Nissan is bringing the all-wheel drive strengths of its unique e-4ORCE technology to European ski slopes this winter, with the creation of an X-Trail e-4ORCE extensively modified for mountain rescue needs.

The modifications to the X-Trail Mountain Rescue include the replacement of the wheels with snow tracks, giving confident traction on slippery pistes, while the rear seats have been removed to allow the installation of a stretcher for the transportation of injured skiers to the nearest medical facility, along with a seat for a medical professional.

Externally, a bespoke roof rack has been added to carry an evacuation stretcher and snow shovels. A siren, flashing light bar and powerful lights have also been embedded to the X-Trail’s roof, as well as lights on the hood. Wider fenders front and rear have been integrated to accommodate the tracks, while at the front the bumper has been enhanced to carry a winch. A reinforced towing hook has been added to the front and rear bumpers, while footboards have been included on the side to facilitate access as the X-Trail rides 23cm higher on its track than the road-going version.

The development and construction of the X-Trail Mountain Rescue was conceived to highlight the advanced electrified twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system with which the X-Trail is equipped.

What sets the system apart from traditional mechanical systems is that it can react to changing levels of grip in 1/10,000th of a second, approximately 1,000 times quicker than a traditional all-wheel drive system, and it can adjust the distribution of power to the wheels individually, according to the available grip. The occupants will be blissfully unaware that the e-4ORCE system is working so effectively to provide traction in all conditions, allowing peace of mind as they travel on wet urban, leafy suburban, muddy country or snowy mountain roads.

The X-Trail Mountain Rescue is supporting a campaign in five European ski resorts under the banner of “Ride Responsibly”. Nissan will promote courteous slope etiquette with the placement of digital signs which encourage snow riders to slow down where different slopes meet to reduce the risk of collision. Similar to road-side signs that display a vehicle’s speed, the signs will monitor the speed of approaching riders and show “Thank You” for those who are approaching at a considerate speed, or “Slow Down” if their speed is judged as excessive. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue will be displayed in a glass box at the popular Italian ski resort of Cervinia.

Coralie Musy, Vice President, Brand & Customer Experience, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania) region, said:”The development of the X-Trail Mountain Rescue and the surrounding campaign is a bold and innovative way to help consumers understand the benefits of Nissan’s advanced electrified all-wheel drive system e-4ORCE.

“Thousands of winter sports enthusiasts passing through the five ski stations will see and understand the peace of mind and poise that X-Trail equipped with e-4ORCE delivers on the road. Over and above the demonstration of the advanced Nissan technology, the campaign also has a wider purpose which is to encourage responsible behaviour among the community of winter sports enthusiasts. Nissan defies the ordinary – both in its use of technology, but also in the role it plays in society.”

The X-Trail is a family-oriented seven-seater electrified crossover. It offers an effortless EV-drive feeling thanks to e-POWER technology together with a twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. It is available as a five- or seven-seater and is one of Nissan’s most successful global vehicles, with sales in more than 100 markets and has been enabling family adventures for over 20 years.

The fourth generation X-Trail draws from a well-established DNA that runs through all three of the previous generations of X-Trail.