Used 2011 INFINITI EX

There are a number of compact luxury crossover utility vehicles roaming the streets, but few can offer the level of luxury found in the Infiniti EX35. From its flowing lines that mimic the larger FX50, to its technology-rich cabin, the 2011 Infiniti EX35 does everything right. But the icing on the cake is the EX35’s interior, which is not only elegantly styled and highly functional, but can be adorned in rich colors that dare to go beyond the obligatory gray, black and tan found in almost every competitor. Add in unique features such as self-healing paint and the Around View Monitor that gives a 360-degree view outside the vehicle, and the EX35 begins to look like the perfect crossover. In short, the 2011 EX35 blends utility, luxury, performance and price into one very attractive package.

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 rides and handles very much like the G37 sedan from which it’s spawned, so much so that we simply began referring to it as our G Wagon. Although it’s not as powerful as the G37, the EX35 shares the same V6 engine and seven-speed transmission, as well as many of the same suspension components, making this one of the most fun-to-drive CUV’s we’ve tested. Acceleration from a standing stop is swift and steady, and the steering is precise with just the right amount of weight in the steering wheel to make parking easy and high speed maneuvers effortless. The new seven-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually and features a slick downshift rev-matching technology that assures smooth downshifts and excellent performance. Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system brings an added measure of traction on wet or slippery pavement. The system uses an electronic active center clutch to distribute power to the wheels, a design Infiniti says is much quicker than a traditional hydraulic setup. Toss in the EX35’s form-fitting front seats, impressive accident avoidance technologies and terrific Bose sound system (complete with iPod integration via the steering-wheel-mounted controls), and you have a vehicle perfectly suited for extended cruising or weekend escapes.

If you love a curvaceous dashboard and organic shapes and colors, the 2011 Infiniti EX35’s interior will win you over the second you open the door. From its richly colored interior fabrics to its "kimono-like" seating featuring detailed stitching and soft leather skins, the EX35 truly is a designer’s car. Owners can choose from stylish aluminum and black lacquer, warm maple wood accents, or a lovely chestnut brown color that covers the dash, seats and door panels. Bright white LEDs backlight the dash and instruments, which are all within easy view and reach of the driver. While two adults can fit in the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, they will find head and legroom to be rather stingy; the same can be said of the EX35’s cargo hold, which is not very deep.

Sharing Infiniti’s Front Midship platform with the G37 sedan, the 2011 EX35 resembles a slightly softened version of Infiniti’s muscular FX35/50. The long hood and low-to-the ground stance make it appear more wagon than CUV, while the double-arch grille and L-shaped headlamps solidify the EX35’s place in the Infiniti family. Standard 18-inch and available 19-inch wheels speak to the EX35’s performance abilities, as do the more subtle touches such as the chrome-finished dual exhaust tips and rear spoiler. One of the more interesting exterior features is what Infiniti calls "Scratch Shield," a highly elastic self-healing clear-coat paint that, when left in the sun, heals itself of fine scratches and scuffs.

Around View Monitor (AVM)
By using small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of the vehicle, this available monitor can be extremely useful when parking, giving the driver an idea of the total space surrounding the car.

Lane Departure Prevention System
A small camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle and, when an inadvertent lane departure is detected, this system applies a small amount of left or right brake force to nudge the vehicle back on course.

The base 2011 Infiniti EX35 RWD and AWD models come with a leather interior, keyless entry and start, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, RearView Monitor, 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch color display in the dash, standard XM Satellite Radio and six-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, MP3 playback and iPod connection cable. Choosing the Journey trim adds a power tilt/slide moonroof, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats and an auto-dimming mirror with electronic compass. All trims come equipped with front, front and rear side-impact curtain and front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

Most of the technological goodies on the 2011 Infiniti EX35 are bundled into packages. The Lane Departure Prevention System and Intelligent Cruise Control are available as part of the Technology Package, while the nifty 360-degree Around View Monitor is offered with the Bose Audio and hard-drive navigation as part of the Premium Package. Finally, the Deluxe Touring Package adds eight-way power passenger’s seat, driver’s-seat power lumbar, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors, power up-folding second-row seats, auto-leveling High Intensity Discharge headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting, 19-inch wheels and the coat hanger on headrest clip. The Deluxe Touring Package requites the Premium Package and Roof Rails.

The 2011 Infiniti EX35’s 3.5-liter V6 develops a driver-pleasing 297 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. This fourth-generation engine is available with only one transmission: An all-new seven-speed automatic with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching. The EX35 is EPA-rated at 17 city and 24 highway mpg in either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive form. While at first blush those numbers may not be noteworthy, what is impressive is that the EX35 produces considerably more horsepower than any of its competitors while matching their fuel economy numbers.

3.5-liter V6
297 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA City/Highway Mileage: 17/24 (RWD), 17/24 (AWD)