The new all-electric crossover Nissan Ariya Concept, introduced today at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, features a spacious, premium cabin with high-tech features and a body that conveys the pure, clean nature of electric cars.
It embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision of personal transportation – one where electrification and vehicle intelligence will offer seamless and adaptive travel experiences free of accidents or harmful emissions.
The Ariya Concept expands on design elements first hinted at by the Nissan IMx concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.
They include the bold electrified V-motion signature "shield" and striking rear light blade, short overhangs, and an interior that feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle.
Although it's a concept vehicle, the crossover EV's bold styling and unconventional interior and exterior elements could make it into production in the near future.
"The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering," said Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
"It is the next stage of Nissan's future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution."
Characterized by the concepts "sleek," "seamless" and "sexy," the Nissan Ariya Concept features examples of this new design language throughout the exterior, including wide front fenders, super-thin LED headlights, as well as the front shield (typically a grille on a gasoline-powered vehicle) which is emblazoned with a bespoke, illuminated Nissan emblem.
The shield incorporates a subtle geometric pattern that reveals itself when the electrified V-motion signature is illuminated.
Highlighting the vehicle's profile are five-blade, 21-inch aluminum wheels with custom tires.
A low, sleek roofline allows the vehicle to slice through the air. The styling of the Ariya Concept's rear is also a departure from traditional SUVs, with a steeply raked C-pillar that blends seamlessly into a muscular rear deck.
A one-piece light blade with blacked-out lenses runs across the width of the body. Rear fender flares and a high-mounted rear wing offer not-so-subtle suggestions of the vehicle's power.
"The exterior strikes a balance between dynamic beauty and ‘tech sharpness,' with proportions that show what's possible with Nissan's 100% electric vehicle platform," said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's senior vice president of global design.
Fine black synthetic leather covers the instrument panel and inner door panels. A different grade of synthetic leather with a textured grain lines the A-pillar and ceiling.
