Next Generation EX?

[mik3025]

we are now entering the 5th year production for the Ex.I made some research and still have not heard of a 2nd generation for the EX.
Considering the new Range Rover Evoque,and up coming BMW X4,Porsche Cajun,Audi and the rest, that Infiniti might consider a repositionning for the Ex?

[XIS]

I wouldn't expect one at least until the 2014 or 2015 model. The exterior is still the nicest looking out there and the interior is still amazing. I can see some possible slight improvements, like adding LEDs to the front and maybe using the 3.7 here too...and perhaps the EX25 here - but look how long the FX has been using its design. I would think once they change the FX more than a re-fresh, the EX would follow.

[minimo3]

I love the design of the EX, but I have my doubts as to whether Infiniti will build a second generation. Its an extremely low volume model. I'm not sure exactly how many they sold last year, but I guess probably around 6000 nationwide (U.S.).

[Hono]

I wouldn't expect one at least until the 2014 or 2015 model. The exterior is still the nicest looking out there and the interior is still amazing. I can see some possible slight improvements, like adding LEDs to the front and maybe using the 3.7 here too...and perhaps the EX25 here - but look how long the FX has been using its design. I would think once they change the FX more than a re-fresh, the EX would follow.

No nextgen EX would be another reason to keep mine until the stinkin' wheels rust off, but agree with XIS---new engines and a bit of chrome doodads for a year or three. A 2.5 Liter EX is already sold in other countries and was a bit surprised the 2.5 and the 3.7 didn't make NA appearances in 2012. Think the EX would also be a better platform than the heavier FX for a hybrid---minimal developmental costs, just move the M hybrid engines over and send out a press release about a new CUV hybrid...

BTW, the EX also looks to be about the same size as the 2013 all-electric Tesla Model X crossover CUV unveiled a couple of days ago. An EX EV sans a gas engine would really be neat IMO since an extra trunk in the front could easily hide several cases of beer away from the prying eyes of thirsty would-be thieves and deadbeat relatives...

[EXceptional]

It would be nice if there was a smaller Engine size available for those who want to buy an Infiniti, but cannot afford to do so.

[Hono]

It would be nice if there was a smaller Engine size available for those who want to buy an Infiniti, but cannot afford to do so.

Au contraire

Infiniti is positioned as Nissan's luxury brand so it makes very little marketing sense to debase it by going down scale. Other luxury brands have already tried that gambit (Cadillac Cimarron is a prime example) and it didn't work out all that well for them. Besides, Nissan's "cheaper Infiniti CUVs" with a smaller engine can already be bought in NA markets---they are called the Juke, Rogue and Murano...

Granted Infiniti introduced the 2.5 liter engine in the G25 (also EX25 and I think M25 too in other markets). But their stated rational in this case was---paraphrasing an Infiniti press release---providing an alternative for drivers intimidated by the G37's 3.7 liter engine performance. This is borne out by the 2012 US$ MSRP for the G25 & G37 Journeys---a price difference of only $2,400 and a statement on the Infiniti website that the G37 "Includes all the G25 Journey standard equipment". Personally doubt there is a $2,400 difference in manufacturing costs between the two engines---suspect even $1,000 would be a very lengthy stretch. Consequently, Infiniti is probably eating most of that $2,400 difference...

[EXceptional]

They made an econo 2WD EX35... and then at the other end of the spectrum, a Luxury, Balls-out, Loaded, AWD Journey EX35.

You say Infiniti doesn't cater to different buyers with different size Bank-accounts?

[Hono]

They made an econo 2WD EX35... and then at the other end of the spectrum, a Luxury, Balls-out, Loaded, AWD Journey EX35.

You say Infiniti doesn't cater to different buyers with different size Bank-accounts?

EXceptional, it seems to me we are having a senseless, but nonetheless quite entertaining, winter cabin-fever squabble here. Alas, with you being the moderator, one that will probably see my login nom de plume forever banished to some nameless Siberian Gulag having only carrier pigeon connections to the WWW

Now just to iterate for our readers---correct me if I'm wrong---I think your main point is that Infiniti should expand its product line with lower cost models or engines so that everyone could afford an Infiniti. Whereas I see Infiniti's sole raison d'être is to give Nissan a luxury performance brand and therefore it makes little sense to dilute the marque by going down-scale. Though both points have merit they are equally irrelevant since Nissan/Infiniti will do whatever they feel like regardless of our opinions. Nonetheless, the two points would probably make good poll questions for board members to vote on...

Since I'm probably already persona non grata anyway, may as well opine also that not everyone selects an Infiniti model or trim-level based on the size of their bank account or ego. Many smart analytically-inclined people buy a used Infiniti for the same coin of the realm they'd spend on a new Nissan. And many people can easily afford much more but buy lesser equipped new Infiniti based solely on needs, preferences and/or driving environments...

In my case I deliberately selected the base "econo 2WD EX" because I thought a "Balls-out, Loaded, AWD Journey EX35", or even the larger FX and QX I also considered, made little sense on a small tropical island. About 95% of our driving is highly congested stop & go, most speeds are 35mph (posted or de facto) and a really long trip is 30 miles or so. Moreover, snow and ice rarely fall here in the islands below 15,000 feet of elevation...

Incidentally, our new 2011 lowly "econo 2WD EX" (as did its predecessor, a new G35) came with one highly coveted "option" that many owners of "Balls-out" EX's lack, but wish they had---an unencumbered vehicle title...

[EXceptional]

I welcome your opinion... and will not banish you forever.

I guess I should have used the words "lower priced" instead of "econo".

Some vehicles out there in the world only come as a 2WD and only some are equipped with 4WD or AWD. So the fact that Infiniti built different Drivetrains goes to prove that they tried to widen their buyers geography spectrum and price range.

[JohnD]

My wish list for the next EX would include a diesel engine as already available on the UK version.

[XIS]

Here is what I would like...

Paddle shifters
Better stereo than the Bose (Bose is good, but not great)
cup-holders in a different spot
bigger console storage area
updated driving lights

[R1chard]

Side mirror / turn signal repeaters (why Nissan must you always deny this!!)
Paddle Shifters
Better stereo
LED DRLs and full LED turn signals etc
Rainsense wipers

* would like to add, bilateral auto side dimming mirrors

to mention a few!!!

[jmann]

I just want to point out that the Rogue has paddle shifters so it really makes no sense to me why the EX35 doesn't even have an option for them, since it is a much more performance oriented vehicle than the rogue ever could dream of being.

[kamiguy]

I just want to point out that the Rogue has paddle shifters so it really makes no sense to me why the EX35 doesn't even have an option for them, since it is a much more performance oriented vehicle than the rogue ever could dream of being.

And now the lowly Rogue has the Around View Monitor available too!

[jmann]

^^ Frankly that doesn't surprise me at all. It is the feature that pretty much sold me on the EX, and Nissan will sell a ton of rogues because of it. They need to make it available on all their cars, not just crossovers/suv's.

[meanie]

My wish list for the next EX would include a diesel engine as already available on the UK version.

Infiniti has been resting too long on the well deserved VQ laurels. Hyundai (Hyundai!) is now cranking out more hp out of the same size engine. I'd like to see a freer breathing (as with the IPL) Direct Injection VQ that puts out at least 350 hp and gets better mileage available across the product line. I also think they should port the M hybrid powertrain over the the EX and FX. I don't understand why they chopped 5 inches off the G to make the EX. That extra room for the back seat and hatch area would have addressed the most common criticism of the EX being too tight for space. With a longer wheelbase it would ride even smoother and if done right the car might even look sleeker. Done with an objective not to increase the weight, the only penalty would be a slightly longer turning radius and maybe being slightly less nimble. In return Infiniti would now have a luxury CUV that is less of a niche machine and more able to go head to head with the X3 and Q5. If the JX proves to be a hit I wouldn't be surprised if a smaller version (or revamped EX) about the size I describe above comes out.

[JohnD]

Now that Nissan is allied with Mercedes, I suspect the VQ replacement will be a Benz engine.

[XIS]

I believe Nissan will be making the engines that go into mercedes, not the other way around.

[R1chard]

I believe Nissan will be making the engines that go into mercedes, not the other way around.

Exactly!

[gkdyeung]

i'd say the next gen ex will follow the next gen G.
rumor has it the next gen G will be revolutionary (different).

privacy glass instead of having to go after-market.
agree with something better than bose... it`s so run-of-the-mill now...
does anyone else think the front pillars are a bit thick and obscuring of view when turning?
automatic rear lift gate (like the FX)
tap turning signal (instead of having to click it on)... ie for lane changes.
bigger sunroof/moonroof.

[jmann]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/next ... d-engines/

According to that, it will be Merc engines in the G series. On the list is a diesel 4, and that may be a possibility for the next EX also if there is one...

[DDS]

I would like to see the 2014 EX exactly the same exact design except 2%-3% larger all around. That would allow an extra 4"-5" of rear seat leg room without changing the proportions one bit (I believe the EX is the most beautiful auto on the road). One change I would make is to fit the new larger car with a hybrid system. The final result would be another sleek auto that could get about 35/40 mpg yet be as powerful as ever and have great interior room - all by just adding less than 2" to the roof line and 6" to the overall length. An EX that would soon be the most desired car in the world.

[meanie]

I would like to see the 2014 EX exactly the same exact design except 2%-3% larger all around. That would allow an extra 4"-5" of rear seat leg room without changing the proportions one bit (I believe the EX is the most beautiful auto on the road). One change I would make is to fit the new larger car with a hybrid system. The final result would be another sleek auto that could get about 35/40 mpg yet be as powerful as ever and have great interior room - all by just adding less than 2" to the roof line and 6" to the overall length. An EX that would soon be the most desired car in the world.

Well put! Like I said earlier, give the EX back the 5 inches they chopped off the G platform, keep it light, add a direct injection engine (preferably the 3.7 or a turbo 3.5) and a hyrbid variant and the EX would send the Q5, X3, and RDX back to their design tables.

[JohnD]

According to this article, there won't be next generation EX35 until the 2016 model:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new ... spy-shots/

[danncas]

It would be nice if there was a smaller Engine size available for those who want to buy an Infiniti, but cannot afford to do so.

Thats way they make Nissan. models I think they will stop makeing the EX sone or later.
But you never know. the FX has been around awhile too..

[danncas]

I would not exspect alot from MB
I would how many people know

Renault owns 44.4% (a controlling interest) of Nissan

[just1gary]

Edmund's is showing the 2014 as being a redesign for the EX35, besides the new "QX50" name change. http://www.edmunds.com/model-year-changes/2014/

[DDS]

The Edmunds list indicates the redesign would show in mid 2013 or just 5 months. which would say their estimate is wrong else infiniti would have long since announced the new model.

[parkstr8r]

They would not announce it prior to the whole line name change to "Q's".

The new G is going to be a Q50...due in about 10 days at the Detroit Auto Show. Our EX will now be Qx50's....

Nobody is searching for QX's yet...or even know what they are.

[DDS]

Everybody knows what the QX56 is. The new EX will be named QX50 with the existing QX56 being an entirely different car? Is there a link to explain?