The rise in popularity of the SUV in Europe means we don't often get treated to the often luxurious interiors of the minivan – the type of people carrier that proliferate the roads of Japan and much of Asia.
But recently, it feels as if there might be movement to bring the genre over to these shores (and perhaps further afield), with Lexus deciding we are ready to welcome its LM (Luxury Mover) model, even if it costs £90,000.
Nissan’s third and final concept in the run-up to the Japan Mobility Show is perhaps another nod to the impending rise of the luxe minivan. Its Hyper Tourer concept is designed to "reinforce the bond between people as they journey together" via a very swanky interior and some neat tech touches.
As with the Hyper Urban and Hyper Adventure concept, this third offering is also an electric vehicle, which will feature V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) functionality and "high-capacity" battery packs that allow electricity to be supplied to pretty much anything you can think of.
The exterior is decidedly less angular than the previous two concepts, featuring smooth body panels and a squared-off, boxy rear that culminates in a neat roof spoiler for added aerodynamic performance. It’s a menacing proposition, and one of the coolest vans we've seen in a while.
But, step inside and occupants are treated to futuristic, cosseting seating, as well as an overhead console and lighting that feature traditional Japanese kumiko and koushi geometric patterns that "create a sense of luxury".
The floor is made from a giant LED panel that displays imagery of a riverbed and the sky, helping create a relaxing space where "digital and nature are fused".
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It might be a bit old hat now, but Nissan says its Hyper Tourer is capable of high levels of autonomous driving, so the front seats swivel to allow occupants to chat or do business while the Tourer does the driving.
Rear-seat passengers can use a wearable display to view and operate the navigation and audio on the main centre display that's mounted to the dash, without having to leave their seat.
In addition to this, Nissan also says the Hyper Tourer features technology that can monitor biometric signs of its occupants - including brain waves, heart rate, breathing and perspiration. Then, with the help of AI, can automatically select complementary music and adjust the lighting to fit the mood.
Like the previous two concepts, some of the thinking is a little out there, but you can't fault that exterior styling. If this and the Lexus LM is the future of opulent airport runs, we will happily hand over the cash for a taxi.
Leon has been writing about automotive and consumer tech for longer than he cares to divulge. When he’s not testing the latest fitness wearable and action camera, he’s out in a shed fawning over his motorcycles or trying not to kill himself on a mountain bike/surfboard/other extreme thing. He's also a man who knows his tools, and he's provided much of T3's drills coverage over the years, all without injuring himself.
-
This even sportier Taycan GTS is the Porsche EV we want most of all
Sportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Alpine A290 first drive: on road and track in the electric French hot hatch
An electric hot hatch with ties to Formula One
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
This battery recycling masterplan could make EVs live forever
Mercedes-Benz hopes to recycle up to 96% of its EV battery pack in cars like the Concept CLA Class
By Rob Clymo Published
-
This is the smoothest CarPlay integration I've seen on an electric vehicle
The Mini OS embraces CarPlay in its display and menus making it feel like one seamless system
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
A massive EV charging upgrade could be coming from an unlikely source
This could make your fossil fuelled car obsolete
By Sam Cross Published
-
Lotus Emeya first drive: an electric tour de force
The Hyper Grand Tourer brings a long-imagined Lotus into an all-electric existence
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
The Alpine A290 is the hot hatch EV we’ve been waiting for
Is this warmed-up Renault 5 enough to prove electric cars can be fun?
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Mercedes-Benz EQA review: a fun and compact SUV
Mercedes’ smallest electric vehicle is a great city car with bags of range
By Mat Gallagher Published