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2011 Infinit EX35 (Courtesy of Nissan/Infiniti News)
The Infiniti EX35 comes in four models: EX35, EX35 AWD, EX35 Journey, and EX35 Journey AWD. When it comes to overall length (182.3 inches), overall width (71 inches), height (61.9 inches), and wheelbase (110.3 inches), all four models are the same. Legroom in the front (44.3 inches) and in the rear (28.5 inches) also has the same dimensions. But since they vary in interior and exterior, seating and trim, as well as features, my focus will be on the EX35 Journey.
Things I liked about this car:
• 297 hpV6 engine, 253 lb-ft torque
• 7-speed automatic transmission
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention
• 60/40-split power up-folding rear seat
• Bose Premium Audio System
• Distance Control Assist
• Maple interior accents
• Infiniti Intelligent Key with push-button ignition
• Intelligent Cruise Control (full-speed range)
• XM NavTraffic and NavWeather and Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide
Infiniti engineers have positioned the driver of the EX35 Journey to experience an intimately tailored interior with state-of-the-art technologies in order to achieve a wonderful driving experience. Even the leather seats are shaped to look and fit like a kimono to the built-in driver’s seat coat hanger. It’s like they knew what you needed even before you entered the vehicle.
The EX has a warm light that illuminates as you approach. The world’s first Around View Monitor gives you a virtual 360-degree view of the parking environment.
Inside the EX35 (Courtesy of Nissan/Infiniti News)
I like the coupe-like interior, but not at the expense of legroom or hip room. The tailored seats allowed my “big butt” the comfort that is usually lost in a sport-type car.
When Infiniti Chief Vehicle Engineer Satoshi Hasegawa said “the chief engineer’s soul dwells in the car,” I softly chuckled. Then I drove the car. Whatever it was in the car, it evoked an emotion in me that captivated my own personal sense of driving.
The 7-inch color display with Infiniti Controller kept me completely apprised of the driving situation as the XM Satellite Radio helped to free my mind, so I could actually feel the car’s poise and enjoy my own satisfaction.
The EPA fuel economy was 17 city mpg and 24 highway mpg. I actually got much better than that, and I drove the EX hard. Roadways were finally clear of the snow and the sun’s brightness made me feel euphoric, so I drove hard without caring about the mpg. I still got over 25 city mpg and 30 highway mpg.
The base price of the EX35 Journey is $36,350.The optional Deluxe Touring package can add an additional $2,000. It includes all-season tires, power up-folding second-row seats, eight-way power front-passenger seat, driver’s headrest coat hanger, adaptive front lighting system with auto leveling headlights, and outside mirrors with reverse tilt down.
The Premium Package adds XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather, Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, Advanced Climate Control System, Bose 11-speaker premium audio system, voice recognition, and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive with streaming audio via Bluetooth. This package adds an additional $2,450 to the price.
The $2,700 Technology Package adds safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Durhl is a syndicated auto writer whose column can be read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@ssbcglobal.net.
