What does it cost?
Infiniti EX 4x4 full 9 point review
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Performance
There are two engines to choose from, and neither is a slouch. With the 3.7-litre V6 engine, performance away from rest is in the sports car league: you'll dash past 62mph in a little over six seconds, and there’s loads of power in the mid-range, too. The diesel model isn’t quite as quick, but the 3.0-litre engine still shifts the EX’s bulk smoothly and swiftly.
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Ride & Handling
In spite of the EX's size, it feels nice and nimble. It doesn't have the tactile qualities of a sports car, but it's not bad for a 4x4. There's a limited amount of body lean through corners, but plenty of grip and a decent amount of feel, too. However, the payoff for this cornering ability is a rather lumpy ride at all speeds.
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Refinement
The petrol-engined EX provides the right sort of noise when you want it, but is pleasantly relaxed when you just want to cruise: there’s a small amount of wind noise, but not much engine- or tyre noise on the motorway. The diesel isn’t quite as impressive: the engine sends some vibrations through the driver’s seat at idle and is a little gruff until it’s warm, but on the move it’s hard to fault.
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Buying & Owning
The EX is massively expensive for what it is, and costs way more than most similarly-sized rivals. However, the news only gets worse: the resale values are best described as shaky, and the costs for fuel and insurance will be high, to say the least. The petrol engine is really thirsty and even the diesel engine averages only just over 30mpg, meaning every EX sits firmly in the top band for company car tax and road tax.
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Quality & Reliability
Infiniti might be a relatively new brand, but much of the stuff underneath is shared with Nissan, which we know plenty about. The quality is sturdy, but the materials used inside aren’t as tactile as those in most premium competitors. If anything should go wrong, Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience (or TOE!) promises that your dealer will bend over backwards to keep you satisfied.
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Safety & Security
Six airbags should help to keep you safe in the event of an accident. There are all the expected electronic safety systems to help prevent them from happening in the first place, too, including traction and stability controls.
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Behind The Wheel
You get a good view at the front of the car, but your over-the-shoulder visibility is hampered by the thick rear pillars. There’s a good range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, and the ventilation controls are pretty simple to use. However, the infotainment system is a little confusing, because it’s controlled partly by a dial, and partly by a touch-screen function.
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Space & Practicality
The driver and front-seat passenger will be fine, but rear space is a different matter altogether. Infiniti might say that this is a car for people who don't need much room for passengers, but rival 4x4s manage to use space much more efficiently. We might be able to forgive some of the deficiencies in rear legroom, but not when the boot space is decidedly meagre.
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Equipment
Infiniti may be pricing the EX directly against rival 4x4s such as the BMW X3, but it has a big advantage when it comes to kit. As well as electric-powered leather seats, you get a decent stereo, keyless entry and start-up, plus the option of a clever ‘around view monitor' – the ultimate in parking cameras giving you a decent view of the front, sides and back of the car at low speeds. GT models have sat-nav, while top-spec Premium models have a top-notch Bose stereo.
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Our pick of the range
Infiniti EX 4x4 3.0d 5dr
We're yet to drive this version of the EX, but as soon as we do, our verdict will appear here online.
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