Somewhere out there, somebody's dying to buy a nifty-looking sport wagon with the latest technical features. They couldn't care less about passenger space or practicality. They want style and distinction.
Infiniti hopes there's a bunch of folks like that, because it has just the vehicle for them: the 2008 EX35.
The EX35 is a slinky-looking all-wheel-drive model that features a smooth and powerful V6 engine, distinctive looks and a couple of unique new features.
The vehicle itself is unique as well, and that singularity may be the EX35's strongest selling point. If you want a car like this, Infiniti is the only place to go for one.
The EX shares its chassis with Nissan and Infiniti's very good rear- and all-wheel drive models: the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G sport sedan and coupe, M sedan and the larger 2009 FX that goes on sale this summer.
People are also reading…
Prices for the 2008 Infiniti EX35 start at $31,300 for a base rear-wheel drive model. The least expensive all-wheel drive EX starts at $32,700, while the better-equipped Journey trim level goes for $34,850 rear-drive and $36,250 with all-wheel drive.
I tested a loaded EX35 AWD Journey that stickered at $44,600.
The EX35's body has the same long-nose, high-haunch profile and slippery roofline that distinguished the Infiniti's sporty FX. Wraparound lights that bleed into the front and rear fenders complete the flowing effect.
That form diminishes interior function to an extent usually seen only in sports cars. Front head and shoulder space are snug, and the back seat is about as much use as your appendix. The power-folding 60/40 split rear seat creates useful cargo space, although the liftover into the hatch is a bit high.
The EX eliminates the various noises and vibrations that consistently marred previous Infiniti and Nissan models. It's admirably quiet and comfortable at all speeds.
That comfort includes smooth passage over bumpy roads. The suspension does an excellent job absorbing jolts, giving the EX a much more accommodating ride than the harsh first-generation FX and many other Infiniti models. The compliant suspension allows body roll that compromises handling in fast curves and sharp lane changes, however.
The speed-sensitive power steering is direct and precise; the brakes are confident and have good pedal feel. The five-speed automatic transmission is smooth in auto mode, quick and precise in manual mode.
In the manual mode, electronic controls match engine revolutions to vehicle speed for engine braking that duplicates the control and responsiveness you get using a standard manual transmission.
In addition to its unique looks, the EX35 justifies its existence with a couple of features you can't find on any other vehicle: self-healing paint and a four-camera video system that provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when you're parking.
Sadly, the EX35 didn't suffer any scratches during my test, but I can testify that the 360-degree-view parking system works exceptionally well.
With its unusual combination of limited interior space and SUV-ish looks, the EX35 isn't the car for everybody. But if you think one-of-a-kind styling and features trump the room of an SUV and the performance of a sporty car, Infiniti has built the vehicle you've been waiting for.
2008 INFINITI EX35 AWD JOURNEY
• Type: All-wheel-drive five-seat sport wagon
• Base price: $36,250 ($44,600 as tested)
• Power: 3.5-liter, 297 hp DOHC 24-valve V6; five-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel economy: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway