Overall rating:

Infiniti's EX is the text book definition of a crossover, spanning several classes almost perfectly to create a sector of its own. More than anything, the EX is a refreshing change and a welcome alternative to the familiar options available already. There is much to like about the overall package. Certainly, there is room for improvement, specifically in terms of refinement and those elements of touch and feel that are harder to define in numbers. For those who are looking for a sporting saloon then the Jaguar XF, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class remain the ones to beat. However, as a different alternative to both conventional SUVs and luxury saloons the EX bridges a gap in a niche that is currently sparsely populated.

Key Facts

Model tested: Infiniti EX 30d GT Premium
Pricing: £45,270 (as at 28 July 2011)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus RX 450h
CO₂ emissions: 224g/km
Combined economy: 33.2mpg
Top speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Power: 235hp at 3,750rpm
Torque: 550Nm at 1,750rpm

Inside & Out:

Part SUV, part coupé, part hatchback, the Infiniti EX combines at least three styling themes in its form, with varied success. From some angles, notably the front quarters, it is as stylish and sleek as one would expect - the Infiniti "face" with its bold grille and pronounced wings works well. From other angles it looks rather too much like some far eastern manufacturer's cars for some tastes. It is also a big unit; it says much that the 18-inch alloys are dwarfed by the overall dimensions of the EX. Infiniti offers larger alternatives, which may be worth considering dependant on the buyer's personal priorities.

The interior is light and spacious and, whilst cream leather may not be to all tastes, is a pleasant environment in which to travel. Infiniti's distinctive cabin layout adds to the feeling of space thanks to its scalloped and layered dashboard and the ergonomics are sound. The plethora of buttons that adorn the various levels of the centre console are clearly laid out - the touch screen helps matters as well. Storage space is plentiful and the rear seats offer decent legroom for adults to travel in comfort.

Ride & Handling:

Given the overall size and appearance of the Infiniti EX one doesn't approach it with high expectations in this category. However, it quickly reasserts itself with a degree of competence that impresses and reassures. It's in no way as pleasurable to steer as say a Jaguar XF, but it handles with an assured and composed demeanour, buoyed on by high grip levels courtesy of the broad tyres and adaptive four-wheel drive - and it steers accurately enough. Ride quality is decent, too - the bigger concern for occupant comfort is the excessive wind and road noise that are evident in the cabin.

Engine & Transmission:

Infiniti's 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine does a great job in the EX, providing just the right blend of performance, economy and refinement required in a car with sporting and luxury pretentions. It drives with the ease and muscularity that comes with 550Nm of torque. The numbers when sprinting flat out against the clock are not that impressive: 0-62mph in just less than eight seconds is not quick in modern terms. However, once on the move the in-gear shove is more than enough to be considered rapid and negates the need for a gear change for much of the time.

In some ways this is a good thing as the seven-speed automatic transmission is not the last word is efficiency or smoothness. Good auto boxes are noticeable for their anonymity - the Infiniti's gearbox makes itself known more than it should when shifting between ratios. The manual shift mode does help, but if you have to shift manually to achieve the desired result then that just serves to highlight the automatic's inadequacy.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

The Infiniti EX is competitive with the broad range of rivals it could be considered against, though this Premium model is a little costlier. Standard equipment is plentiful in return and the gadget count is up there, with adaptive lighting and a truly comprehensive and capable satnav and entertainment system. Perhaps of most significance is Infiniti's 'shield', a range of safety devices that protect the occupants via blind spot indication, lane departure warnings, collision warnings and radar cruise. The overhead view offered by the range of sensors and cameras for parking is a highlight, too.