SANTA MONICA, CA – Infiniti goes to great pains to explain that this is a crossover vehicle or a small SUV. When anyone uses the term "wagon," they wince visibly. They have targeted this vehicle very specifically at younger couples, empty nesters and a group that they term as "style seekers." This is specifically not designed to be a "family" vehicle. Infiniti calls the EX a "personal reward vehicle."
One could ask if this is a wagon or hatchback version of their popular G Sedan. The artist pictured here, whom we interrupted from his landscape painting and drafted to pose with his easel, in fact, asked if this was the hatchback version of the G35. A reasonable question, since from the front, it's a dead ringer for the G37 coupe. Infiniti touts the "coupe like roof design," and says that it's an extension of their current design, featuring something they term as "wave inspired design," both inside and out. The platform actually is based on the G sedan, but has been shortened by two inches.
Infiniti claims that there is adequate room for four six foot men to be comfortably ensconced in the EX. We found the front seats to be very comfortable, but seating in the rear less roomy. They also claim that three full size golf bags will fit in the cargo area, but we forgot to bring three full size golf bags with us, so can't either verify or dispute that claim.
Infiniti hopes that this is the "Goldilocks" vehicle – not too big and not too small. The height is about halfway between a full size SUV at around 70" and a regular sedan of 50". This is reflected in both the ease of entry and the handling. Getting into the EX is much like getting into any standard size sedan; you don't need a step ladder, or go through the contortions required by a low slung sportster. In fact, entry and exit is so familiar as to be relatively unnoticed.
On the road, the lower profile works to improve the handling, as well. Because of its reduced height, and a resulting lower center of gravity, this SUV/Crossover can be flung into the corners at speeds that would spell disaster with a full size SUV. When you add the spirited Infiniti 3.5 Liter V6 to the mix, the fun quotient reaches realms previously unknown to most SUV drivers. This is not a 911, but it's a lot more fun to drive than might be expected.
In order to hit the "personal reward" target, Infiniti uses a four pronged attack – styling and performance combined with luxury and technical innovation. Some of the unique features include a special finish on wood trim accents meant to simulate an antique violin, a coat hanger mounted behind the headrest of the driver's seat, and a power folding second row seat (there is no third row seat in the EX).
Also available as options are a 360 degree camera, and a lane departure avoidance system that beeps at the driver when the EX strays outside of the lane markers and applies wheel braking to place the vehicle back into its proper space within the lines. The audio warning can be irritating, however, when you are deliberately cutting the radius of a turn, because the system can't distinguish between intention and inattention.
The EX will be offered in both rear wheel and all wheel drive configurations, with all wheel as an option. The premium package includes the all important iPod dock. All models have a touch screen with XM radio, with a three year subscription included. Pricing has not yet been announced, but AWD versions will likely be in the mid $30,000 range.
Young professionals with large dogs rejoice.
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