Now that the second generation Nissan Leaf is here, Nissan is focusing its attention its next electric vehicle – an electric SUV. We already expected it, but Nissan has now confirmed that the IMx concept that debuted last fall is a preview of its upcoming electric SUV.
Nissan Design Europe boss Mamoru Aoki recently told Autocar at Nissan’s design center in London, “The IMx is not just a concept car. In a few years, it will appear [in production].” Aoki continued, “I think the [production version of the] IMx concept will become a breakthrough model.”
The Nissan IMx concept debuted last October at the Tokyo Motor Show with a longer driving range and more power than Leaf. The IMx concept has a 372-mile range and its dual electric motors generate a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. Nissan also revealed an updated version of the IMx, called the IMx Kuro concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.
When the new electric SUV does arrive, it will compete with a growing number of electric SUVs, like the new Hyundai Kona Electric. Aoki is excited about the new electric SUV and hints at the fact that the interior be more spacious than a typical SUV thanks to the electric platform.
“The interior is notably bigger than with a conventional vehicle and there’s much more usable space, thanks to the totally flat floor allowed by the battery pack. The dashboard is also pushed right back [towards the windscreen] because the HVAC unit is under the bonnet.”
Nissan hasn’t confirmed when its new electric SUV will arrive.
Source: Autocar