Ever wondered what a high-riding version of Nissan’s all-new second-generation Leaf EV might look like? The answer is a definite “…kinda” for us, but the Japanese automaker figured they needed to show it to us all anyway. Meet the IMx.
Though it is technically a concept car as it was shown at the ongoing 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan does indeed see a clear path to production, complementing the Leaf hatch for those who prefer an SUV/Crossover over a conventional five-door hatch, and sets the groundwork for an entire range of desirable, widely available, and mass-market accessible electric cars.
Nissan has been particularly active in researching alternative propulsion methods as well as next-generation replacements for petrol and diesel that are friendlier to the environment. While they aren’t confirming any production EVs beyond the current Leaf, executives have said they will enter the crossover EV category within the near future.
Ride height and possible practicality plusses aside, Nissan also wants to quash any stigmas surrounding the perceived lack of dynamism for both SUVs and electric vehicles, emphasising driving enjoyment and a decent amount of performance. This would be achieved primarily via the high centre of gravity that its floor-mounted batteries create, a cornerstone of the company’s new EV-specific architecture.
With the IMx presumably being able to hang on to a road pretty well just by virtue of having its batteries pressing it to the surface, perhaps they have also managed to inject some some GT-R wizardry to make the car a bit more communicative mid-corner.
Once past the apex, though, its dual electric motors will help all four corners plant traction from the combined output of 320kW and 700Nm. The individual battery cells themselves have been re-engineered for higher energy density and the ability to handle quicker charging and energy transfer, claimed to support a very impressive driving range of more than 600km on a single charge.
Naturally, the IMx also acts as a showcase vehicle for Nissan’s newest iteration for their self-driving technology suite, called ProPilot. In this case, the car’s steering wheel retracts into the very minimal curved wood veneer dashboard when control is ceded to the car’s autonomous brain.
The driver’s seat also reclines a little while vehicle information and media/nav functions are accessible through a semi-transparent infotainment OLED display that wraps around the bottom of the car’s glasshouse. Control over these various functions can be manipulated through gestures or via a touchpad located on the central front armrest.
For more on Nissan cars, check out our Showroom.
