The interior team set about creating a fresh new design while taking the Murano’s core attributes — low cowl and recessed IP — and blending the sculptural qualities of the Resonance concept’s upscale, ‘social lounge’ design.
Following the “new way to travel” theme, they worked to enhance the inherent crossover ride height and superior visibility by optimizing the angles and thickness of the bottom of the A-pillar and the size and position of the rearview mirrors. They also worked to merge the sculptural forms and shapes with comfort aspects using high-quality materials.
“Owners of the first two generations often tell us about the ‘effortlessness of Murano’ – the great front view, the low instrument panel, the comfort and ease of operation. These are all things we kept and exaggerated in the new model,” explains Nissan senior vice president and chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura.
A large 8-inch monitor takes pride of place at the center of the IP and the number of switches was reduced by more than half, replacing complexity with intuitive simplicity. The low but wide center console was developed to encourage interaction between front and rear occupants without sacrificing utility.
“Murano owners tend to be highly engaged in career and cultural activities. While highly connected to social media, they also favor personal engagements,” says Nakamura. “At the same time, we respected their need to have more utility and flexibility than a sedan, so we also paid special attention to the practical aspects of a crossover.”
The new Murano’s seats are derived from the NASA-inspired zero gravity seats already used in the Altima and Rogue, but now feature in the front as well as in the rear. The full-length moonroof has also increased dramatically in size and in opening over the previous generation, enabling a greater amount of light to enter the cabin and enhancing the sense of spaciousness within.
Advances have also been made in the technology on board. The front end incorporates a grille shutter, which opens and closes automatically depending on whether air is needed to cool the engine. This feature reduces wind resistance in the engine bay to improve aerodynamic efficiency and boost fuel economy. The infotainment also includes NissanConnect — that now operates like a smartphone, with intuitive apps and widgets that can be customized.
“We’ve learned from personal electronics that consumers aren’t always looking for devices that do more, they just want it done better,” says Nakamura. “People rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. We believe vehicles should behave the same way – it’s a new and better way to travel.”
Along with the added convenience features comes an array of technology dedicated to safety for occupants as well as other road users and pedestrians. Nissan’s Safety Shield technology, which comprises of Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Moving Object Detection employs four cameras as well as two radar systems. The radars and cameras also inform the Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking and Intelligent Cruise Control as well as the new Cross Traffic Alert system.
“Design is our brand promise,” says Nakamura. “As the first of our new concept-based production vehicles coming to market, Murano sets our new standard.”
