Nissan today unveiled the new IMQ concept vehicle, an advanced technology and design showcase that signals the direction of the next generation of crossovers.

Unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, the IMQ blends Japanese heritage with human-centric technology. It incorporates the latest technologies that bring to life Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the brand's vision for the future of automotive transportation.

At the heart of the IMQ is the next generation of e-POWER, a 100% electric motor drive system that delivers instant, linear acceleration. It has been further developed from the e-POWER technology currently available in the best-selling Nissan Note and Serena models in Japan. In the IMQ, it delivers a total output of 250 kilowatts and 700 Nm of torque.

This high output is channeled through a new multi-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering independent control of each wheel. The combination of e-POWER and AWD is ideal for low-grip conditions, such as the snowy alpine roads outside Geneva.

The IMQ offers additional insights into Nissan's technology vision. It's equipped with a prototype version of Nissan's ProPILOT driving assistance system which can offer enhanced autonomous driving capability. The model also features Nissan's Invisible-to-Visible technology, unveiled in January 2019 at the CES trade show.

Inside the vehicle therie is a graphical user interface, dominated by an 840-millimeter screen embedded in the instrument panel. It's completely black - like a smartphone - when powered down, but when powered up, it comes to life to provide e-POWER status and other vehicle information. Further use of the black lamellas is always visible behind the screen.

A smaller, secondary screen above the center console hosts the IMQ's Virtual Personal Assistant. It is controlling vehicle functions, such as navigation, in response to input from the driver.

The IMQ is equipped with Nissan's Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) technology, a 3-D interface where the "real world" converges with the virtual world. Developed by Nissan, I2V helps vehicle occupants see what may otherwise be invisible.

The opportunity to "see the invisible" is made possible with Nissan's Omni-Sensing technology which connects the IMQ to real-world sensing information inside and outside the vehicle's cabin, combined with information from the virtual world, displayed before the driver and passenger.

The technology can help drivers see around corners, visualize precise information about traffic jams – including causes – and determine alternative routes for a stress-free journey. Drivers may even enjoy the company of a virtual passenger, in the form of a 3D augmented-reality avatar inside the car.

The car is equipped with an advanced prototype ProPILOT driver assistance system, assisting drivers on urban streets and suburban highways. This is possible due to an array of advanced sensors, radars and cameras located throughout the car that can interpret road, traffic and information signals for a smooth and confident ride.

e-POWER models Coming in Europe

Nissan also announced it will launch its e-POWER electrified powertrain technology in Europe.

The technology will debut in European markets by 2022, Roel de Vries, Nissan corporate vice president, said at the Geneva International Motor Show.

In Europe, the Nissan LEAF is already the best-selling electric car.

The e-POWER system includes a gasoline engine with a power generator, an inverter, a battery and an electric motor. Used solely to charge the high-output battery, the gasoline engine always runs at an optimal speed. This leads to superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Currently, e-POWER is available in the Note and Serena models in Japan.

Nissan also announced today that the 100% electric Nissan LEAF has reached total global sales of 400,000 vehicles. Starting tomorrow (March 6), the Nissan LEAF e+, featuring a new and larger battery, will be available for customer orders on Nissan's European consumer websites.

Nissan also promised that later this year, the Nissan Energy ROAM, a portable, weatherproof power pack will be introduced. The ROAM will use cells from previously used LEAF batteries and provide a storage capacity of 700 watt-hours and a power output of 1 kilowatt.