Infiniti EX35 small SUV

qbrozen

Imagine the surprise.

Yes, I'm surprised you believe the first measurements you read on the internet on some non-official Infiniti site. ;b

jaxs1

One other possibility is that the front seats just have a very long track to accommodate very tall drivers. I think rear leg room is measured based on the room remaining after the front seats are pushed back as far as they go and, because of this, some manufacturers limit front seat travel to make their rear seat measurements look better. I've sat in a few cars where I felt I couldn't get the front seat far enough back even though there was still several inches of empty space behind the seat.

If the front seats simply have a very long track, then very few people would need the seats at or even near all the way back and the rear seat leg room could still be reasonable.

qbrozen

yes.
I'm also thinking it is possible the measurements were taken in a different manor. As you said, in one case it was measured with the seat all the way back, in another case, it wasn't.
Or, option 3, its just a typo.
Or, option 4, it is for real and Inifiniti saw fit to make the cargo portion more usable.

jaxs1

Measurements would have to be taken with the seats all the way back on all vehicles, but "all the way back" for every car isn't the same because it depends on how much travel there is in the tracks.

qbrozen

when you say "would have to be," what does that mean? As in that is the standard on how it is done? If so, what exactly is being measured? Is it the distance from the upright portion of the back seat to the back of the front seat?

Cause, according to the ordering guide on that site posted before, 28.5" of rear seat legroom on the EX35 would be less than that of a Mini at 29.9", and I know that when I sit in the driver's seat of a Mini, it just about touches the backseat.

samiam_68

Measurements would have to be taken with the seats all the way back on all vehicles, but "all the way back" for every car isn't the same because it depends on how much travel there is in the tracks.

To get a real idea of the room inside, just add the FRONT leg room and the REAR leg room, then compare to other cars. This way any front seat travel variables are eliminated.

michael2003

You are correct in pointing out that I was being somewhat gullible to believe that specifications posted by an Infiniti dealer (and represented as being provided by Infiniti) should be believed. If you are aware of something that is official I think many of us would appreciate being made aware of that information.

g2memphis

However, if a person were to quote leg room dimensions only from sites named Infiniti, they would find that the "G" Sedan and FX have almost identical leg room dimensions at 44" front and 35" rear and the "G" Coupe and the new EX also have similar dimensions at 44" front and 29" (+/-) rear. As I said before, I am not too concerned ... however, I am waiting to actually sit in one before I (hopefully) order one! :shades:

qbrozen

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm awaiting official and comparable specs or to see one in person before passing judgement.

extech2

I've seen one at the Orange County Auto show. It was on an elevated platform and nobody was allowed to get close or get inside. I have no idea why - the FX35 and all the other Infinity's were wide open for anyone to sit in them. Once in a while a man opened the diver's door and let people to get a peek at the interior, but not much more. It is a beautiful car, a bit more feminine (less macho) than the FX 35. There was no price sheet or any technical info available, but I can't see how could they sell it under forty thousand. There were also a lot of 07 Muranos on display, but not an 08 yet. The Rogue was on display and anyone could get into it, but they didn't have a loaded model, just the plain cloth interior with the hubcap wheels.

jaxs1

It "looks" usable, but you can't tell how forward the front seats are or how long or short the seat bottoms are.
If it has short seat bottoms, even if it appears to have several inches of empty space between the front and rear seats, your knees would still hit the seat backs because your thighs will extend several inches past the seats.
Short seat bottoms make for better photography though.
The sloping roofline of the EX may also cause rear headroom issue.

qbrozen

considering where the seat is in relation to the B pillar and the amount of track showing underneath, it is definitely not all the way back; however, if it were all the way back, there would still be a few inches between the seats, meaning it is definitely not as tight as a Mini, as the previously posted measurements would have us believe. It seems to be right on par with a G35. I would also note, however, that the rear door seems to be mighty narrow in that pic, BUT the B pillar appears mighty wide. Just odd proporting maybe?

jmpage2

It definitely won't be $40K, at least not at base level and I'd be amazed if it was 40K loaded.

It would be rather surprising if they offered an EX35 that cost more than mid-level FX35 which offers much more room, etc.

I have a feeling that if the EX35 is going to compete with the Acura RDX and other small "luxo crossovers" it will have to start pricing in the low to mid 30K range, and not top out at more than $40K with everything in it.

qbrozen

latest reports have stated it will start just under $30k. So I presume $29,900 for a stripped RWD model.

carjim

For me to be a player, the EX will have to be in the low to mid-thirties. If this price range turns out to be close, I will be in line to drive one.

My wife hates the low seats, long doors, low ground clearance of our G35 coupe. So I hope the EX will be a vehicle we can both enjoy. We are empty nesters, so the back seat room is not important.

jaxs1

They finally show people getting in the front and back seat. Unfortunately, they are two very petite Asian women.

I didn't realize that the rear seats unfolded remotely also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxFqkYK3bMQ

jaxs1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1wEDuwil4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpXU-MgChBE&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-TdWyk57CI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SB2wK8_rPc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV7tk5c2p_U

What's like to step in and out of an EX35: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GJZKpldhjg&NR=1

Embargo and release dates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBkMqDfy-0U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pemw5vqEiYE&NR=1

With the plush interior and these high tech cameras, this vehicle looks more like a concept car than about anything else since the CLS.

jmpage2

Infiniti says that pricing isn't finalized but that pricing should be announced around the LA Auto Show. Pricing for an AWD EX should START around $35K range.

That's a bit disappointing. RDX starts at $33K which would put the EX about $2K higher before any additional packages are added.

Topped out RDX is about $36.5K, looks like topped out EX35 might be closer to $40K. This is all speculation but it's sure leaning that way.

Other notes gleaned....

Flash card slot cannot be used to add MP3s to the media system, you can only copy your own CDs to the media system. All cars will come with ipod integration kit.

Asian models are small, hard to judge interior room with 5'1" models getting in and out of the vehicle.

jaxs1

Why are guessing at prices that disappoint you?
It might be better to wait for official pricing before becoming disappointed.
It probably will not match the RDX pricing since the RDX is a 4 cylinder and doesn't look as nice inside.

alex789

Price is not so disappointing, because EX is much better
machine overall with excellent engine.
What really is disappointing, it's that: RDX owners are injoying 18" wheels with 235/55/R18 (even wider) tires on a
Base model. But we can't get them for EX even on Journey AWD. Difference in price between 17" and 18" wheels with
225/55/R18 tires just $400, but to get them, you have to buy whole - Luxe Style Package, which includes
- Xenon auto-leveling headlights
- Adaptive Front Lightning System (AFS)
It's good stuff, but why to mix it with tires?
Tires are about ride and handling, it's not a 'luxe' touch,
and belong to JOURNEY AWD - period.
Concept was standing on 19" wheels and I was hopping, that
we can get at least 18", as a standard - Noppa!
ORDER and WAIT several month while your EX will come from
overseas.
It's so piti and unfair to all of us. Am I right?

jaxs1

The bigger tires have lower profiles look better and may have slightly better maximum handling limits, but will not handle any better in normal driving and will ride worse in your daily driving. Why deal with this every day when this is supposed to be a "plush" vehicle?
The extra low profile tires will also likely wear out faster and cost much more to replace each time. A high ongoing maintenance expense to go along with the rougher ride.
I wouldn't want biggest, lowest profile tires available unless I was planning on taking it auto crossing on a track.

jmpage2

Is there something further available now on packages/options for the EX?

g2memphis

I drive a FX35 with 'stock' 18" wheels. I met a guy with an identical FX who had elected for the optional 20" wheel package. He wished he had never done it ... he said the ride was very harsh. My FX rides as smooth as the roads will allow! :shades:

qbrozen

Unfair to all of us. Am I right?

No, you aren't. ;b

You may be right as far as your preferences are concerned, but for me personally, I'm not a bling bling wheels kinda guy. It is pretty much the last concern on my car-shopping list ... which means pretty much of no concern at all. The wheels have to be downright hideous to make me even notice them, and even at that point, unless there was another car I liked just as much that didn't have hideous wheels, I would still buy the vehicle and just change them.

carjim

In the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, I heard a radio commentator say that "Infiniti may have a hit on their hands with the EX." Then the Ft. Worth newspaper ran an article on the EX which had been picked up from a San Antonio newspaper columnist.

Sewell Infiniti in Dallas told me they have been alloted four EXs for December.

jmpage2

Well, my wife is driving an FX35 right now with the 18" wheels and the ride is the harshest of any car that either of us has ever owned. The car jars and see-saws over every seam in the concrete roads we regularly drive.

By comparison I drive an 04 model Audi A4 with sports suspension. The handling is much more precise than on the FX and the ride is much smoother, especially over roads with an uneven surface.

I am hoping that the ride on the EX35 is far more carlike than the FX.

jmpage2

From searching around it definitely seems that there will be a "Journey" edition EX35 as well as a base model.

From there I am a bit skeptical about some of the options we are seeing thrown out at sites like leaseinfinitiex35.com.

You're going to tell me that Infiniti is going to take a $35K+ AWD Journey equipped EX35 and then offer ALL of the following packages?

Premium Package
Navigation Package
Technology Package
Luxury Package
Luxe Elite Package

It sounds as though a "loaded" EX35 would approach $45K. I just can't see Infiniti doing it, as it seems certain to cannibalize on FX sales. A fully loaded FX45 is $50K... we are going to be led to believe that a loaded EX35 will only be $5K less?

I suspect that in fact Infinity will be offering a FEW packages for the EX35. The ones we are most likely to see is a technology package that includes navigation, keyless entry, lane departure warning, and the snazzy new around view monitors, and the other one we are likely to see is a touring package that includes better lighting, moonroof, heated seats, etc.

I honestly can't see any way in hell that they would take a $35K base level car designed to compete with other mid 30K cars from Lexus and Acura and then offer up to $10K of options packages for it.

qbrozen

A fully loaded FX45 is $50K... we are going to be led to believe that a loaded EX35 will only be $5K less?

You mean Fx35, do you not? an FX45 STARTS at $50k.

And, yes, I think an EX35 at $5k below an FX35 is just about right.

Do you mean to say they should offer less luxury ammenities than on their other vehicles? I, for one, don't see the need. Plenty of folks will still pay $5k more to get a bigger vehicles. Happens every day at every dealership of every manufacturer.

jmpage2

I guess we will see. Personally I don't see much of a market for $45K compact crossover vehicle in a cooling economy, no matter how many luxury amenities are offered.

Time will tell.

qbrozen

well, it is a matter of how its equipped, right?

now, first, I'm not sure about all those packages. I admittedly have not shopped Infiniti, but I did look at their site and looked at the FX and G and don't see the packages you list. I would think it will work the same as the G, since that is what it is based on, but who knows? Like you said, we will see.

As far as the market, I think a 290hp $30k-$35k small luxury crossover will have a pretty good market. not everyone loads up their luxo vehicles. As a matter of fact, I think few do. I mean, I see more 325/328 bimmers with no nav than any other model or configuration. The starting point is more important than the top-level point, IMHO.

So, what would you rather see happen? that's what I haven't figured out yet. Are you saying less options? lower price? what?

jmpage2

I think that manufacturers are very good about figuring out what will sell.

Take a look at the RDX. While it is not in the same league as the soon to arrive EX35 they are still in the same "class".

For 2008 Acura included EXTRA features on the RDX such as driver seat memory, bluetooth link and the fancy homelink auto dimming mirror with built in compass.

This was all done at the base level with no pricing change, because RDX is not selling that well.

RDX starts at $33K and if you add the navigation and backup camera it is about $36K. Acura only makes one package available for RDX.

I think that the name of the game for most Japanese makers is simplicity. With the exception of Toyota/Lexus they typically only offer a couple of option packages on most of their vehicles and don't like to do things a la carte.

It's also extremely unusual for Japanese luxo marquees like Acura/Lexus/Infiniti to offer a mid-level vehicle with anything but leather and certain other features.

What I would HOPE to see in the way of EX35 pricing;

EX35 FWD $33K
EX35 AWD $35K

Both come standard with bluetooth link, leather seating, homelink autodimming rear view mirror, and many of the other base level amenities.

Touring package adds moonroof, better wheels, some additional paint/interior color choices, Xenon headlights and Bose audio upgrade with iPod integration. Costs $2,000.

Technology package adds navigation, lane departure warning system, around view camera system and smartkey entry for another $2500.

This would place the totally "loaded" vehicle at a competitive $39.5K.

jmpage2

re: my above post on pricing, you would have to have touring package to get technology package...

jaxs1

MSRP isn't going to matter much. When the car is new, it will be hot and people will not be that price sensitive. Later, they can add incentives to move them.
If they are really overpriced at the beginning, the discounts and incentives will just come faster.
If the MSRP is too low, the dealers will mark them up and the manufacturer will not see any of that extra cash. The dealer will pocket all of it.
People are going to pay what they are going to pay (higher or lower) and the MSRP is just a guide.
Market forces at work. Stop worrying about MSRP. People will not buy them if they can get something they like better for less money.

jmpage2

I get VIP pricing on Nissan and Infinity that works out to about 2% over invoice. Typically they don't have the option of declining this pricing even on popular models, although I'm sure that each dealer is free to refuse participation if they want to.

So in a sense, MSRP does matter (to me and maybe a few other people).

qbrozen

What I would HOPE to see in the way of EX35 pricing;

EX35 FWD $33K
EX35 AWD $35K

Well, first, it is RWD or AWD ... which IMHO is going to be the BIG differentiating factor on this vehicle. AT least as far as fun-to-drive goes.

I think your pricing sounds reasonable. As I noted earlier, I did read one magazine report (wish I could remember which) that stated pricing UNDER $30k, which would be absolutely fantastic if it turns out to be true.

chaosattractor

There is no way the base model will go for less than $30K.

In one of the Infiniti videos listed above, the representative states that initial estimates of the starting price for the Journey are around $35K. If so, the base will not be $5K less than that. Now while these are still preliminary guesses, you can be sure that the actual number will not be much different. The price range of these vehicles is determined long in advance and I'm sure Infiniti already has a good idea of what the market will be like and what their profit goals/margins are.

qbrozen

but was that journey AWD or RWD?

In any case, I do think it would be very strange for a vehicle based on the G35 to start out cheaper than the G35 ... I'm just repeating what a professional source reported.

chaosattractor

First look at EX35 by Motortrend.

MotorTrend article

qbrozen

cool. so they are stating a number kind of in between previous reports (which i believe were $30k-$35k base price). [Although, IN the article, they say $32k, but in the table under the article, they say $31k.]

I still wish they'd offer a manual tranny ... but I'll take what I can get at this point. A small and truly sporty CUV. This is really going to make my next car decision a tough one. I'm hoping to convince my wife she wants one so I can still get a 1-series or Challenger.

jmpage2

The EX35 is definitely an interesting vehicle. Loaded it sounds like it would actually end up competing more with the larger MDX than the RDX. MDX with tech/nav package lists at $44K but is routinely available for closer to $41.5K and has many of the same amenities, but of course lacks some of the really cool tech features on the EX like the around view cams, lane departure, smartkey, etc.

chaosattractor

Definitely. I am looking at both the MDX and the EX, and while both are "SUV"s, I consider them to be in different classes of autos. In many respects, the MDX would suit my needs better, but the EX is such an exciting car w/ a lot of cutting edge technology, that I'm holding off my purchasing decisions until the EX comes out.

samiam_68

With very cramped interior, small cargo area, inability to go off-road, average MPG, and prices in the 30's, I really don't see any purpose for this vehicle at all, except for a little bling-bling. The EX makes the RDX look like a practical SUV, and it's really not, and the sales numbers prove it.

I was initially interested in the EX, but after seeing the specs, and reading the MT impression, I will just have to wait for Lexus to dress up the RAV4 and put the "L" badge on it.

qbrozen

not to mention a near 300 hp V6.

qbrozen

see message 148.

There are countless vehicles on the road that don't have a purpose other than the entertainment of the owner. This is a G35 with added utility, that is all. And that is enough for alot of buyers, I bet.

jaxs1

The vehicle is more about style than practicality, but it has more practicality than coupes people buy for style.
I won't be getting an EX if it has the worst case price and worst case mpg, but I'm going to wait until I see real numbers.
I'm leaning towards lower cost vehicles with better mpg, but there is a chance I may get something like this if I end up doing a low mileage lease. If I don't need to drive much more than 10K miles a year, I won't worry about gas.

All the official information will be available very soon and everyone will be able to stop speculating about pricing and mileage.

jaxs1

I notice they quote rear seat legroom specs, but they don't actually come out and say what it's like to sit in the back seat.
That's useless. Anyone can look at specs.
2 medium sized adults can fit in back of a Mazda RX8 and that's a much smaller vehicle.

chaosattractor

I could do with a little more height/visibility and cargo room on the EX, but I'm still eager to take a long look when it comes out.

As for the mpg, I'm not overly optimistic given the nearly 300 horses it puts out.

Jaxs1, if you don't plan to put much mileage on the car or drive it for less (whoops) than 3 or 4 years, than you're much better off leasing.

jaxs1

The first review where someone actually sits in the back seat and talks about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6WSQQisGSU

jaxs1

When I'm sure I will be driving low miles over the next 3 years, I'll look at leasing. I'm not sure about mileage yet because I'm planning to change jobs soon. I'm hoping to drive under 150 miles a week for commuting when I change jobs. That would give me plenty of left over mileage for personal driving and still keep my total yearly mileage low enough for a 12K per year lease.

jaxs1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16EJ3uJcsAA