Nissan Ariya electric SUV revealed

• The Nissan Ariya will feature both, rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive layouts.
• There is a choice of a 63kWh and 87kWh batteries, which give between 340km-500km range, depending on configuration.
• Nissan has not announced any plans of bringing the electric SUV to our market.

The new Nissan Ariya electric SUV features bold styling, a claimed range of up to 500km and a 394hp performance variant – and Nissan claims it will “mark a new era for electric vehicles” by combining high levels of tech with “exciting” handing.

What is the Nissan Ariya?

It is an important new all-electric SUV that is set to go on sale in international markets next year as a rival to the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID 4, and will sit above the successful Leaf in the Japanese firm’s EV line-up.

The Ariya retains the bold styling of the concept unveiled at last year’s Tokyo motor show and showcases Nissan’s new brand identity with “seamless, elegant and fresh” styling. It’s the first model built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s new CMF-EV electric architecture.

What powers the Nissan Ariya?

Nissan will offer the Ariya with both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and twin-motor four-wheel-drive powertrains and a choice of 63kWh and 87kWh batteries. The 63kWh single-motor model will offer 218hp and a range of 360km, while the 87kWh car makes 242hp and has a 500km range. Both rear-wheel-drive versions will produce 300Nm, enabling a 0-100kph time of around 7.5sec and a top speed of 160kph.

The twin-motor powertrain uses Nissan’s new e-4orce four-wheel-drive system, which the firm calls the “spiritual offspring” of the system used in the GT-R supercar. It employs a regenerative rear-motor braking system to minimise vehicle pitch and smooth the ride.

The 63kWh Ariya e-4orce will produce 279hp and 560Nm and have a range of 340km. The standard 87kWh version will offer 306hp, 600Nm of torque and a 459km range.

A range-topping e-4orce Performance model will use the 87kWh battery but produce 394hp and 600Nm and have a 400km range. It will cover 0-100kph in a claimed 5.1sec and, like both other e-4orce models, have a top speed of 200kph.

Nissan has also equipped the Ariya with Standard, Sport and Eco driving modes, with e-4orce variants adding a Snow mode. Nissan claims the underfloor battery has been positioned to ensure 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, with flat underbody aerodynamics to boost stability. It also uses the Leaf’s e-Pedal regeneration system, allowing one-pedal driving.

How big is the Nissan Ariya and what is its design like?

The Ariya is 4,595mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,660mm tall, with a 2,775mm wheelbase. That makes it virtually the same size as VW’s upcoming ID 4 electric SUV. The Ariya’s weight ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 tonnes, depending on spec.

The front of the car features a new ‘shield’ design and has a 3D ‘kumiko’ pattern under a smooth surface. In markets that allow it, the Nissan logo will be backlit with 20 LEDs. The side profile has a low-slung coupé roofline, with a single, horizon line linking the front and rear of the car. The back end has a distinctive C-pillar design, a high-mounted rear wing and a one-piece light bar. The Ariya rides on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and has multi-link rear suspension.

What is the Nissan Ariya’s interior like and what features does it get?

The minimalist interior is similarly bold, with virtually all physical buttons replaced by capacitive, haptic-feedback switches built into the dashboard surface. A fold-out centre storage box is located under the main instrument panel. There are also ‘Zero Gravity’ slim-profile seats, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display and what Nissan says is one of the largest full-colour head-up displays in the class.

The Ariya will also be offered with a high level of driver assistance systems, including an enhanced version of the Leaf’s ProPilot system, with lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. Nissan’s Safety Shield active safety systems are standard.

The electric SUV also has a new voice control system and owners can use a Nissan smartphone app to check battery status and set climate controls remotely. Built-in 4G connectivity allows over-the-air updates, too.

Will the Nissan Ariya EV come to India?

Nissan has not made any statement regarding its plans to launch the electric SUV in our market, though it is looking to reinvent itself in India. The carmaker plans to do this with the introduction of new products like the upcoming Nissan Magnite compact SUV, which will be revealed on July 16,  and is expected to be launched in January 2021. Nissan is even evaluating the Patrol SUV for our market as a brand-builder.

Also see:

Nissan Ariya Concept image gallery

Nissan not keen on large vertical touchscreens in cars