Up front, the EX features a chrome grille that is very similar to that of the G35 sedan. The cat’s-eye headlights are similar, too. The major difference between the crossover and the sedan is found in the shapes of the air intakes in the front fascia. In the rearview mirror, it’s hard to tell the two apart, with a slightly raised stance and larger side mirrors serving as two more indicators that the sporty vehicle behind is a crossover, not a sedan.

Like that of the G35 sedan, the EX35 front end has curvaceous, organic shapes that flow into body sides marked by prominent wheel bulges pushed to the corners. A graceful character line flows from front to rear, dipping in the middle and sweeping up at the back to give the EX35 a sporty rake. The greenhouse appears to be pushed back, and the roof line sweeps down at the rear in a coupe-like manner. This brings the top of the rear hatch forward to almost the rear edge of the rear doors. The EX35 looks most like an SUV from the rear, mostly due to the rear hatch and high-set taillights.

The EX35 looks like the G35 for good reason. Its platform (which Infiniti calls FM) is shared with the G35 sedan, as well as the G37 coupe, FX crossover and Nissan 350Z. (Note this is a rear-wheel-drive-based platform that shares nothing with the front-drive-based platform of the Nissan Murano and Altima.)

Compared to the FX, the EX is seven inches shorter on a two-inch shorter wheelbase. It is also lighter by 400-500 pounds. The EX35 is closer in size to the compact BMW X3, which is 2.6 inches shorter in length, 4.1 inches shorter in height, and rides on roughly the same size wheelbase.

Infiniti is also using the EX35 to introduce a new paint that it calls Scratch Shield. This paint has a clear coat that was developed to maintain the paint’s luster longer. Infiniti says it is self-healing. The softer clear coat “heals” scratches by flowing back to a smooth finish over time with the help of heat. It works quicker in the summer and in hotter climates.

Infiniti has made a concerted effort to improve its interiors in recent years and the EX is among the best yet. Rich, soft-touch materials abound, and there is a general feeling of quality and sophistication. The rounded shapes create a dual-cockpit design with flowing lines that are a natural extension of the exterior.

The instrument panel features a large tachometer and speedometer, flanked by the water temperature and fuel gauges. In the center is a digital display for the trip computer, which shows such information as outside temperature, the odometer and trip odometer, real-time mpg, average mpg, miles per hour, and fuel range.

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