Electrified next-generation Nissan X-Trail on the way

Both the exterior and interior of the new Nissan X-Trail reflect the spirit of the vehicle – versatile and adventurous. The exterior is highlighted by signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. The frontal aspect is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime running lights and indicators nestled along the shut-line of the hood.

Key aerodynamic features include “3D” tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter to control air flow into the engine compartment, special A pillar shaping, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique “air curtain” that precisely directs air flow from the front to the sides of the X-Trail.

e-POWER drivetrain

Exclusive to Nissan, the e-POWER system is a unique approach to electrification, offering the EV drive feeling without the need to recharge.

First introduced in Japan on the Note in 2017, it went on to become the best-selling car, with customers loving its combination of smooth, effortless performance and cable-free ownership.

The new X-Trail’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor. This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from an electric motor, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator.

To meet the typical demands of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER installation has been significantly upgraded for the new X-Trail. The application in the Japanese Note featured a 1.2 petrol engine charging the battery unit. For Europe it has been upgraded to a 1.5-litre Variable Compression Ratio turbo petrol engine, with a final system power output of 150kW.

The unique element of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings.

Thanks to the pure electric motor drive, there’s no delay as with an internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant response delivers an exhilarating high torque feel and agile acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a highway easier and more confidence-inspiring.

Integral to the design of the e-POWER installation is the “linear tune”, which governs the operation of the petrol engine, ensuring that it’s spinning at an appropriate speed relative to road speed, avoiding the “rev-up” effect of traditional hybrids under hard acceleration. A secondary benefit is the refinement it brings, ensuring the engine is running only at the speed it needs to, which is typically low in urban and suburban conditions.

In addition to these benefits, the e-POWER drive system guarantees a quiet drive, for example at 40km/h, the sound in the car reduces by 8db compared with competitors.

e-4ORCE

The “e” in e-4ORCE indicates the system was developed to work solely with Nissan’s electrified powertrains. Indeed, it will also be offered on Nissan’s 100% electric Ariya.

The powerful dual e-motor system has a total output of 157kW thanks to the rear 94kW motor which allows for keen acceleration, with 0-100km/h in seven seconds. It has a 10 000 times faster rear torque response than a mechanical 4WD system. In addition, the constant torque redistribution, including torque vectoring side to side, and near perfect weight balance contribute to reassuring handling and ride comfort, enabling a powerful yet smooth, driving experience.

By specifically managing power output and braking performance for each wheel, e-4ORCE sends power to the outer wheels in a turn, ensuring agility and stability, which results in the vehicle tracing the intended driving line. This advanced traction management is constantly active, giving stability and traction in all driving scenarios, such as damp, muddy, oily, icy and snowy roads.

“The X-Trail with e-POWER and e-4ORCE will occupy a unique corner of the segment, being the only seven-seater family crossover with an electrified powertrain. The X-Trail is precisely the type of vehicle modern adventurous families are looking for,” said Cliodnha Lyons, region vice president of product planning, Nissan AMIEO Region.

Nissan X-Trail key data

e-Pedal Step

Given that 70% of drive time is likely to be spent in suburban areas, Nissan developed an entirely new ‘one-pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal Step. Designed to take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, e-Pedal Step allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator.

Mild hybrid ICE version

While the e-POWER-equipped version of the X-Trail will make up the large majority of the demand for the vehicle, it will also be offered with the turbocharged 1.5-litre variable compression ratio powering the wheels in the traditional fashion. Generating 120kW and 300Nm of torque, it will be offered only in two-wheel drive configuration, with power to the wheels being transmitted via Xtronic stepped continuously variable transmission. In driving scenarios with relaxed driving and light acceleration, the engine switches to high compression ratio for optimised fuel efficiency, while in situations where more performance is needed, the compression ratio is adjusted to a low level.

Connected control with 35 inches of infotainment

To enhance comfort and make driving more fun, the all-new X-Trail offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of connected services including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car WiFi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, and a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.

The larger, higher resolution 12.3 inch NissanConnect display screen is a digital gateway to navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings, and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless Apple CarPlay also introduced.

An innovative new 10.8-inch (windscreen type) Head-Up Display (HUD) provides the biggest-in-segment image size. Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision.

Upgraded ProPILOT Assist driver assistance

The new X-Trail is equipped with the next generation of ProPILOT Assist driver assistance, bringing greater driver support in a wider array of circumstances. Called ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, the system has been designed to reduce fatigue and stress while driving while being very intuitive to use.

ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link is able to accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway. The system can accelerate the vehicle to cruise at a set speed, and can brake the vehicle down to 0km/h in heavy stop-start traffic. The system is able to resume automatically if the vehicle has been stationary for less than three seconds and the traffic in front of the car moves away.

Thanks to a new upgrade on the existing Moving Object Detection alert, applying the brakes to stop the car if a moving object is detected in front. And if a moving car or a stationary object is detected while reversing, it will stop the car.

Active and passive safety

Additional security comes in the form of Nissan’s Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with a predictive function. Thanks to advanced radar technology, sensors are able to read the road beyond the car in front to detect if a vehicle suddenly brakes. The system will apply the brakes to reduce the likelihood of a collision.

Source: MotorPress