Check out the changes to the 2011 EX35...

[Timmbo]

For 2011, the Infiniti EX35 again combines the 4-door convenience of a luxury sedan and the cargo area of an SUV -- offering the sporty style and luxury that has become synonymous with Inspired Performance. Along with its sleek, sculpted, elegant skin, the EX emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, as provided by an advanced 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

For 2011, the EX receives a new standard 7-speed automatic transmission, standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, available 19-inch wheels and tires (Deluxe Touring Package), three new exterior colors and the availability of Infiniti's advanced Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system. Other enhancements include revised instrument panel illumination, along with new or revised option package naming and content.

As in previous years, the EX continues to offer an engaging interior environment with a long list of available features, including standard leather-appointed seating and RearView Monitor, and available driver's seat headrest coat hanger, advanced audio systems and power-folding 2nd row seat.

EX also offers a host of available technologies. The Around View Monitor utilizes four small cameras located front, side and rear to give the driver a "top-down view" of the outside of the vehicle and help reduce blind spots when parking. Other driving aids include Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning.

The EX is available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey and EX35 AWD Journey. The 2011 Infiniti EX35 goes on sale in October 2010.

Changes for 2011 include:

* New standard 7-speed automatic transmission (previously 5-speed automatic)
* 18-inch wheels and tires now standard (previously 17-inch)
* Standard Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (previously EX Journey only)
* Revised Fine Vision electroluminescent gauge illumination coloring
* Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system added to the Technology Package
* New Premium Package (combines previous Navigation Package and Bose® and Around View Monitor Package)
* Previous Premium Package now named Deluxe Touring Package
* 19-inch wheels and tires added to the Deluxe Touring Package
* Three new exterior colors: Artic Blue, Midnight Garnet and Graphite Shadow
* Stone interior color is no longer available

As announced by Nissan News.

[RedwinGV]

Interesting that they have the 7 speed transmission without the larger engine. That intrigues me.

Also, no more 17 inch wheels. I wanted 17s but couldn't get them with the options I wanted in my 10. So that's a wash if I had waited.

I do wonder how different the instrument display will look. I have no problem with the 10's so will it be different or better?

And a few new ext colors. The arctic blue is a brighter blue, IIRC. hmmm

And finally, the price .....I guess we'll know soon enough.
Well, I've got my 10 and I love it. I plan on keeping it for quite awhile so resale value isn't that big a deal to me. That 7 speed transmission does make me wonder what if I'd waited just a wee bit.

Thanks for posting the changes.

[Marconelly]

Not sure I'm a big fan of some of the key changes. 7-speed transmission might be better in auto mode, but I can't imagine having to fiddle with 7 speeds in manumatic mode, which I like using a lot on our EX.

Also, the gauge illumination will probably make them look like new G37 gauges, which I like less than what's on EX.

[feelander]

According to Infiniti press release:

The EX is available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey and EX35 AWD Journey. The 2011 Infiniti EX35 goes on sale in October 2010.

Changes for 2011 include:

* New standard 7-speed automatic transmission (previously 5-speed automatic)
* 18-inch wheels and tires now standard (previously 17-inch)
* Standard Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (previously EX Journey only)
* Revised Fine Vision electroluminescent gauge illumination coloring
* Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system added to the Technology Package
* New Premium Package (combines previous Navigation Package and Bose® and Around View Monitor Package)
* Previous Premium Package now named Deluxe Touring Package
* 19-inch wheels and tires added to the Deluxe Touring Package
* Three new exterior colors: Artic Blue, Midnight Garnet and Graphite Shadow
* Stone interior color is no longer available

Nothing that substantial. I'm surprised it doesn't include 3.7L engine.

[DDS]

The 7 speed automatic is a major improvement which should push the EPA mileage up at least 1, perhaps 2 mpg. And the new exterior colors could prove to be an improvement if the permutations of interior/exterior combinations increase also. The new standard 18 inch wheels will likely change the ride also, unfortunately the change will likely not be an improvement in ride quality, just the opposite. All in all I would say these changes are significant and amount to a good reason to wait until October. Then again merely getting the old 17" wheels may be a good enough reason to pick up one from the good assortment of 2010's now.

[zarar]

Will the 7-speed transmission allow more of an aggressive acceleration to the EX as well as an increase in HP? From my experience with the 2010 G37, the shifting is fast but still not as smooth as the EX's 5-speed, hope they made some improvement's to their 7-speed for the EX.

[txgcoupe]

Will the 7-speed transmission allow more of an aggressive acceleration to the EX as well as an increase in HP? From my experience with the 2010 G37, the shifting is fast but still not as smooth as the EX's 5-speed, hope they made some improvement's to their 7-speed for the EX.

Depends on 1st gear ratio.

No HP gained from a mere transmission change.

[txgcoupe]

The 7 speed automatic is a major improvement which should push the EPA mileage up at least 1, perhaps 2 mpg. And the new exterior colors could prove to be an improvement if the permutations of interior/exterior combinations increase also. The new standard 18 inch wheels will likely change the ride also, unfortunately the change will likely not be an improvement in ride quality, just the opposite. All in all I would say these changes are significant and amount to a good reason to wait until October. Then again merely getting the old 17" wheels may be a good enough reason to pick up one from the good assortment of 2010's now.

With 225/55/18 tires there is nothing aggresive about the tire profile at all.
The car rides as smooth as a baby's a**.

The wife's G35 with 17" wheels on the other-hand rides like a POS. I got the 17's thinking it provide a better
ride than 18's and I was surprised it didn't.

John

[inteller]

if the 7 spd doesnt help gas mileage more than 1 or 2 then it is totally not worth it. this guzzler should be getting much better mpg than that with a 7 spd.

[hrosenberg33]

I wish we could have had the 7 speed on the '10's. That would have made the car perfect for me, that is of course if it also reflected on the gas savings side of things.

HR

[OneofaKind949]

I bet you anything they are keeping or better yet saving the 3.7 liter for the next generation EX. To give the refresh version some oomph. I just saw the new 2011 X3 on autoblog. The EX has a lot of catching up to do. Upgrade to the X3 xDrive35i and you're basking in 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque provided by BMW's new single-turbo N55 inline-six. The 0-60 run clocks in at a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph when kitted out with the optional Sport package. I hope the next generation EX gets a 5.5 second or better O-60 time as well. That would be amazing.

[jamesstock]

Very happy to see the 7-speed. Not sure about the combining features to various package though. 18 inch should make the car look more aggressive but not sure about ride comfort. And they are bumping the Nav & Bose with the Prem pkg? That would be 'more expensive'. But overall the 7-speed just 'sell'.

[jmess]

I bet you anything they are keeping or better yet saving the 3.7 liter for the next generation EX. To give the refresh version some oomph. I just saw the new 2011 X3 on autoblog. The EX has a lot of catching up to do. Upgrade to the X3 xDrive35i and you're basking in 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque provided by BMW's new single-turbo N55 inline-six. The 0-60 run clocks in at a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph when kitted out with the optional Sport package. I hope the next generation EX gets a 5.5 second or better O-60 time as well. That would be amazing.

With an lighter wheels and tires, intake, and some exhaust work the current EX should be able to get to 5.5. The 2WD has been clocked at 5.8. These mods would be far cheaper than a new X3.

2008 Infiniti EX35 RWD. 0-60: 5.8 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.3 sec @ 96.9 mph. Some say the EX barely qualifies as an SUV. Those people are probably driving 2006 Volkswagen R32s, losing to the EX by a tenth. The EX slows down substantially when equipped with the optional AWD system, to the point that it would drop off this list, clocking in at 6.5 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run along with a 14.9 second quarter mile at a trap speed of 94.5 mph.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6376570/misce ... z0tnxx8E00

[pwlorraine]

This revision is a nit. Very small changes. I think Infiniti would be smart to put the HID's into the base package or add it separately - I think most US EX35 buyers would like HID's.

The transmission change will be nice - a little smoother on downshifts on the highway. When I put the hammer down to pass hard on the highway the downshift and resulting rev can scare my wife. The engine on my g37 is definitely nicer than on the EX35 but we are very happy with our 2010 EX35. Incredibly comfortable on the highway. I don't know what it will do for mileage - the span of the transmission will be the same - the steps will be smaller.

We had an X3 prior to the EX35 - my wife's friends sometimes comment on her trading down until they ride in the car. The EX35 is much more comfortable and handles at least as well. She's noticed that when she parks at work she is surrounded by a little island of infiniti's at the end of the day. Steadily she is falling in love with this car. In 2000 I had the first Audi in my company lot - by 2003 there were lots and they always seemed to park around me.

Peter

[SDMF]

Would like to see how the 19's look like....

[ANBYOND]

The EX slows down substantially when equipped with the optional AWD system, to the point that it would drop off this list, clocking in at 6.5 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run along with a 14.9 second quarter mile at a trap speed of 94.5 mph.

Car and Driver actually got a 6.2 second 0-60mph and 14.6mph quarter mile out of the EX35 AWD Journey. They also got a top speed of 144mph out of it.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09 ... st-feature

[ANBYOND]

if the 7 spd doesnt help gas mileage more than 1 or 2 then it is totally not worth it. this guzzler should be getting much better mpg than that with a 7 spd.

True, but we'll have to wait to see the EPA #'s with the new 7spd auto.

Guzzler? When I traded my '08 Accord V6 which was 19/29 EPA mileage I figured I would get worse milage since the EX AWD is only 16/23 EPA... NOPE... in my work commute, about 27 min drive, My EX gets the same gas mileage (18 to 20mpg) that my old 2008 V6 Accord with cylinder shutoff did in my commute, LOL!

[ANBYOND]

This revision is a nit. Very small changes. I think Infiniti would be smart to put the HID's into the base package or add it separately - I think most US EX35 buyers would like HID's.

The transmission change will be nice - a little smoother on downshifts on the highway. When I put the hammer down to pass hard on the highway the downshift and resulting rev can scare my wife. The engine on my g37 is definitely nicer than on the EX35 but we are very happy with our 2010 EX35. Incredibly comfortable on the highway. I don't know what it will do for mileage - the span of the transmission will be the same - the steps will be smaller.

We had an X3 prior to the EX35 - my wife's friends sometimes comment on her trading down until they ride in the car. The EX35 is much more comfortable and handles at least as well. She's noticed that when she parks at work she is surrounded by a little island of infiniti's at the end of the day. Steadily she is falling in love with this car. In 2000 I had the first Audi in my company lot - by 2003 there were lots and they always seemed to park around me.

Peter

I don't care for HID's, the regular lights on my base EX AWD are just as good. It's good that we have an option to not pay for them. I think the downshifts are ok.. if they make them smoother then the trans might not be as responsive to downshifting. So far with the EX, I don't see many at all (Northern NJ Bergen County area) I mostly see G35/G37's and FX's. Unfortunately some people are just badge snobs... they think anything with the BMW or Mercedes logo on it is better than everything else. Having owned these cars, they are only good until the warranty runs out. The Infinitis I have owned have cost far less to maintain/repairs and been more reliable. I test drove the X3, the EX is more comfortable and faster and a far cheaper price for what you get.

I also test drove the Audi.. It can go up to $50k+ fully loaded and only has a 3.2L 270hp, no thanks and the interior in the top of the line S line Audi Q3 at $50k+ was about the same quality as my EX, it wasn't really any better IMHO.

[Marconelly]

Not sure I'm a big fan of some of the key changes. 7-speed transmission might be better in auto mode, but I can't imagine having to fiddle with 7 speeds in manumatic mode, which I like using a lot on our EX.

Also, the new gauge illumination will probably make them look like new G37 gauges, which I like less than what's on EX.

I've heard from a few people here that EX has a bit rougher ride with 18in wheels to, compared to 17, so I'm not sure if I like that as an improvement either.

Car and Driver actually got a 6.2 second 0-60mph and 14.6mph quarter mile out of the EX35 AWD Journey. They also got a top speed of 144mph out of it.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09 ... st-feature

They have also noted in their spec sheet, that "faster acceleration times can be achieved in manumatic mode", which they found interesting as it's usually the opposite. I don't know if that means you can get better than 6.2 with manual mode, or if the 6.2 is what they got using manual, but I too am certain that acceleration is fastest in this car using manual mode. If you keep it in the first gear for longer than the auto transmission would, the speed kicks in and increases at a very quick pace.

Hell, I remember seeing a video review of EX AWD done by some Montreal TV show car crew, and they got 5.5 seconds 0-100km/h (0-62mph) using manual mode. The link was posted here a while ago. So I don't think EX37 would have much problem reaching sub 6s times, but by 2012 then they will probably introduce some new engines anyways.

[ANBYOND]

Not sure I'm a big fan of some of the key changes. 7-speed transmission might be better in auto mode, but I can't imagine having to fiddle with 7 speeds in manumatic mode, which I like using a lot on our EX.

Also, the new gauge illumination will probably make them look like new G37 gauges, which I like less than what's on EX.

I've heard from a few people here that EX has a bit rougher ride with 18in wheels to, compared to 17, so I'm not sure if I like that as an improvement either.

Car and Driver actually got a 6.2 second 0-60mph and 14.6mph quarter mile out of the EX35 AWD Journey. They also got a top speed of 144mph out of it.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09 ... st-feature

They have also noted in their spec sheet, that "faster acceleration times can be achieved in manumatic mode", which they found interesting as it's usually the opposite. I don't know if that means you can get better than 6.2 with manual mode, or if the 6.2 is what they got using manual, but I too am certain that acceleration is fastest in this car using manual mode. If you keep it in the first gear for longer than the auto transmission would, the speed kicks in and increases at a very quick pace.

Hell, I remember seeing a video review of EX AWD done by some Montreal TV show car crew, and they got 5.5 seconds 0-100km/h (0-62mph) using manual mode. The link was posted here a while ago. So I don't think EX37 would have much problem reaching sub 6s times, but by 2012 then they will probably introduce some new engines anyways.

Yes I saw those notes too and obviously the EX is more responsive is manumatic mode, but it will suck more gas too from higher revs. I'm surprised they didn't put the 3.7L in, being as though they are dropping the 7spd auto transmission in.

[DDS]

Going from 17 to 19 inch wheels takes a full inch from the thickness of the tire. I do not prefer that look - all wheel no tire. And it looks as if the 2011 Journey will mandate a selection of 19 inch wheels. I will wait and see how the wheel size changes turn out, but it appears likely both the ride and the styling could suffer. We'll see.

[birdman325]

In Canada, (or at least in Ontario), in order to get the Nav on the 2010 EX35, it is a big jump. First you need to add the Journey Pkg ($1,550 - which I would do anyways), but then you need to get the Premium Pkg ($4,150) in order to then get the Nav Pkg ($2,950). So to get Nav, it is not just the $2,950 charge (which is hefty on its own) but you are forced to get the Premium Pkg. With the exception of the 18" wheels, I would forego everything else that is in the Premium Pkg.

Perhaps the 2011 configuration will allow for the Nav to be had without forcing you into other packages.

[Raidin]

Hi guys. Just wanted to mention that if you look at the interior shots of the EX35 on the Infiniti site (at least in the US), you can see that the information display between the two gauges is now white instead of red, which I believe is what they meant by "Revised Fine Vision electroluminescent gauge illumination coloring"

Edit: Been reading various Infiniti reviews, and noticed a few mentions of new backlighting (such as on the new G25) and that daylight viewing was the reason for the 2011 EX35's changes.

This is a shot of the G25's instrument cluster. I am assuming the new EX has the same look for it's cluster.

[SteveTheTech]

I saw a black 11 EX today it has 2010 M Sport wheels and the Safety Shield from the 11 M. The camera on my phone sucks. That sounds like an excuse to bring my new camera to work if there are no pics up by then.

The seven speed is nothing new at this point its been used since the 09 FX and there were a few hiccups similar to those experienced with the weird software from the 2008 EX. Now they are very smooth. These are highly adaptable transmissions, just how they respond to certain amount of input and rate of change depends on long term inputs more so in the new models. Sport mode works really well, but I would find myself adapting my driving style to lighter more linear acceleration where this transmission has flawless almost CVTesque acceleration.
As far as where the 2 additional ranges are I want to say 3 and 5 but I think they changed the ranges around to alter the amount of load required under most situations. Give it a chance and you just might like it.

I like the new blue gauges, they use that in the 2010+Gs, FX, 11M and QX nice and simple.