Tokyo 2017: Nissan Unveils IMx Zero-Emission Concept

Nissan has debuted an all-electric crossover concept vehicle that's capable of operating autonomously and has a driving range of more than 600 kilometers. The Nissan IMx is the carmaker's approach to its Nissan Intelligent Mobility which will change how its cars are powered, driven, and integrated with society. "The IMx zero-emission crossover concept vehicle embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility," said Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business. "Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan is committed to changing the way people and cars communicate, as well as how cars interact with society in the near future and beyond."

As expected, the Nissan IMx incorporates many of the brand's design features, from the V-motion grille in front to the supple character line that rises and flows from the hood to the rear end. As an added touch to its Japanese heritage, the vermillion accent color, which contrasts vividly with the pearl white-colored body, is inspired by uramasari, "which describes the beauty and extravagance found on the inside of traditional Japanese kimonos."

The Nissan IMx utilizes the carmaker's new EV platform. It has a flat floor, giving it not only a cavernous cabin but enhancing its driving dynamics, thanks to its low center of gravity, resulting in a chassis that delivers sharp handling. Propelled by a pair of high-output electric motors at the front and rear, giving it all-wheel-drive capability, the Nissan IMx has 320 kW (429 hp) of power and 700 Nm of torque, sourced from a high-capacity battery which has been redesigned and re-engineered for increased energy density to give the vehicle a driving range of more than 600 kilometers on a single charge. At the core of the Nissan IMx's technological features though is a future version of ProPilot that offers fully autonomous operation. When the mode is selected, the system stows the steering wheel inside the dashboard and reclines all seats, giving the driver more space and allowing the vehicle's occupants to relax and enjoy their commute. When Manual drive mode is selected, the vehicle returns the steering wheel and seats to their original position, transferring control back to the driver.