2015 Nissan Murano resets standard in midsize crossovers

LOS ANGELES, California — The first-generation Nissan Murano had a profound impact on the SUV market when it was introduced for the 2003 model year.

In addition to being one of the first crossovers on the market, it offered a fresh design sensibility that combined an elegant style with premium features –- without a luxury price tag.

Murano quickly attracted a loyal, enthusiastic owner base and remained a “class of one” as other manufacturers scrambled to catch up.

The second-generation Murano, introduced for model year 2009, maintained its strong position as the halo vehicle for Nissan crossovers, even as new Nissan SUVs like the bold JUKE sports crossover, all-new unibody Pathfinder and compact Rogue joined the product portfolio.

When it came time to consider an all-new third generation, Murano had a high standard to meet – its own. So while the original was inspired by the elegance of the famed Italian Murano glassware from which the model took its name, the third-generation took its cues from the future, expressed in the form of the Nissan Resonance Concept vehicle.

Lightness of form

In keeping with the idea of futuristic travel, the designers sought to create a gravity-like power to pull viewers into the design visually, while defying gravity with a lightness of form through the use of glass and flowing lines.

The prominent glass areas of the first-generation Murano were retained and expanded with the new design, including the use of its jet-inspired roof and D-pillars that appear disconnected from the roof that help visually lighten the cabin. The result is a unique floating feeling that can be recognized from very far away.

Another key element is the continued refinement of the boomerang-style headlights and taillights, which were originally introduced on the Nissan 370Z. For use with the new Murano, the shapes were slimmed and pushed to extremes to look like they flow with the wind.

“The lights’ LED Daytime Running Light accents are instantly recognizable at night. While becoming a Murano signature, they were an engineering challenge,” explained Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The available LED headlights, while providing excellent efficiency and durability (versus halogen and xenon lights), required extensive tuning to refine the shape and light intensity. The design of the standard LED taillights had to be balanced with the required crossover utility, with the final shape seamlessly integrated into the rear glass, conveying a high-tech quality.

Murano’s sculptural bodysides also created an engineering challenge, especially in the strong curvature of the rear fender stampings. While similar in dimensions to the previous generation Muranos, the new design is slightly lower, wider and longer, enhancing the aerodynamics while not compromising the desired crossover height and stance.

The lower rocker panels offer a balance of aerodynamics and ruggedness. Other critical details, such as the grille shutter, fender lip moldings, rear bumper surfacing, rear tire deflectors and integrated rear spoiler help achieve a more than 16 percent improvement in overall aerodynamics (versus the previous generation design).

“The designers and engineers invested three times the normal wind tunnel testing of the new Murano to get to its 0.31 coefficient of drag, on par with many sports cars,” added Nakamura.

A new way to travel

The exterior theme of futuristic travel and refined intensity continue throughout the Murano interior, starting the moment the doors are opened with its available advanced lighting system, open and comfortable feeling and use of premium materials.

Continuing the idea of a concept car brought to production, the new Murano shares the look and feel of the Resonance concept car. The upscale social lounge interior, for example, creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

The instrument panel height is lower than previous Muranos. Centered between the outer wings is a large information and control center with an available 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control.

Keeping with the idea of “beauty with simplicity,” the number of audio and navigation switches has been reduced by 60 percent – from 25 to 10 – for a more user-friendly experience.

Adding to the driver’s sense of connectedness with security is Nissan’s Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, an enhanced version of the popular instrument panel feature offered in the new Altima and Pathfinder. For use in the new Murano, it includes a number of new features, including a 7.0-inch high-resolution color display.

Available audio systems include an advanced Bose^® design with 11 speakers (including dual subwoofers), HD Radio^® and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately). Also offered are NissanConnect^SM with Navigation and Mobile Apps.

Nissan’s advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are standard for front and rear outboard occupants. The rear seats are a three-cushion design, a first for a Nissan vehicle. Climate-controlled seats (heating and cooling) are available in front, along with available Quick Comfort™ heated rear seats.

Other interior features include standard Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and Nissan Intelligent Key^® with Push Button Ignition, along with available leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, steering wheel position memory, driver’s seat and outside mirror memory, power folding rear seats and Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control.

Overhead, the available Power Panoramic Moonroof enhances the open, airy feeling. The moonroof has a 40 percent longer sliding length and 29 percent larger opening than the previous generation design. It is projected to be among the largest moonroofs in the segment.

Conversation between front and rear occupants is encouraged by the new Murano’s “communication alley” created by the wide, low center console. The console also includes a compartment for rear occupants’ smartphone.

There is also an available USB port for the rear seats that allows for control of music and display, along with ample storage areas and compartments throughout the interior.

The new Murano’s cargo area has been reconfigured (versus the previous generation) to provide a projected best storage space in the segment (with seats up). The rear cargo area, for example, accommodates four large suitcases, while the rear seats fold flat for greater cargo convenience.

With the easy rear seat release and available power rear seat return, Murano converts from people hauler to cargo ship or back within seconds. All configurations can be done from the back, with no walking to each door.

Standard 3.5-liter V6 and an extra set of eyes

The 2015 Murano will be available at launch with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Also standard is an advanced Xtronic transmission tuned for quick response and smoothness.

Fuel economy will be enhanced by approximately 20 percent versus the current generation Murano, due to the approximate 130-pound overall weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics and engine/transmission efficiencies.

Like the previous generation, the new Murano will offer responsive handling and a comfortable ride through use of a 4-wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link design.

Also standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Sporty 18-inch or 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels are also available. The 2015 Murano is offered in front-wheel drive or intuitive all-wheel drive.

The new Murano incorporates up to four onboard cameras (front, rear, two side) and three radar systems (one front, two side) to provide input to a range of available technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Intelligent Cruise Control. The new Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilizes radar to detect a vehicle approaching from either side of the Murano when backing out of a parking space.

Parking a new Murano is made easier with the available class-exclusive Around View^® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, which is designed to reduce the normal complexity of parallel parking by giving an all-around view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras.

The system is not just for parallel parking, however, helping view the vehicle’s placement in pull-in spots, garages and against curbs. The Moving Object Detection (MOD) system helps the driver to detect moving objects such as shopping carts or strollers when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.

A range of models, now assembled in America

Murano also includes as standard the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and driver’s seat knee air bag.

The 2015 Nissan Murano will be offered in four grade levels when it goes on sale in late 2014: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The new Murano also becomes the first Murano (and the ninth vehicle) assembled in Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, which is the most diverse facility by number of models in Nissan’s North American network.

The Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant becomes the global source for Murano production, creating export opportunities to more than 100 markets. Murano will be assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada.

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