The Nissan IMQ concept, unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show, could be a pointer to the look of the next Qashqai.
A petrol-electric crossover concept, the IMQ also marks the European debut of Nissan’s new e-Power electric powertrain.
In the e-Power system the four wheels are always driven by electric motors, but the battery pack recharged by a 1.5-litre petrol generator. The system has already been proven, fitted to the Note and Serena models in Nissan’s home market of Japan, and now accounts for more than 70% of all Note sales and almost half of Serena sales.
In the IMQ, the e-Power system develops 340hp and 700Nm of torque – with the multi-motor system delivering power to each wheel independently.
The concept also makes use of an advanced version of the ProPilot driver assistance setup that offers improved autonomous driving features.
Smart tyres
The IMQ sits on 22-inch alloys fitted with unique Bridgestone Connect ‘smart’ tyres that relay information on tyre load, pressures, grip level and tyre health to the interior screens.
The bold, sporty styling of the IMQ is the work of Nissan’s London design studio in Paddington. The car has high sides and a slimline glasshouse, while the front end is particularly angular.
Other features that would likely not progress into a production model include the rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors.
Inside, the driver-focused cabin includes an 84cm screen that shows the instruments and infotainment system. A second screen ‘hosts’ the Virtual Personal Assistant, which is in charge of the main vehicle functions.
According to Nissan design head, Alfonso Albaisa, the IMQ’s design combines traditional and modern Japanese influences and shows what’s possible when future crossovers are powered by the brand’s Intelligent Mobility systems.
“With the IMQ, the interior and exterior are seamlessly blended together, signalling what our design direction may be for Nissan’s third generation of crossovers in Europe,” Albaisa says.
