Nissan Murano mixes convertible with crossover

Some of the more popular models that luxury automakers offer include convertibles and crossovers. Yet Nissan is perhaps the first company to ask "why not both?"

The upcoming Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, set to debut next month, continues the Japanese automaker's recent trend of thinking outside the box. Whether it's the fully-electric Leaf, boxy Cube or unorthodox Juke, it's safe to say Nissan's recent efforts haven't been lacking in the "bold" department.

Yet the new Murano takes the cake. Upon first glance it might appear to be another luxury crossover, designed to compete with the Lexus RX and BMW 3 Series – and it is. But it's also a convertible, featuring a drop top normally reserved for sporty two-seaters.

"We continue to challenge what people think about what they drive and why they drive what they do," Mike Drongowski, Nissan senior manager of product planning, told Automotive News. "It might not be a typical choice for a product, but it's consistent with who we are as a brand and our history of innovation."

It remains to be seen if the strategy will pay off for Nissan, but the company is pricing the model at $47,300 – so it clearly feels drivers will be willing to shell out for this one.

Drivers interested in a new or used Nissan may want to check out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of models from the manufacturer and other brands.