2011 INFINITI EX35 Overview
The 2011 INFINITI EX35 offers a distinctive blend of luxury, performance, and practicality, positioning itself as a stylish alternative in the compact luxury crossover segment. It caters to those seeking a more engaging driving experience with a sophisticated interior and a suite of advanced features.
Highlights
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Engine and Performance: At its heart, the EX35 is powered by INFINITI's renowned 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine. This robust powerplant delivers a healthy 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and confident passing power. It's paired with a smooth and responsive 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching, enhancing the sporty feel. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available, improving traction and stability in various weather conditions.
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Safety Features: The 2011 EX35 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies designed to protect occupants and enhance driver awareness:
- Standard Airbags: A full complement of front, front-side, and roof-mounted curtain airbags provided all-around occupant protection.
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC): This system helps prevent skids and improves handling by automatically applying brakes and reducing engine power when it detects oversteer or understeer.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, particularly on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA): ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, EBD optimizes brake force distribution between front and rear wheels, and BA automatically applies maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected.
- Optional Rearview Monitor and Lane Departure Warning (LDW): The rearview monitor aids in backing up, while LDW provides audible and visual alerts if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated.
- Optional Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC): Maintains a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
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Trims: The 2011 EX35 was primarily offered in two main configurations:
- EX35 RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive): This is the base model, prioritizing a more dynamic and agile driving experience.
- EX35 AWD (All-Wheel Drive): This trim adds the capability of all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and confidence in adverse weather conditions.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Stylish and Compact Design: The EX35 stood out with its sleek, coupe-like profile and flowing lines, offering a more adventurous and less conventional alternative to traditional SUVs.
- Premium Interior: The cabin exuded INFINITI's signature luxury with high-quality materials, supportive leather-appointed seating, and an intuitive layout.
- Versatile Cargo Space: Despite its coupe-like styling, the EX35 offered a surprisingly practical cargo area, especially with its 60/40 split-folding rear seats, making it suitable for everyday errands and weekend getaways.
- Advanced Technology: Available features like INFINITI's hard-drive based navigation system with real-time traffic and an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system provided a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
What to Expect
Owning a 2011 INFINITI EX35 generally translates to a refined and enjoyable ownership experience. Owners can expect a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and a responsive powertrain that makes both daily commuting and longer journeys pleasant. The interior's luxury appointments contribute to a premium feel, and the vehicle's sporty handling encourages enthusiastic driving.
Maintenance: Like most luxury vehicles, the EX35 will benefit from regular scheduled maintenance as outlined in the owner's manual. This typically includes oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. INFINITI's are known for their reliability, but parts and labor for specialized luxury car maintenance can be more costly than for mainstream vehicles. It's advisable to seek out mechanics familiar with INFINITI vehicles to ensure proper care.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the EX35 will likely be in line with other compact luxury crossovers from the same model year. Factors such as driving history, location, coverage levels, and the specific trim and options will influence the final cost. Due to its performance capabilities and luxury features, insurance rates may be slightly higher than for less powerful or less luxurious vehicles.
Potential Considerations
While the 2011 EX35 is a compelling choice, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Rear Seat and Cargo Space Limitations: Compared to more traditional compact SUVs, the EX35's sloping roofline can impact rear headroom and the overall cargo volume, especially for larger items. The rear seating area is also best suited for two adults rather than three, given its narrower width and the floor-mounted transmission tunnel.
- Fuel Economy: The powerful V6 engine, while providing strong performance, means that fuel economy is not a strong suit. Owners can expect mileage that is competitive for its class but likely lower than smaller, less powerful crossovers.
- Aging Infotainment and Technology: While advanced for its time, the infotainment system and associated technologies may feel dated compared to modern vehicles. Some of the interface elements and connectivity options might not be as seamless as what is found in newer cars.
- Ride Comfort: While generally comfortable, some reviewers noted that the ride can become slightly firm over rougher surfaces, a common trade-off for a more sporting suspension setup.
Overall Summary
The 2011 INFINITI EX35 is a captivating compact luxury crossover that offers a compelling blend of performance, sophisticated style, and premium comfort. It appeals to buyers seeking an engaging driving experience wrapped in an elegant and distinctive package. While it might not offer the ultimate in cargo capacity or fuel efficiency, its refined interior, strong V6 engine, and available all-wheel drive make it a pleasurable and capable vehicle for those prioritizing a luxurious and driver-centric crossover experience.