According to Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice-President of Design for Infiniti, the EX concept is a subdued interpretation of the successful FX crossover offered in the US. "We are targeting the ladies," said Nakamura in an interview with The Car Enthusiast, "I saw the ladies were very excited by this [car]. And that was our intention."

The Infiniti EX concept's design combines SUV practicality with the sporting attributes of a luxury coupé, with sculpted lines and a flowing roofline. Prominent 19-inch alloy wheels and a muscular stance emphasise its sporting intentions, while short front and rear overhangs and a relatively long wheelbase enable a spacious interior. The raised ride height of the crossover concept is also sought after by buyers.

With more compact proportions than the FX, the exterior design of the EX concept features signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights, integrated front fog lamps, and LED tail lamps.

Riding on a shortened version of Infiniti's FM (front mid-ship) platform, the EX concept is powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine found in the FX35 and G35 saloon and coupé. Gearchanges are summoned automatically via a five-speed transmission transferring power to an all-wheel drive system.

Interior access is gained through electric door handles with push switches; once inside, occupants are covered by a liquid crystal glass roof panel that switches from transparent to translucent electrically, via a touch sensor system. A 'wave-inspired' cockpit focuses on the driver, with high-contrast violet and white-coloured gauges.

Leather seating surfaces, the instrument panel and the steering wheel are all finished in white, while aluminium-alloy trim adorns the interior and lines the cargo area floor. Ambient lighting is featured throughout the interior and subtle illumination is also incorporated into the headrests.

Infiniti has promised the production version of the EX will go on sale in the US market by the end of 2007 with very minor changes. Buyers in Europe, however, will need to wait until the brand is launched next year to find out if they'll have access to this potential BMW X3 rival.

Eric Gallina - 7 Apr 2007