Wealth and Style
The new Infiniti enters the fight against such recognized market players as the Acura RDX and BMW X3.
BMW X3, Acura RDX, Infinity EX35
It seems that it was the RDX that prompted Infiniti to create a compact crossover, but with a more restrained and calm design.
The EX35 is a curious hybrid. From the G35 sedan, whose extended platform it uses, the car inherited the front suspension and front-end styling. The rear body and rear suspension are a legacy from the FX crossover. Despite this mix, the exterior turned out to be cohesive and elegant: all lines are smooth, without sharp or rough edges. On our roads, this model is still a rarity, so it invariably attracts the attention of passers-by and earns the respect of other drivers.
For our market, only one version is offered — with a 3.5-liter V6 and automatic transmission, but in three trim levels.
For the test, we got the top modification Elite+NAVI AWD. Its main differences from the base version are a panoramic roof with sunroof, wood inserts, touchscreen, and built-in Bluetooth.
To open the car, you don't need to search for the key: just approach and touch a small button on the door handle, having the chip key with you. Engine start is also modern — by pressing a button to the right of the steering column. True, just in case, a slot for the chip key was left to the left of the steering wheel, in case you want to return to the traditional method.
The interior is done in a strict corporate style and almost completely copies the G35 cabin.
The driver is greeted by quality leather, rosewood inserts
and the pleasing optitronic instrument panel backlight, which somewhat resembles the instruments in the Acura RDX.
Among the distracting details are the signature analog clock and the touchscreen monitor, which displays a huge amount of information.
Around the cabin are 11 speakers of the audio system with a 6-disc changer. The subwoofer is hidden in the spare wheel well under the floor of the not-so-spacious trunk.
You can fold the rear seats with one press of a button in the trunk, and raise them back with a button between the front seats. There's also a nice bonus: a holder for outerwear is built into the headrest of the driver's seat.
Getting comfortable behind the wheel is easy thanks to the many electric adjustments of the seat and steering wheel. They have memory settings and an easy entry/exit function: when exiting, the seat moves back and the steering wheel rises, and vice versa when entering.
There's enough space in the front, but in the back it's already a bit cramped. Especially uncomfortable if passengers taller than 190 cm are sitting in front.
Moreover, getting into the rear row is hindered by the massive wheel arch, and even the wide-opening doors don't help. But for a sporty crossover, such a drawback can be forgiven — for tall passengers, Infiniti has the QX model.
Dynamics and Comfort
Right at start, the monitor catches your eye, which thanks to four cameras shows a picture around the entire perimeter of the car. This greatly helps to get out even from the tightest parking spot. The main thing is not to forget to wipe the cameras to keep the image clear.
Cameras — front, rear, and on the bottom of the side mirrors
In addition to the cameras, front and rear parking sensors with adjustable sensitivity are installed. The system is useful not only for parking: it can help avoid collisions with those who like to cut in in Kyiv traffic jams.
Under the hood of the EX35 is a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, paired with a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode.
Add the signature ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive — and you get one of the fastest crossovers on our market.
The car confirms its promises in practice. Acceleration is impressive: it feels like you're not in a two-tonne SUV but a light sports car. The feeling is enhanced by the low seating position, not at all SUV-like. The automatic works smoothly and without hesitation, although with a sharp press on the gas in kick-down mode, it seems to hesitate at high revs. But this doesn't prevent reaching 100 km/h in 7 seconds (with the engine revving up to 7000 rpm) and continuing to accelerate actively.
Even the onboard computer can't keep your foot on the brake pedal when you see fuel consumption exceeding 20 liters on the screen.
In a calm rhythm, the appetite will, of course, decrease, but driving slowly in the EX35 is simply not desirable. In the city with active driving, you constantly have to change lanes, which means using the turn signal. And here a annoying little thing was found: the lever doesn't have a "one-touch" function (when a light press makes the turn signal blink three times). Seems trivial, but it left a residue.
The EX35's handling is top-notch: the suspension found a good balance between precision of response and comfort.
The shock absorbers confidently dampen body roll and pitch. At the same time, the suspension is soft enough — it doesn't reach the Lexus level, of course, but there's no trace of the excessive stiffness of the FX model.
A significant role in the sensations is played by the very low ground clearance for a crossover — about 150 mm. This is less than the Acura RDX (160 mm), which was previously considered the lowest in the class, and certainly less than the BMW X3 (200 mm). But in terms of ride smoothness, the EX surpasses both the RDX and the "stool" X3.
What's the Verdict?
The EX35 will definitely find its buyer, and this is already confirmed by the fact that the first American examples, brought by unofficial importers before the start of official sales, have begun to appear on our roads.
In the price range of 60-65 thousand dollars, no competitor can boast such rich equipment.
Let's not forget the excellent handling and stability. If only the ground clearance were higher and the cabin more spacious — it would be priceless. But, as we know, ideal cars don't exist.
Infiniti EX35
Pros
- Excellent dynamics
- Decent handling
- Rich equipment
- Balanced suspension
Cons
- Not very spacious cabin
- Uncomfortable access to the rear row
- Small trunk
- No "one-touch" function for the turn signal
