Article from Cerritos Infiniti eNewsletter

For the person who craves glamorous styling and invigorating performance to go with the four doors, genuinely useful cargo capacity and technical innovations that make driving easier and safer, the 2012 Infiniti EX35 awaits, offering the perfect blend of passion and practicality.

Among compact crossovers, frumpiness sometimes trumps fun, but with the 2012 Infiniti EX (MSRP $35,600), fun is a central ingredient and frumpiness isn’t even a consideration. With styling that shares a lot of the glitz of the excellent Infiniti G sports sedans, the EX presents itself as a high-style alternative to its more conventional-looking rivals.

The panache isn’t limited to the exterior sheet metal, it carries right through to the passenger cabin, which has room for five. Infiniti’s signature “double wave” instrument panel greets the driver, ensconcing the controls in a flowing layout that is simultaneously pleasing to the eye and intuitive to use. High-contrast instrumentation presents all the critical information, and a standard seven-inch color vehicle information display presents trip computer, audio system and other information in a manner that’s both attractive and useful.

Seating surfaces are leather, as are the accents on the shifter and steering wheel, and heated seats are offered. A RearView Monitor is standard equipment, but the available AroundView Monitor, a feature pioneered on the EX35 that is now available in a variety of other Infiniti models, is a transformative innovation. A series of cameras placed around the car offer useful views on their own, or the views can be stitched together to virtually eliminate blind spots and present a clear overhead view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making it easy for drivers to navigate even the most crowded parking lots.

A six-speaker audio system with XM Satellite Radio and a standard USB port for iPods and other portable devices is standard, and can be further upgraded to a Bose 11-speaker Premium Audio System with a pair of subwoofers. Bluetooth audio streaming is available when drivers add the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, which also bundles in XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and Zagat Restaurant Guide ratings. Available Infiniti Voice Recognition allows the driver to control the audio or navigation system with spoken commands.

The Infiniti EX35 grabs the driver’s passionate side with 297 hp and 253 lb/ft of torque from its 3.5-liter V6 engine. The muscular six-cylinder is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting, Downshift Rev Matching (when in manual mode) and Adaptive Shift Control. In addition, the 2012 EX35 can be specified with either front- or all-wheel drive.

From a practical standpoint, there’s a 60/40-split rear seat, which can be outfitted with power remote deployment for added convenience. With the rear seats in use, there’s still 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space available, and maximum cargo capacity is up to 47.4 cubic feet.

Named a 2012 “Top Safety Pick” by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Infiniti EX comes standard with the Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System, standard Traction Control System and Vehicle Dynamic Control (the electronic stability control system), as well as a vehicle security system with an immobilizer. The available Technology Package adds Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems, Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning and a Blind Spot Warning System. Also offered, as part of the Deluxe Touring Package, is an Adaptive Front Lighting system with self-leveling High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.

“The Infiniti EX shares nearly all of the innovative technologies found in the Infiniti FX and Infiniti QX….but in a more personal package,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “Add in excellent performance and maneuverability, user-friendly functional utility, and rewarding style and comfort and you’ve got one of the best overall crossover packages on the market today.”