Due to many factors, some excellent vehicles slip into obscurity, instead of getting the props they deserve. One is the Infiniti EX35. Its release was overshadowed by economic woes and the launch of some other, more prominent crossovers. So when I finally got a test vehicle last year, I was prepared to be underwhelmed.

At the end of my week’s sojourn, though, I didn’t want to give it back, so well did it fit into my life. Informal discussions with other journalists suggested they felt the same. The only two real knocks we could level at this tallish wagon were limited back seat room, and that to get the ultra-cool Around View Monitor (an industry first, that creates a composite view of the EX35’s closeness to obstacles) you had to take basically every other option—making this rig quite expensive.

The rich-feeling cockpit

Around View Monitor in action

Infiniti has fixed those two issues to some degree: now you can get AVM as part of the nav package, and they sculpted out a couple of essential inches of knee room for rear passengers, though it’s still tight back there—as is the cargo area. In most all other areas, the EX35 excels, and provides a benchmark of sorts for real-world, pleasurable usefulness in this nebulous, ‘crossover’ category of cars. This was brought home after a recent week spent in a 2010 model.

For starters, it looks good: racy and elegant, without shouting out ‘wagon’ to those who detest that breed—though it needs the optional 18” wheels to really come into focus. The Infiniti’s interior is quite special: expensive looking thanks to subtle details like chrome trim to the vents and sculptural seats with vertically stitched, supple hides. In fact, the EX35 is one of the only recent vehicles I’ve tested that didn’t seem ‘built down’ to a price target; there were no cheap pieces of trim hiding below eye-line or other signs that the quality was just skin deep (step forward, Cadillac and Lincoln).

Infiniti offers up their vehicles with all kinds of useful, intuitive tech, like a smart key you keep in your pocket, and a powered steering column that moves out of your way when you open the door. The company’s nav system is intuitive, and their upper end sound system and iPod control interface excellent. That said, I revile their Technology Package, which includes things like Lane Departure Prevention and (so-called) Intelligent Cruise Control—which, even after repeated trips to the owner’s manual, I couldn’t get to operate.

Much of the EX35’s charm derives from how it drives: the ride is supple and tends to minimize the knobbly horrors that are most of Denver’s urban streets; steering feel and precision are good, and the brakes are strong and linear. Handling washes out into understeer a bit earlier than expected for something based on the G37 sports sedan, however.

While Infiniti has upgraded said four-door’s powertrain to their new 3.7-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic, the EX35 seems to do just fine with the older, 297hp 3.5-liter; a smooth and responsive 5-speed auto harnesses that engine’s midrange muscle well, leading to a feeling of burgeoning thrust that belies the modest 253lb-ft of torque on offer. It also turns in good EPA numbers (16 city/23 highway). I averaged out 20-21mpg in predominantly urban use—very good for something this quick with AWD (0-60mph in just a tick over 6 seconds). This engine also is smoother at the top end than its larger, harsher replacement.

Smallish cargo area with seats up...

Allow the EX35 to have a shapely derriere

If one needs a more commodious crossover, the EX35 isn’t the answer. But for those without larger families, this Infiniti is an excellent way to have all the attributes of an all-season wagon/hatchback without the social stigma.

THE BROKER’S VIEW: While there isn’t yet enough data to accurately predict resale of the EX35, we do know that it’s the AWD Infiniti M- and G-models do well on holding onto value well, and that most all of the company’s products are very reliable. I liked the EX enough to sell one to a close family member over more obvious rivals, too.

$44,665 price as tested

For what Infiniti has to say, go here.

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