its passengers and even less room for their luggage. Thankfully, it makes up for it with electric folding rear seats.
Conclusion
Undeniably beautiful, obviously luxurious and especially a joy to drive, the EX35 is one luxury crossover that takes its calling seriously. But to be honest, given the same great qualities, I’d no doubt prefer the sedan version!
The little EX35 is powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder mill generating 297 hp coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission that adapts to your driving style. The ATTESA all-wheel drive is standard. With those lovely specs, Infiniti and Nissan aficionados will have quickly ascertained that we’re dealing with the famous VQ engine for which the automaker is renowned.
Quick and flexible, it accelerates easily despite the heavier weight it’s responsible for moving. As for the transmission, it also features a manual mode and allows you to play at being a race car driver: when downshifting it matches the engine’s revs in a good imitation of heel-and-toe. This results in greater control of the actual power as well as a delightful exhaust note.
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| The little EX35 is powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder mill generating 297 hp. (Photo: Nissan) |
And the EX35 also stands out from the crowd where driving is concerned. As the centre of gravity is slightly higher, you tend to limit abrupt manoeuvres for fear of exaggerated roll. Which is not the case here. The EX35 stays adamantly on track, its extremely efficient suspension system keeping roll to a minimum. And you really have to push it to the very limits to feel any of the understeer that often plagues this kind of small AWD.
Technology-wise, the Infiniti EX35 is also exemplary. It has for instance inherited safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning.
It also benefits from an exceptional monitoring system: four cameras located around the car provide a simultaneous image of your surroundings and almost give you a bird’s eye view of the car. Good luck fudging your parallel parking, unless you want to look like a real idiot!
The only true fault I can find with the Infiniti EX is its size: it poses as a crossover but offers very little room for its passengers and even less room for their luggage. Thankfully, it makes up for it with electric folding rear seats.
Conclusion
Undeniably beautiful, obviously luxurious and especially a joy to drive, the EX35 is one luxury crossover that takes its calling seriously. But to be honest, given the same great qualities, I’d no doubt prefer the sedan version!
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