Japan-based automaker Nissan Motor Co. has introduced the Xmotion concept, a design exploration for a compact SUV, at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center. The design features a three-row Nission Xmotion (pronounced cross motion) concept blending Japanese culture and traditional automotive design with Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology.
“In the Xmotion concept, we explored the more rugged and powerful side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Bold and powerful forms and proportions are, upon closer inspection, contrasted with aspects of traditional Japanese craftsmanship expressed in a contemporary way,” says Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president of global design at Nissan.
“The exterior’s combination of western and eastern concepts continues inside the Xmotion, where advanced connectivity and autonomous technologies mix with modern Japanese digital art and cultural craftsmanship. At a glance, Xmotion may appear to have a minimal design language, but a closer look reveals layers of detail that make this concept exceptional.”
Xmotion’s “visually simplistic” exterior features U-shaped highlights, a take on the brand’s signature V-motion grille, metal-crafted wheels, and all-terrain inspired design. Additional exterior features include a retractable rooftop box and tail light design inspired by Japanese woodwork.
The vehicle’s interior design symbolizes a traditional Japanese landscape like a river on the floor and the center console acting as a bridge, while incorporating advanced driver graphic user interfaces and autonomous driving technologies. Xmotion’s instrument panel design is also a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese wood joinery, suggesting a robust bone structure and designed to evoke strength and trust.
The interior includes seven digital screens, with three main displays and left and right end displays spanning the width of the instrument panel. There’s also a digital room mirror in the ceiling and a center console display, which can be controlled by gesture and eye movements to help drivers focus on driving.
“We envision the Xmotion concept to be a highly functional SUV that can be driven every day, yet can take the owners and friends to a national park or recreation area on a whim,” says Albaisa. “With its combination of style and technology, this concept fulfills Nissan’s mission of moving people to a better world.”
