At the Beijing Auto Show, Nissan unveiled four concept cars that offer a glimpse into the company’s design and styling direction for the Chinese market. However, these concepts may also influence the design of Nissan vehicles sold in other regions.
One of the concept cars showcased is the Nissan Epoch Concept, an electric sedan aimed at “suburban go-getters.” While details about the car remain scarce, it stands out with its rounded-off design and emphasis on lighting. The Epoch Concept features a glass roof, intriguing wheel styling, and flush door handles to enhance aerodynamics. Notably, it also incorporates an AI-powered virtual personal assistant capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions. Although its size is comparable to the Sentra, the Epoch Concept offers innovative features that could appeal to a wide range of consumers.
The second fully electric concept is the Nissan Epic Concept, which targets “adventurous city couples who explore on weekends.” It boasts a plethora of sensors and driving technologies that enable both city and highway autonomous driving. In addition to its practicality for urban environments, the Epic Concept offers an interesting feature for outdoor enthusiasts: it can function as a power source at campsites. This SUV showcases unique LED strips on both the front and rear, highlighting its futuristic and adventurous design. With its chunky fenders and spacious rear end, the Epic Concept exudes a sense of capability for light off-roading and storing gear for outdoor activities. The interior features a living room-like ambiance with white seats, multiple screens, and even an AI assistant in the form of a cute little dog that appears on the passenger-side screen.
Transitioning from fully-electric concepts to plug-in hybrids, Nissan introduced the Era Concept – a vehicle designed for young businesspeople who consider their car a second home. The Era Concept features Nissan’s E-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system and active air suspension, ensuring comfort during longer journeys. Its exterior design is reminiscent of the Epic Concept, with some distinguishing details such as raised roof rails, lighting modifications, and more serious off-road tires. Inside, the Era Concept showcases Nissan’s renowned Zero-Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort. The ambient lighting inside adds to the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle.
Lastly, Nissan showcased the Evo Concept, a plug-in hybrid sedan that stands out with its sporty design. While the SUV concepts shared many design elements, the Evo Concept differentiates itself from the Epoch Concept with its unique styling. Nissan positions it as an ideal weekend getaway car for families, although its storage capacity may not be as capacious as expected. Like the Epoch Concept, the Evo Concept features an AI virtual assistant. Inside the sedan, the interior design is simplistic, featuring a pair of screens and minimal buttons, creating a light and airy atmosphere. Its exterior design is the sportiest among the concepts, boasting a sleek sportback design with angular front lines and sharp creases – evoking a sporty and dynamic aesthetic that would not disappoint if given an Altima badge.
Overall, Nissan’s concept cars showcased at the Beijing Auto Show offer a glimpse into the company’s future design language and technological advancements. These concepts cater to diverse consumer segments, from suburban go-getters to adventurous city couples and young businesspeople. Their emphasis on electric and hybrid powertrains showcases Nissan’s commitment to sustainable mobility. With innovative features, stylish designs, and advanced technologies, these concept cars have the potential to shape Nissan’s future lineup, not just in China but around the world.
