2010 Infiniti EX35

Finding a new niche in vehicle design is getting harder than splitting hairs. Time was when there were just a few basic categories of conveyances: sedan, wagon, and truck. Life was so much simpler then, but also rather limiting. Today, of course, you can have your cake and eat it too. And also pick the flavor of frosting while you’re at it, along with a dizzying array of other toppings.

Outside the Lines

Which brings us to the Infiniti EX35, a luxury crossover SUV that thinks it’s a sports car, but looks like a luxury sport sedan. So don’t bother trying to restrict it to any single category, as it purposely colors outside of the lines. That’s both its virtue and vice, as it doesn’t truly excel in any single area. It is nonetheless a very appealing and versatile vehicle.


For instance, don’t expect to use that somewhat cramped back seat for anything other than small kids, since legroom for rear-seat passengers is nearly nonexistent. On the other hand, you won’t feel as if you’re hauling a big bustle around town either, as the EX35 really commands your attention on the curves. In fact, it even demands your attention if you wander across the center line, thanks to Infiniti’s “Lane Departure Prevention” alarm. The system uses a small camera and microprocessor to monitor the road markings then assists the driver in maintaining position within the lane. (Its frequent beeping every time we changed lanes at speeds above 45 mph was initially annoying, but eventually became less so as a useful safety feature for accident avoidance.)

G37-Based Power

Based on the exhilarating G37 sedan, the EX35 is wonderfully crisp and balanced, powered by a sophisticated 297-hp V6 with 253 lb.-ft. of torque (only slightly lower than the G37’s output). The 24-valve engine features aluminum-alloy block and heads, with low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and double-overhead, micro-finished camshafts. The Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) optimizes the opening of intake and exhaust valves.


While the EX35 doesn’t have Infiniti’s new seven-speed transmission, it does have an electronic five-speed automatic with a driver-adaptive learning algorithm that senses driving style and adjusts automatic shifting accordingly. And the manual shift mode offers sequentially selected manual gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching. While an extra gear or two would have been a welcome on the high-revving mill, the transmission is generally well suited for performance driving. Snick the gear lever into sport mode and it dramatically alters the shifting algorithm to keep the transmission in the proper setting for faster speeds. It’s so adept that you probably won’t find much use for the manual function.

Refined Road Manners and Posh Interior

Given this delicious drivetrain, it’s easy to forget you’re in a compact crossover (or is it a luxury hatchback?) and imagine you’re whipping around town in a sophisticated sports car. The EX35 draws its multilink independent rear suspension—and much of its demeanor—from the larger Infiniti FX. We’ve driven both the FX35 and FX45 and, while they offer far more interior room, the EX35 has a more sporting flair. It also features an all-wheel-drive option, with solid road manners on slippery pavement, while cosseting occupants with posh appointments. That flowing dash design makes the most of the smaller interior, giving it grand feel.