2011 Technology Package

[OldBob1938]

I'm interested in the 2011 EX35 with the tech package. The other two cars on my short list are a loaded Volvo XC60 and a loaded Ford Edge. All three cars have really cool electronic safety assists. I've been able to test the Adaptive Cruise, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning on the XC60 and and all but LDW on the Ford. I haven't been able to locate an EX35 with the tech package in SoCal as yet. I'd appreciate it if any of you will chime in with your experiences with the package on the EX35.

[Tasman]

I only have a few hundred miles on our EX but can chime in with my impressions so far. I do not use the cruise control so have not tested the Intelligent (Adaptive) Cruise Control feature. I like the Blind Spot Warning and wanted this feature for my wife since she is petite and has had problems with outward visibility in all of her vehicles. The outside mirrors are decent size and do not miss a lot (if correctly adjusted) but that extra warning light makes sure I do more than glance in the mirror. Lane Departure Warning is OK but it can be a nuisance at times such as when two lanes merge to one. My wife likes to say that it makes me a better driver. =) I tested the Lane Departure Prevention and it works in a more subdued way than I anticipated. Reviewers gave me the impression that it can tend to make you adjust to the other side too much but I did not sense that. I only tested it with a gradual drift to the other lane so perhaps a more direct departure may be different. It is not an option that I would use on a regular basis but can see the value if I was feeling the least bit tired. The EX is not even broken in yet so I will wait to later to test that. I love the Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. On the way home, traffic came to a quick standstill at a bad curve on the freeway and it kicked in and the audible warning is unique from the other warnings and does get your attention. Cannot say a lot about the Distance Control Assist as I only sensed it a bit in the lousy Portland traffic a couple of times. All in all, I felt it was a good investment to give my wife some peace of mind and would not hesitate to get it as an option again. Of course, we will have to see how the electronics hold up over time.

[OldBob1938]

Thanks for the quick reply. That's sort of what I expected. When you do use the cruise control, let me know how it works. Both Volvo and BMW now have a smart cruise control that works well in light traffic ... even on city streets. Sort of like "stop and go". The guy who reported his experiences with this said he tried it with his foot hovering over the brake. Smart guy.

Also, the sales guys who I've spoken to don't seem to know much about the car. For example, how to use voice commands. Again, what I read is somewhat confusing and the sales staff cannot help. On some cars, voice control takes care of Nav, bluetooth, audio, and climate. What are the limitations to the EX35 voice commands.

[Tasman]

From the manual: the Intelligent Cruise Control can be set for any speed between 0 and 90 MPH. It will apply the accelerator or brakes to maintain the distance you set between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. There is a button on the right side of the steering wheel that will allow you to set the distance to either long, medium or short. At 60 MPH, those distances are 60 feet, 45 feet and 30 feet. I'm not sure what it is at lower speeds but it is speed dependent.

The voice command gives you access to phone, navigation, audio and information (minor items such as fuel economy, maintenance information, turn on or off the traffic information system (if you subscribe) and Where Am I). No commands for climate. I have not used Voice Commands enough to speak to the limitations. Coming from an eight year old G35, this vehicle is amazingly full of features.

If you are dealing with a salesperson that cannot answer these types of issues, find another salesperson. It the nobody at the dealership can answer, shop somewhere else. I am in the unfortunate position in living in a location where there is only one Infiniti dealership for hundreds of miles so it makes getting the best deal a little more difficult from where I lived when I bought the G35 and had four within an hour's drive. Lucky for me, they are a good dealership and the sales person knew every little detail about the EX35. When we took delivery, he spent over an hour going through and demonstrating all of the features of the vehicle and I got every option.

[OldBob1938]

Thanks again Tasman! I very much appreciate your answers. I'm currently exploring and learning, so when I can't get the answers I need, I check the forums - or try another dealer. When I get closer to a decision, I will only deal with a sales guy who is knowledgeable. BTW, there seem to be lots of sales guys who haven't got a clue.

[RedwinGV]

It might take you more work, but the owners manuals are posted on the Infiniti web site. Download it and give it a read.
But, it is a shame that any sales person is so uninformed with the product.

[kamiguy]

ex35-owner-service-manuals-tsb-s-t503618.html
Here you go.. this is a sticky posted at the top of the forum page. You can get owner's manuals and nav operation manuals here too!