In a nutshell:
- New Nissan Ariya is sleek, sexy and designed to mimic the interior of a spaceship.
- With a 87 kWh battery generating 389 hp, its powerful and fast in top-spec form.
- 130 kw fast-charging capabilities and potential 310 mile range make it a practical SUV
- Precise details on pricing and availability coming later this summer.
Nissan's new futuristic, spaceship-inspired electric SUV represents a giant leap - not just a small step - for the Japanese carmaker.
The firm is rightly gushing about what theyve created, describing the proportions of the all-new Ariya as sleek, sexy and seamless. The Ariya will join the already established Nissan Leaf in Nissan's rapidly expanding electric vehicle range.
As a modern, electrified upgrade on the Nissan Qashqai, dont just gawp at the coupe crossovers dazzling good looks, too, because theres real substance beneath that exterior sheen.
Theres a choice of three different powerplants - a 63 kWh, a 87 kWh, and the range topping 87 kWh Performance battery.
When the Performance mill is married to the all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE system, it equates to an extremely decent 389 hp and 600 Nm of torque.
It means the Ariya in full-spec trim is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, with even the base model reaching 62mph from a standing start in a smile-inducing 7.5 seconds.
And what will please owners even more is the claimed 310 mile range - if, that is, you opt for the two-wheel-drive 87 kWh Ariya.
A Nissan spokesperson says: With five core models offered for the European market, including two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, the Ariya meets the driving needs of a wide range of customers.
The Ariya 63kWh two-wheel-drive model is ideal for urban and suburban commuters looking for quality and style in their next-generation EV.
The Ariya 87kWh two-wheel drive models expands on the 63kWh with an upgraded powertrain and additional range for those looking to venture on longer journeys.
Owners neednt worry about charging that powerful battery, either.
The 63kWh versions carry a 7.4 kW charger for domestic use, while the 87kWh includes a 22kW 3 phase charger for home charging, and the Ariya can also support quick charging up to 130kW for peace of mind during long journeys.
Those behind the wheel will enjoy three drive modes, including Standard, Sport and ECO, with e-4ORCE models including an additional Snow mode
And then, of course, theres the way the Ariya looks - which is extremely easy on the eye.
A Nissan spokesperson reveals: This new philosophy is based on what Nissan calls Timeless Japanese Futurism characterised by a distinctive Japanese approach conveyed in a simple-yet-powerfully modern way.
Designers embraced this with the key attributes of sleek, sexy and seamless to communicate how an EV paired with advanced driving capabilities can offer a new perspective to design, function and the ownership experience.
Theyre also effusive about the interior, too, likening it to a sleek cafe lounge on a starship, with slimline Zero Gravity seats that give acres of legroom.
The Ariyas dashboard is minimalist, utterly devoid of buttons and switches and instead dominated by 12.3 inch haptic touchscreens.
And, as you can imagine, Nissan has gone heavy on the tech. The Ariya comes with Nissans patented ProPILOT driver assist system, which helps you stay centred in your lane, navigate stop-and-go highway traffic and maintain a set vehicle speed and distance to the vehicle ahead.
Meanwhile its also equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield, which includes Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking Technology.
As Nissan says itself, the future of the electric vehicle is now.
More details on the Ariyas availability and pricing in Europe will be shared in the coming months
