The Japan-only Nissan X-Trail Nismo is actually pretty cool

Yesterday, I wrote about how the next Nismo product from Nissan was going to be an X-Trail with a lot of skepticism. Of course, part of me was expecting a glorified X-Trail wearing Nismo cosmetics and badging all around. But it seems like I’ll be eating my words, as the X-Trail Nismo is actually pretty freaking cool.

Since this special model is limited to Japan only, it seems like the engineers at Nismo were given a little more free rein over what could be done to the ho-hum crossover.

For starters, Nismo is putting a focus on handling for this hot crossover. Kayaba Swing Valve shock absorbers are used for the first time in a Nissan product, where this technology allows damping force to be controlled at a more precise rate, allowing for better handling, improved ride comfort, and most importantly, minimized body roll, something that usually makes high-riding vehicles handle worse.

The X-Trail Nismo uses specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber measuring 255/45 R20 that wraps around Enkei-made, 20-inch Nismo wheels. These are wider and lighter to improve cornering and acceleration, and to also improve cooling to the brakes.

Then, the e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive control has been retuned, but it still uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (KR15DDT) to power the two electric motors (the BM46 and MM48) used in the e-Power system. The two electric motors have a maximum power output of 204 (front) + 136 (rear) horsepower and 330 (front) + 195 (rear) Nm of torque.

The system now sends more power to the rear wheels, has more aggressive torque vectoring, allowing for more agility while going through corners at speed, and improved acceleration depending on the drive mode. There is also a Sport mode that prioritizes steering and accelerator responsiveness, and an Auto mode that balances out all the characteristics while prioritizing mid- to high-end power for acceleration.

Finally, the X-Trail Nismo differentiates itself inside and out with a unique body kit that is, according to Nismo, functional and generates actual downforce. The splitter, side skirt, and rear diffuser (adorned in red with Nismo badges) are all part of the functional aerodynamics, alongside a model-specific dark chrome grille.

The interior also gains red accents in the contrast stitching, centering stripe on the steering wheel, and the engine start-stop button. But the most eye-catching are the optional Recaro bucket seats to help keep you in pace as you throw the crossover around, but otherwise, the car comes with a fabric-and-leather Nismo seat that has power adjustments and seat heating.

Should you be based in Japan and want to purchase one of these, sales will start September 24, and the prices start at 5,416,000 yen, or around a surprising Php 2,090,000. For sure, this will probably never make it out of that country, but it’s pretty damn cool to see how Nissan will let its motorsports arm experiment with products, considering their current financial situation.

^{Photos from Nissan}