Does the new Infiniti EX SUV have what it takes to beat the BMW X3's dominance

Now that we've seen the photos of the new EX SUV from Infiniti we need to pose the queston to our readers.

The BMW X3 was the first to invade this space and hs been the dominant (and mostly only) player in this small import SUV segment.

Acura tried to stump the chump with its RDX but failed miserably.

So we want to know will Infiniti's attempt fare better?

Does this new EX have what it takes to unseed the champ?

The Spies say from a straight design standpoint(both inside AND out), the new Infiniti EX TROUNCES the design of the BMW X3!

Especially, on the inside.

We think this is the nicest Infiniti offering to date outside of the G Coupe.

But we all know, looks and beauty can only go so far.

It's all about the drive.

So we can't wait to drive this beast and see how it performs.

And the other question is will it be priced right?

Check out the photos in our 2007 Concorso Italiano, Quail Event and Concours D'Elegance Galleries, sponsored by Lexus!

2007 Concorso Italiano Photo Gallery

2007 Quail Event Photo Gallery

2007 Concours D'Elegance Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

EnnNorak - 8/16/2007 8:40:35 PM

0 Boost

I look forward to seeing this new Infinity SUV. I expect that BMW will continue to overprice the X3 and Audi will continue to have the superior AWD system. BMW charges extra for paint which takes the X3 off my shopping list. If Nissan prices this new SUV very competitively, they will sell zillions of them.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 3:37:39 PM

0 Boost

how would we be able to make such a judgment without driving it?

Agent001 - 8/16/2007 3:38:59 PM

+3 Boost

We're looking for first impressions...

001

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:28:08 PM

-1 Boost

lookswise...it's generic nissan. will blend in with minivans.

Blakura - 8/16/2007 7:05:07 PM

-1 Boost

I was going to address the commment about the RDX failing "miserably," that comment was very biased, I haven't seen any reputable car enthusiasts mag say that the RDX was a failure in comparison to the X3 or otherwise. I'm not even sure that the X3 is the benchmark in this category, actually the RDX has beaten the X3.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:30:42 PM

0 Boost

really?

comparo of X3, LR2 and RDX from last month's issue of car & driver. gosh...look who won!

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/13076/2007-acura-rdx-v-2007-bmw-x3-v-2008-land-rover-lr2.html

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:34:08 PM

0 Boost

infiniti? um...can you say hyundai veracruz. especially the rear.

http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/

S4cabriofoxone - 8/16/2007 7:44:25 PM

-1 Boost

enthusiastx, it's okay, a BMW can be beaten. The X3 has never been a favorite of mine, though I definitely like the refresh. But the EX just makes it look dated and ungainly. Interior looks fantastic on the Infiniti.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:51:00 PM

0 Boost

x3 is no favorite of mine either. too small and too feminine. like everything in the catetory in my opinion. smaller SUVs tend to sell to soccer moms anyway...so i'm sure this will do well right along with the RX and X3.

omarrana - 8/16/2007 3:45:06 PM

+1 Boost

Well seeing as that the G37 killed the King BMW 335i. or so thinks MotorTrend or one of the auto magazines (can't remember which one). I would think that the Infiniti EX has the capabilities to beat the X3.

Just looking at the specs the EX offers 290hp as compared to the X3's 260hp. I would hope they keep the pricing below X3's $38,000. That interior is better than any German interior I've seen lately.

Definitely agree that this is the nicest car Infiniti has built since the G.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:36:51 PM

+2 Boost

the G37 killed the 335i? that's rich humor. especially since almost none of us has driven it yet.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/17/2007 4:03:09 AM

0 Boost

The BMW was still by far the better car, de G37 won because it was cheaper.

That is the bottom line. Watch the videos on Motortrend.com

1970toyotamarc - 8/16/2007 3:49:47 PM

+1 Boost

When Lexus debuted the RX, there was nothing in that class. Within a few years, evryone had one, FX, MDX, ML, X5, SRX, on and on.... When Lincoln brought out the Navigator, we ended up with the Escalade, QX56, a bigger Range Rover, now a bigger LX. Every luxury mfr seems to have or be working on at least one mid sized CUV, one full sized SUV, and some even have another one slotted in between.

So how come it has taken so long for anyone to seriously take on the X3? The only competition originall, the first Freelander, was an underpowered, derivatively styled, overpriced, plasticky joke. So it wasnt until this year that real competition in this class began, the RDX and new LR3 I'd say the EX (minus its Tribeca tailights) kicks some X3 butt in this class, and could, at least in the US, be the top seller. Personally, I'll wait for a hybrid powered Lexus, hopefully based off the IS, not the RAV4. Can a boy dream?

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:44:41 PM

0 Boost

FYI...the RX and the X5 both launched in 1999. and the RX was never been a competitor to the larger, sportier and much more expensive X5. different class of car.

http://www.bmwusfactory.com/media_center/releases/release.asp?intReleaseNum=23&strYear=1972

oh...and you'll be waiting forever for that IS-based SUV. that would conflict with the RX. and lexus has no plans to introduce a new SUV.

EnnNorak - 8/24/2007 12:22:59 AM

+1 Boost

THe RX was great when it first appeared but then some at Lexus started to smoke the wrong stuff and changed the spare tire location from a proper wheel well inside the vehicle to underneath the vehicle where it is sure to pick up all the winter salt and mud. Also, my wife and I both banged our heads on the roof getting into the front seats a couple of years ago as there was no proper seat height adjustment. The current RX has a mini spare instead of a proper full-size spare on a matching alloy rim. How cheap is that Lexus?

Agent001 - 8/16/2007 3:58:46 PM

+2 Boost

You mean LR2

001

pchera01 - 8/16/2007 11:27:09 PM

+1 Boost

GLK is no where close to EX in terms of look

BenzW124 - 8/16/2007 4:03:35 PM

+4 Boost

First impressions:

EX wins on exterior alone.

BenzW124 - 8/17/2007 11:20:57 AM

+1 Boost

I'd like to retract this statement.

TauronB2G - 8/16/2007 4:09:55 PM

+5 Boost

Looks a billion times better than the X3.
T

EL34 - 8/16/2007 4:23:45 PM

-6 Boost

I wouldn't buy either, but I would get the BMW because the Nissan is too feminine.

Besides, I like that free BMW service.

GLover - 8/16/2007 4:53:37 PM

+1 Boost

You'll need the BMW free service. But what do you do after 40k, when stuff usually breaks.
Hmmmm. Give me the EX it was last longer

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:48:51 PM

-3 Boost

only a fool thinks any luxury car is not dependable.

jd powers problems per car over three years...lexus/buick at 1.45, bmw at 1.87, mercedes at 2.12.

and bmw service is wonderful. free oil changes, brake pads (which matter A LOT when you drive the car hard), even free fluids. talk about getting hosed...every time you walk out of service at a mercedes or lexus dealer the bill is hundreds if not thousands.

SupraNeverBack - 8/16/2007 4:28:24 PM

-1 Boost

lol, since when did X3 ever become "dominance"?

SupraNeverBack - 8/16/2007 4:35:30 PM

-2 Boost

001, please contact Lexus to book a M3 terminator, IS-F for a test drive and give us your "exclusively" report.(Lexus has air-shipped some IS-Fs from Japan.) ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS8XVO3TnY0

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:53:10 PM

+2 Boost

yes please do! enough with the grand talk about lexus making a performance car. let someone drive it against the M3 and C63AMG and share their thoughts!

come on lexus...what are you waiting for?!

AdmiralT20 - 8/16/2007 4:33:16 PM

+3 Boost

From the pictures and other information I have seen over the internet, I can say the following:

1. Exterior styling wise, it does look more appealing than the X3
2. The interior is difficult to say, because I am yet to see excellent shots of the interior and it is also had to make such judgments till you actually sit in one.
3. Engine wise, I will say it does offer a more potent engine than the X3- at least on paper.
4. Driving dynamics and Chassis: I can't make an opinion on this one, but my guess is that the advantage might be to the EX favour. Of course what we don't know also is the weight of the EX.

So, in summary it seems that the EX has on paper the wherewithal to mount a very strong challenge and maybe beat the X3.
Just a guess.

theoptimisticpessimist - 8/16/2007 5:18:57 PM

+3 Boost

How long till Honda sues Nissan/Infiniti over using EX.

The car is just bland, wait is this the Ambein model, but every car in the class is flawed;
- The Nike designed X3
- The Goofy looking RDX with its V8 gas mileage
- Then the LR3, that started all the nonsense. The best thing about it is its a Land Rover and of course the worse thing about it is a Land Rover.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/18/2007 4:26:29 PM

+1 Boost

It's actually the LR2. But the LR2 didn't "start all the nonsense," that was the X3. The LR2 just came out this year.

zorbeeze - 8/16/2007 6:09:19 PM

+2 Boost

And to clarify things, when exactly did the X3 be so dominant.
Your titles are beyond ridicule.

AdmiralT20 - 8/16/2007 7:12:11 PM

+3 Boost

That is a very good question.

mikeydred20 - 8/16/2007 7:27:05 PM

0 Boost

People who trash Acura are either idiots or haters, Acura in making the RDX wanted to match the X3 in every aspect and it did, have you guys not look at the threads on this site with the comparo's. The X3 is outdated and even with a 4 banger the RDX does better 0-60. As for this Infiniti junk "Ladies and gentlemnen I introduce to you the Hyundai Santa Fe".

pchera01 - 8/16/2007 11:45:58 PM

0 Boost

well, no one is trashing your RDX, plese don't cry
and no one is calling your RL and RDX is junk
some fan boys are feeling heat
don't take it as personal
thanks

mikeydred20 - 8/16/2007 7:27:05 PM

-2 Boost

mikeydred20 - 8/17/2007 10:40:53 AM

0 Boost

Every catergory except sales, because Infiniti will never see Acura in sales, they try to hard but still if Acura is Honda, Infiniti is Nissan and we all know what the general public will pick. I rest my case wait untill this "junk" comes out and then we can start the argument again, better than lets test it in the terrain like Motor Trend did to the other's in its class, and see if it can handle or get out of tough situations. Bottom line this is a G on stilts.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:43:08 PM

0 Boost

S4cabriofoxone - 8/16/2007 7:48:09 PM

+1 Boost

RX lanched in 1998. Ours was a 1998 model that we bought in 1998. LOL.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/16/2007 7:50:06 PM

+1 Boost

And no, not a different class of car at all. Let me give you some facts:

• RX330, which competed against the last-gen X5 for four years, was actually three inches longer than the BMW

• Many suburban housewives have cross-shopped the two, as well as the Mercedes-Benz ML and Acura MDX. Those cars are all DEFINITELY in the same class. You can't deny it.

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:55:34 PM

-1 Boost

wow...didn't know that.
the X5 always seemed much more substantial to me.

do you think they're still in the same class even thought the X5 runs 30-50% more in price?

enthusiastx11 - 8/16/2007 7:57:15 PM

+1 Boost

about timing...you got me on the 1998 RX. i couldn't find record of it before 1999.

either way, it didn't 'create' the category as it takes 5-7 years to develop a new car. clearly lexus and bmw were on concurrent paths.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/17/2007 1:10:53 AM

+2 Boost

30-50% more? Where did you find that?

The previous X5 was what, $43K? The new one is $45K. The RX is $38K. I don't know if that's a huge difference, but whatever. You could also compare the X5 to the more expensive RX400h.

BTW, the new X5 is still only three inches longer than the RX350.

EL34 - 8/16/2007 9:14:50 PM

-4 Boost

This infiniti looks like a peanut cluster and handles like a marshmallow.

The BMW is built like a tank and handles like an F-16!

ICON - 8/16/2007 10:41:30 PM

-3 Boost

Don't care for either vehicle. But for a new one the EX has zero appeal. Bland styling. Too feminine - this is positioned against the Lexus RX..

When are they going to redo the X3? Needs some help.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/17/2007 1:17:40 AM

+2 Boost

FX is going against the RX... not this.

RX is 186 in. long. Range Rover Sport is 188 in. long. BMW X5 is 189 in. long. Mercedes-Benz ML is 188 in. long. Cayenne is 189 in. long. Acura MDX is 190 in. long. Infiniti FX is 189 in. long. Although the RX is the shortest in this class, almost every car here was smaller in its previous generation, and the RX, being the first one on the scene, is strangely redesigned in the middle of all the other cars' cycles.

BMW X3 is 179 in. long, quite a step down from this class.

pchera01 - 8/16/2007 11:40:17 PM

+5 Boost

I will take Infiniti
thanks

MPowerDK - 8/17/2007 1:48:45 AM

+2 Boost

The X3 never look good, its to high and narrow, it looks weird. The next generation will be better they just cant loose to the competition they need to catch up.

dayday - 8/17/2007 2:35:19 AM

+1 Boost

i thought the rdx lost the comparo test with x3.
the ex definitely looks better... ... but~ how old is the X3 by the way?

S4cabriofoxone - 8/18/2007 4:29:19 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, you're right as usual. I couldn't afford the $35K X3 when I bought my $65K S4. And I won't be able to afford any BMWs when I buy a $65K S5 coupe or RS4 sedan and a $100K Porsche 911 convertible.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/18/2007 4:30:10 PM

+1 Boost

The 545i isn't sold any more, but the rest of your post is true for some people. All of those cars are very closely-matched.

Spectator - 8/17/2007 11:51:49 AM

+2 Boost

Did noone else actually see what was the coolest feature on this new EX?

SELF-HEALING PAINT...are you kidding me!!!

Living in the city I'd like to coat every vehicle I own in this stuff.

montyz81 - 8/17/2007 12:16:32 PM

+2 Boost

I am loving this as a Datsun/Nissan/Infiniti fan. Yet another car that is being directly compared to a BMW product. Win or loose, it is all goodness to Nissan Motor Company. They keep putting products together that comes within a hair's reach of BMW, then everyone is going to start seeing the reality. They can have the same BMW peformance, design and engineering for 3/4 the price. It is only a matter of time before Infinitis take more significant marketshare from Bavaria.

Also, as for the Self healing paint, I believe you can get this on the current Altima today. (I could be wrong though).

montyz81 - 8/17/2007 12:16:35 PM

+1 Boost

Spectator - 8/17/2007 1:23:59 PM

+2 Boost

Yet another reason to trade in my 04 Altima for the new one if true.

M53R - 8/17/2007 12:57:33 PM

+2 Boost

EX = Subaru trebica

X3 = Too boxy

But I think the EX looks better, the X3 is starting to look really dated.

M53R - 8/18/2007 9:54:11 AM

+1 Boost

Do you even know what the subaru trebica looks like?

Have a look at this:

http://www.webcarcenter.com/actualite/image/subaru_tribeca_mondial_av.jpg

http://www.autdoor.eu/newsbase/262-subaru_tribeca_www_suvnews_nl.jpg

tkec - 8/17/2007 7:07:08 PM

0 Boost

This segment has some serious legs, but in all honesty, the EX appears slightly unimaginative and not nearly aggressive enough. And the suggestion that some markets could see a 4-cylinder (a Nissan four cylinder) is unpleasant. The FX is awesome. Drove it, loved it, drove it again. And again. check www.goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com for other opinions.

gsh23 - 8/17/2007 8:39:18 PM

+2 Boost

er yah so the X3 came out of a star wars movie while the front of the EX came from the G35 sedan and the back from the FX. im sorry, but it really does take a german to like the X3. the epitome of soul-less transportation.

MunichRob - 8/17/2007 9:27:37 PM

+1 Boost

Well I personally don't think the X3 is anything amazing, but that Infiniti looks like a Hyundai & is just ugly as hell for an Infiniti

bokuchin - 8/18/2007 12:15:02 AM

+1 Boost

I seriously feel a lawsuit coming on between lexus and infiniti for the names, ES350 and EX350.

MunichRob - 8/18/2007 2:21:57 AM

+2 Boost

As long as they don't call it the ES there will be no lawsuit.

bokuchin - 8/18/2007 2:37:07 PM

+1 Boost

sorry. typo

bokuchin - 8/18/2007 2:38:36 PM

+1 Boost

but i meant like Nissan vs. Audi for the use of "Q" in the Q7, interfering with Q45 QX56 sales

S4cabriofoxone - 8/18/2007 4:33:38 PM

+1 Boost

Who the hell would ever confuse the name (or car) "Q7" with "Q45," let alone QX56? Audi really should have the right to the letter Q because of quattro AWD.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/18/2007 4:34:27 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, let me take that back. Unless one company completely apes another's product name, letters and numbers should be available to everyone, regardless of their combinations. Nobody can have a right to a certain letter of the alphabet.

pchera01 - 8/18/2007 3:39:57 PM

+1 Boost

Infiniti is play good here
this EX will capture some of the women buyers and performance people too