Nissan IMs concept revealed in Detroit

Nissan has uncovered its IMs concept at this week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, a new autonomous, battery-electric “elevated sports sedan” aimed at breaking new ground for sedans as SUVs continue to dominate the market.

Measuring 4845mm long, 1900mm wide, 1500mm tall and with a 2900mm wheelbase, the IMs concept’s dimensions stack up closely against the current-generation Toyota Camry, despite featuring an increased ride height for easier ingress and egress, a higher seating position and 22-inch wheels.

Powered by a 360kW/800Nm dual-motor electric powertrain that drives all four wheels, Nissan’s IMs concept is also fitted with a 115kWh battery pack in the underfloor that enables a circa-600km driving range.

However, it is the concept’s sleek bodywork that hints at its forward-looking vision, with suicide doors, a slim glasshouse, a sloping roofline, thin pillars, the absence of door handles, a gold-accented roof and side-view cameras contributing to the IMs concept’s futuristic design.

Inside, the IMs concept’s three-seat second row can be transformed into a single, oversized reclining ‘Premium Seat’ with the outboard pews folding flat and acting like armrests.

The IMs concept’s three-seat second row can be transformed into a single, oversized reclining ‘Premium Seat’.

To keep front occupants busy, four multimedia displays are fitted, while the driver is also treated to an all-digital instrumentation screen when not using the IMs concept’s autonomous functions.

However, when self-driving mode is engaged, the steering wheel retracts and the front seats are automatically turned around to face the second row, while lighting elements embedded throughout the interior glow blue to alert passengers.

The driver gets an all-digital instrumentation screen when not using the IMs concept’s autonomous functions.

Fitted with adaptive air suspension, the IMs concept is also equipped with Nissan’s ‘Invisible-to-Visible’ technology that debuted last week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Nissan vice-president of global design Alfonso Albaisa said: “Advances in electric-vehicle technology and autonomous driving have allowed our designers to break free of the platform and packaging rules that constrain traditional passenger vehicles, to create a completely new type of car.

“The IMs explores the limits of sedan design with an approach that elevates the category in both look and functionality.”

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