Nissan has been gradually unveiling a trio of concept cars in anticipation of the Japan Mobility Show. While the initial designs primarily featured an SUV platform, the third and final concept introduces a distinctive minivan style.
Named the “Hyper Tourer,” Nissan describes this concept as being “tailored for individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy the company of friends and associates.” This stands in contrast to the youthful and adventurous spirit embodied by Nissan’s earlier Hyper concepts.
The Hyper Tourer boasts high levels of autonomous driving capability and is equipped with high-capacity batteries. Like its companion concepts, it supports V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) charging, a recurring theme in recent Nissan releases, as electric vehicle manufacturers seek to expand the use-cases and unique selling points of their EVs.
Unlike the angular design of Nissan’s previous Hyper Adventure and Hyper Urban concepts, the Hyper Tourer’s exterior features smooth body panels designed to showcase traditional Japanese aesthetics. It bears a striking resemblance to the recent Lexus LM, known for its Rolls-Royce-like levels of comfort and refinement.
However, it’s the interior of the Hyper Tourer that truly impresses. It includes an overhead console and lighting that incorporates traditional Japanese kumiko and koushi patterns to create an atmosphere of luxury. The flat LED panel on the floor displays images of a serene riverbed and the sky, blending the digital world with nature to create a relaxing space.
Notably, this concept is capable of fully autonomous driving, and the front seats can swivel 360 degrees to facilitate face-to-face conversations among all occupants. Rear-seat passengers can utilize a wearable display to access navigation and audio controls on the front-seat center display.
Furthermore, the vehicle monitors biometric signs of its occupants and utilizes AI to analyze data from brain waves, heart rates, breathing, and perspiration levels. This data is used to automatically select complementary music and adjust the lighting to suit the mood.
While Nissan’s electric minivan concept may come as a surprise, considering the dominance of SUVs in the market and the decline of traditional minivans, some of its features may not be entirely innovative. Concepts such as fully autonomous driving, swiveling seats, and biometric sign analysis have been explored in the automotive industry for several years. Other automakers have also experimented with similar technologies.
Nissan has previously demonstrated its Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home charging technology in its production electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf, for instance, has been feeding energy back into the grid and powering homes since 2022.
Nonetheless, the Nissan Hyper Tourer concept impresses with its luxurious design and features, particularly its rear seats that appear ideal for relaxation and comfort.
