The Nissan LEAF finally takes things to the next level with an all-new generation
After a bit of teasing, Nissan has officially unveiled the all-new third generation of the LEAF, marking a new chapter for the world’s first-ever mainstream electric vehicle.
Now a subcompact crossover instead of a compact hatchback, the LEAF has been given a complete redesign, now riding on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform shared with the Ariya, propelled by a new electric powertrain, and taking on a whole new design approach.
Measuring 4,360mm long, 1,810mm wide, and 1,550mm tall, it retains similar dimensions as the outgoing version while going for a much more futuristic and sleeker appearance.
The front fascia gets an evolved version of Nissan’s V-Motion design with boomerang-shaped headlights and a light bar on select variants. The Nissan emblem is also now illuminated.
It rides on aero-tuned alloy wheels which are 18- or 19-inches in size, has flush door handles for better aerodynamics on the side, and its taillights have a 3D-look and remind us of the Nissan Z. Its fastback silhouette and flat underbody contribute to aerodynamics and gives it a drag coefficient of just 0.25.
Thanks to the new platform, space has been improved on the inside. Not only that, the interior is finally brought to the present with its sleek stacked dashboard design.
Just like the brand’s flagship Patrol SUV, it features a monolith display that features dual screens measuring at either 12.3-inches each or 14.3-inches each. This is paired to a Bose Personal Plus premium sound system.
Occupants will also enjoy the Dimming Panoramic Roof featuring heat shielding with embedded Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology that allows owners to enjoy natural light at the touch of a button.
At launch, the Nissan LEAF’s new 3-in-1 electric powertrain comes in two states of tune. The first option makes 177 horsepower and 345Nm of torque, paired to a 52.9kWh lithium-ion battery. Range figures for this one have not yet been revealed.
Meanwhile, the second option makes 218 horsepower and 355Nm, paired to a 75.1kWh battery that allows for more than 600km range. That’s definitely an improvement over the outgoing generation’s 311km.
Among its features is an adaptive regenerative braking system which automatically brakes depending on the distance with the vehicle in front.
We don’t know if Nissan Philippines plans to introduce the new generation LEAF in our market considering the outgoing version’s poor sales compared to rival models. It will however begin sales in the United States later this year, and will be assembled in Nissan’s Tochigi, Japan and Sunderland, England plants.
Photos from Nissan
