2010 Infiniti EX35

Press release

With its sport coupe-inspired design and user-friendly functional utility, the stylish Infiniti EX35 is designed to provide an exceptional degree of “personal reward” for drivers and passengers alike. For 2010, Infiniti ups the reward factor with enhancements to some of EX’s advanced technology, including the addition of an available 2.0GB Music Box® hard drive, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS), and the addition of an in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, XM NavWeather™ and Zagat® restaurant guide to the advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.

“The EX35 is not only the perfect size for personal use, it allows owners to personalize the driving experience with an array of easy-to-use technology such as the enhanced navigation system, innovative Around View™ Monitor and leading-edge systems such as Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW),” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit.

The EX’s engaging interior also features standard premium leather-appointed seating and RearView Monitor, and available driver’s seat headrest coat hanger, advanced audio systems and power remote up-folding 2nd row seat.

And, like every Infiniti model, the EX35 emphasizes exhilarating driving performance – combining an advanced 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

Enhancements for 2010 include revised option package selection and content, including the addition of Around View™ Monitor to the Bose® and Around View™ Monitor Package and availability of Navigation as a stand-alone package (previously part of Bose® and Navigation Package).

Also, heated outside mirrors and auto on/off headlights are added to the EX35 RWD and EX35 AWD, making them standard on all models. Heated front seats are now standard on EX35 AWD (also standard on Journey models). Other changes include the addition of standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System on EX Journey models and an optional Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation, grape polyphenol filter and Plasmacluster™ technology.

EX35 audio systems have been enhanced with a USB Connection Port for iPod® and other compatible devices as standard on all models and the availability of a 2.0GB Music Box® hard drive with the Bose® Premium Audio system (on vehicles without the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation system). The navigation system has been upgraded with addition of an in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Zagat® Restaurant Guide and XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

Coupe-Inspired Exterior, Elegant Interior

The EX35’s layout combines the look and feel of a luxury coupe and a crossover’s flexibility. Its sporty proportions, including a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline, give the EX excellent around town maneuverability – while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.

EX’s exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available xenon auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler with integrated brake light, chrome-finished dual exhaust tips, an available power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt feature, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close and available roof rails.

EX35 also features a standard courtesy light integrated in the driver’s outside mirror as part of the hospitality lighting concept. Seven exterior colors are offered for 2010: Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Blue Slate, Scarlet Silver, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant and Moonlight White.

The EX’s beautiful interior was conceived to offer an invigorating and engaging environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The driver-focused “wave-inspired” cabin layout features an Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel, easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console and Infiniti signature analog clock.

The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive for music storage and playback. For 2010, a 2.0GB Music Box® hard drive is added to Bose® audio system (when not configured with the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System).

Other technology systems include an available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The EX interior is offered with premium leather-appointed seating surfaces, available in four colors – Graphite, Stone, Wheat and Chestnut. The EX35 features aluminum accents, while EX35 Journey models offer maple interior accents. There is also a leather shift knob, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and cruise control. An 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support and a 4-way power passenger’s seat are standard. A driver’s seat memory system is also offered, along with heated front seats (standard on E35X AWD and EX35 Journey models) and an 8-way power front passenger’s seat. Also available is a 60/40-split power remote up-folding 2nd row seat with dual controls (operated from the front or the hatch area).

The EX’s available Bose® Premium Audio System includes 11 speakers (including 2 subwoofers), AM/FM/CD in-dash changer and USB connection port for iPod® and other compatible devices. The advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System features Voice Recognition (VR) for audio and navigation, XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat® restaurant guide, in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive and streaming audio via Bluetooth®.

Advanced Platform and Powertrain

Under the 2010 EX’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti performance technology. Its FM platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible.

Every 2010 Infiniti EX35 comes standard with a fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, DS mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control. EX fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg City/24 mpg Highway for the rear-wheel drive models and 16 mpg City/23 mpg Highway for EX all-wheel drive models.

Superb handling is provided by a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Steering and braking systems include vehicle speed-sensitive power-assisted steering and power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include standard 17-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 V-rated all-season tires or optional 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 V-rated all-season tires.

The 2010 EX35 AWD models feature Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which is also utilized on the Infiniti M, FX and G. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

Standard EX35 safety equipment includes an Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS); driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for improved front and rear seat outboard occupant head protection; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for the rear outboard seating positions. EX also features advanced Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment.

Models and Packages

The 2010 Infiniti EX35 is available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 Journey RWD and EX35 Journey AWD. EX35 Journey models include power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt feature, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, auto-dimming inside mirror with digital compass, maple interior accents, power tilt/telescopic steering column and heated front seats.

EX Journey models are available with a Bose® and Around View™ Monitor Package featuring Bose® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers (including 2 subwoofers), 2.0GB Music Box® hard drive for music storage and playback, Around View™ Monitor (AVM) including Front and Rear Sonar System, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation, grape polyphenol filter and Plasmacluster™ technology.

Other available options include the Premium Package, which adds 8-way power passenger’s seat, driver’s seat power lumbar support (2-way), memory system and position synchronization for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, power remote up-folding 2nd row seats, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, leather-look meter hood with premium stitching, xenon auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), coat hanger on driver’s headrest and aluminum roof rails; and the Navigation Package with Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System featuring Voice Recognition, a 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive, in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive and streaming audio via Bluetooth®.

In addition, Journey models are available with a Technology Package, featuring Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW); or the 18-inch Wheel Package with 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/55R18 all-season tires.

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Specifications

Body

• Coupe-inspired luxury crossover design, a fusion of coupe and sport utility vehicle
• Sporty proportions with a long hood, short overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars
• Infiniti-style double-arch front grille
• Infiniti L-shaped headlights and fog lights with optional xenon headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), thin LED taillights
• Chrome-finished dual exhaust tips
• Rear hatch with integrated spoiler and center high-mount stoplight
• Courtesy light integrated in driver’s side-view mirror
• Standard power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt feature, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close (Journey models)
• Available aluminum roof rails
• Seven available exterior colors: Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Blue Slate, Scarlet Silver, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant and Moonlight White

Engine and Driveline

• FM (Front Mid-ship) platform
• Rear-wheel drive or Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system
• 4th-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque
• 7,600 rpm redline, “Infiniti Swell” acceleration feel
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, DS mode, Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
• Independent multi-link rear suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
• Vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system
• Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes (vented front) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• 17-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 V-rated tires or available 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 V-rated tires
• Available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) and Distance Control Assist (DCA)
• Available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems

Interior Features

• Luxurious driver-oriented interior with standard premium leather-appointed seating
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
• Standard heated front seats (EX35 AWD, EX35 Journey RWD and EX35 Journey AWD)
• Available memory system and position synchronization for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors
• Available driver’s seat power lumbar support (2-way)
• Textured aluminum accents (EX35) or maple interior accents (EX35 Journey) on all door panels
• Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel
• Infiniti signature analog clock
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and cruise control
• Available Infiniti Voice Recognition (VR) for HVAC, audio and navigation
• Leather shift knob
• 60/40 split 2nd row seat with available power remote up-folding (operated from front or the rear hatch area)
• 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller
• Electroluminescent gauges with a center display for trip computer and additional vehicle information
• Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
• Standard RearView Monitor
• Available Around View™ Monitor (AVM) with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce blind spots when parking
• Available Bose® Premium Audio System with 2.0GB Music Box® hard drive, 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers
• Standard XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Available Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive for music storage and playback, an in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and Zagat® Restaurant Guide (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Available Infiniti Voice Recognition (VR) for audio and navigation
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (standard on EX35 Journey)

Safety and Security

• Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
• Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for improved front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Vehicle Security System (VSS) with remote keyless entry, Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System
•  Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Price and options

Packages

Options

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Competitors and press reviews

"Behind the wheel, the EX35 lives up to its car-like promise, even with its elevated ride height. Its all-wheel drive system is primarily for on-road use, but the extra ground clearance does permit travel on roads you might not want to tackle in a sedan. The EX35 isn’t as sporty as its larger FX Infiniti siblings. While it still offers more nimble handling than most of its competitors, there’s a greater emphasis on ride on fuel economy." (Driving Canada)

"EX corners well and exhibits only slightly more body lean than G37. A relatively tight turning radius aids in low-speed maneuvering. The optional Lane Departure Prevention system uses subtle braking impulses and beeps to alert driver of potential wandering at speeds above 45 mph and then corrects the vehicle’s direction. The brakes are smooth and strong." (Consumer Guide Auto)

"The Infiniti EX35 also goes the extra distance with a few bits of cleverness you’d expect in a vehicle that puts utility and luxury in the same sentence. The power-operated 60/40-folding split-back rear seat can be triggered from the cargo area. (Buttons between the front seats enable you to flip them upright again.) There’s a lane-departure warning system, and it lightly engages the stability control to bring you back into your lane, although you can turn it off if you like. And the EX35 introduces "Around View Monitor," a system of four small cameras that give you an overhead view of the whole vehicle in order to simplify parking." (InsideLine)

Competitors

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is offered with a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro all wheel drive, and six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The engine delivers a total of 270hp at 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 243 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. Prices for the Audi Q5 start at $37,350.

Mercedes GLK

The The 2010 Mercedes GLK 350 is powered by a 3.5 Liter V6 sending 268 HP straight to the rear wheels through a seven speed automatic transmission allows the GLK to accelerate smoothly and get an estimated 16 MPG in the city and as much as 22 MPG on the highway. Prices start at $34,600.

Cadillac SRX

The 2010 Cadillac SRX is powered by a choice of two six cylinder power plants: a standard 3.0 Liter unit that produces 260 HP and the optional 2.8 Liter turbocharged that delivers a maximum output of 300 HP. Prices start at at $33,330 for the base 3.0 Liter V6 powered front wheel drive version and climbs all the way up to $51,360 for the 2.8 Liter six cylinder Turbo Premium version.

Conclusion

The Infiniti EX35 is a sporty and stylish SUV with design cues taken from the larger FX crossover. The interior features sophisticated technologies, elegant and refined materials, but like with the FX the rear seats do not offer enough interior space.

So, even if the EX35 is a fresh and modern SUV, the fact that it doesn’t offer the practicability of a true SUV makes us choose the Audi Q5.