Automotive

Nissan debuts its first all-electric crossover SUV, the Ariya

Nissan debuts its first all-electric crossover SUV, the Ariya
The Ariya rides on five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, though 20-inch wheels are also available)
The Ariya rides on five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, though 20-inch wheels are also available)
View 11 Images
The Ariya rides on five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, though 20-inch wheels are also available)
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The Ariya rides on five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, though 20-inch wheels are also available)
Two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants are available
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Two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants are available
The grille has been replaced by a shield that protects the ProPilot sensors
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The grille has been replaced by a shield that protects the ProPilot sensors
Per charge range depends on which of the two battery capacity options are selected, and whether two-wheel or all-wheel drive is chosen, but the longest WLTP range given is 610 km
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Per charge range depends on which of the two battery capacity options are selected, and whether two-wheel or all-wheel drive is chosen, but the longest WLTP range given is 610 km
The substantial rear is home to one-piece thin strip lighting that activates when the vehicle is in use
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The substantial rear is home to one-piece thin strip lighting that activates when the vehicle is in use
Luggage capacity is 408 L for the AWD and 466 L for the 2WD
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Luggage capacity is 408 L for the AWD and 466 L for the 2WD
Clean lines and lots of space inside
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Clean lines and lots of space inside
The driver is treated to a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch main display
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The driver is treated to a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch main display
The center console, which is home to a wireless charger and new shifter, can be adjusted to preference
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The center console, which is home to a wireless charger and new shifter, can be adjusted to preference
Capacitive haptic switches replace many of the buttons found in other cabins
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Capacitive haptic switches replace many of the buttons found in other cabins
As well as digital screens in front of the driver, a head-up display has been included
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As well as digital screens in front of the driver, a head-up display has been included
View gallery - 11 images

We got our first look at Nissan's plans for an all-electric crossover SUV at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, when it revealed the IMx. Two years later the concept had grown into the Ariya, and now the company's first all-electric crossover is going into production.

Initially heading for the Japanese market in mid-2021 for around ¥5 million, the production Ariya is built on a new electric vehicle platform, and will be available in two-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, each with two battery capacity options.

The 65-kWh 2WD vehicle is reported to offer up to 450 km (279 mi) of WLTP per charge range, outputs 160 kW and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque and gets from standstill to 100 km (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds. The 90-kWh model increases the range to 610 km (379 mi), ups the output to 178 kW but is a tenth of a second slower in the sprint. Top speed for both models is 160 km/h (99.4 mph).

The grille has been replaced by a shield that protects the ProPilot sensors
The grille has been replaced by a shield that protects the ProPilot sensors

The 65-kWh AWD Ariya can manage up to 430 km (267 mi) on a single charge, outputs 250 kW and produces 560 Nm (413 lb-ft), and gets up to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the 90-kWh version rolls for 580 km (360 mi), outputs 290 kW and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), and is the zippiest of the bunch with a run up to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Both of these flavors top out at 200 km/h (124 mph).

The overall dimensions of all models are the same at 4,595 x 1,850 x 1,655 mm (181 x 73 x 65 in), with a 2,775-mm (109 in) wheelbase, and weight varies between 1,900 kg and 2,200 kg (4,188 - 4,850 lb) depending on model and equipment. Nissan says that weight distribution is near 50:50, with a flat aerodynamic underbody contributing to stability and a relatively tight turning circle that should help to make inner city travel less stressful.

Driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal functionality first launched in the Leaf that allows drivers to control acceleration and deceleration using one pedal; ProPilot 2.0 hands-on driving aid that helps drivers stay in the middle of a lane, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and makes stop-and-go traffic less of a chore; and ProPilot Remote Park. Over-the-air firmware updates will help future-proof the vehicle.

Per charge range depends on which of the two battery capacity options are selected, and whether two-wheel or all-wheel drive is chosen, but the longest WLTP range given is 610 km
Per charge range depends on which of the two battery capacity options are selected, and whether two-wheel or all-wheel drive is chosen, but the longest WLTP range given is 610 km

The exterior comes in nine two-tone color combos, each with a black roof, as well as five full-body color options. Nissan has replaced the grille found on gas-powered vehicles with a solid shield that protects the ProPilot sensors, and sports a Japanese kumiko pattern. A redesigned Nissan badge sits at the center, which lights up when the vehicle is ready to go thanks to 20 LEDs.

Squinty LED headlights merged with turn signals sit on either side of the vehicle's V-motion front, while the blocky rear features one-piece thin strip lighting that glows red when the vehicle is in use. The crossover rolls on five-pronged 19-inch aluminum wheels (though 20-inch variants are available).

Inside, Nissan has aimed for a cafe lounge-like feel where occupants can look forward to a spacious ride, with the electric architecture providing a flat, open floor, lots of legroom and a cabin free from obstructions. It will be quiet inside too, thanks to a combination of the electric drivetrain and Nissan making use of sound-absorbing materials.

Clean lines and lots of space inside
Clean lines and lots of space inside

In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch display that put system, navigation, and infotainment in view, and a head-up display has also been included, projecting line of sight trip info with "one of the largest full-color displays in the segment."

There's a distinct lack of buttons and switches in the cabin, with the center dash being treated to capacitive haptic switches instead. The center console is home to a new palm-friendly shifter for engaging three drive modes, and there's a wireless smartphone charging pad within the storage compartment.

Driver seating preferences, steering wheel and sliding center console adjustments can be stored to a unique profile so that everything is just right as you enter the vehicle. There's hybrid voice recognition for natural language interaction with the crossover's assistive tech, as well as asking Amazon Alexa to rock the cabin, make calls or organize schedules.

Elsewhere, the 2WD models offer more luggage capacity than the AWD vehicles – 408 L for the AWD and 466 L for the 2WD. And drivers can remotely schedule routes, check battery status, set the climate controls and more using a companion mobile app.

As mentioned earlier, the Ariya is expected to launch in Japan toward the middle of next year for an estimated starting price of about 5 million yen. The video below has more.

Nissan Ariya. The Next Gen-EV

Source: Nissan

View gallery - 11 images
5 comments
5 comments
paul314
Don't love the no-physical-switches approach that's becoming common. Takes too much attention.
Derek Howe
Paul, that's true, but I guess that's why these vehicles with screens everywhere, have autopilot abilities.
paul c
several things wrong
its a nissan
its ugly
its electric

abd i fully agree with paul 314, touch screens are the ultimate driver distraction
Mik Fielding
Why are the sides bashed in?
Is this going to be a trend now, cars styled to look like they have been in a crash? Lolz!
foxpup
It's about time Nissan continued expanding its line of EVs. It's been 10 years since the first LEAF hit the market. I'm glad they are serious about staying in the industry.