Nissan debuts IMQ concept and e-Power system for Europe
The electric design study could be precursor to next Qashqai and uses a petrol generator to charge the battery
Nissan has unveiled its petrol hybrid IMQ concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
It’s possible this crossover concept is the inspiration for the next Qashqai, and it is paired with the new e-Power electric powertrain that is making its European debut.
Although the four wheels are always driven by electric motors, the e-Power system is recharged by a 1.5-litre petrol generator and has been used in Japan on Nissan’s Note and Serena models. More than 70 per cent of all Note sales and almost half of Serena sales have used the e-Power powertrain.
For the IMQ, the e-Power system develops 335bhp and 700Nm of torque – with the multi-motor system delivering power to each wheel independently.
Nissan has also fitted the concept with an advanced version the ProPilot driver assistance setup that offers improved autonomous driving features.
The IMQ sits on 22-inch alloys that come with unique Bridgestone Connect ‘smart’ tyres that relay information on tyre load, pressures, grip level and tyre health to the interior screens.
Inside, the driver-focused cabin includes an 840mm screen that shows the instruments and infotainment system, and a second screen that ‘hosts’ the Virtual Personal Assistant, which is in charge of the main vehicle functions.
Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan senior vice president for design, said: “The IMQ’s design combines traditional and modern Japanese influences and shows what’s possible when future crossovers are powered by Nissan Intelligent Mobility.
“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.”
