Nissan just put its performance division to work on the third-generation Leaf, and the result went on sale in Japan this week. The LEAF NISMO takes the new crossover-style electric hatch and adds exclusive aero pieces, firmer suspension, grippier rubber, and software changes aimed at sharper responses. For anyone put off by the high cost and polarizing looks of something like the Ferrari Luce, this offers a far more approachable way to get a sportier electric daily driver. It keeps the same motors and battery options as the regular Leaf while focusing the changes where they matter most for driving feel.
Exterior improvements begin with the front bumper, where they’ve installed an innovative corner treatment that allows air to travel more cleanly, reducing drag. The lower door trims significantly reduce the centre of gravity. A boat-hulled under-spoiler works in tandem with an extended ducktail spoiler to provide a little amount of downforce while maintaining efficiency. Red Arterial Magma can be seen in a multitude of areas on the car, including the black mirrors and badging. They’ve also installed special 19-inch Enkei aluminum wheels that sit lower and fill the arches, giving the overall look a wider, more grounded stance. They’ve added two new, and somewhat distinctive, Stealth Gray finishes to the Leaf’s standard color pallet. The aero work makes the automobile around 55 mm longer than the standard model, but its width and height remain unchanged. The ground clearance remains at 135 mm.
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The real heart of the matter, however, is the chassis work. The NISMO parts are all custom, with NISMO-specific springs, stabilisers, and select bushings that stiffen the car and speed up steering response. The shock absorbers are swing-valve type, similar to those used on the X-Trail Nismo, and they restrict the initial roll when cornering while still absorbing road bumps comfortably. The Enkei wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, coming in at 235/45 R19, which provide you higher grip levels, especially in the corners. The four drive modes remain similar, but each has been tailored specifically to the NISMO. The Sport mode is now known as NISMO mode, and it provides more linear and progressive acceleration. For the first time on any NISMO electric car, you can use the steering-wheel paddles to manage regenerative braking, which has four levels of control and allows you to brake harder when necessary without having to use the friction brakes as frequently.
The powertrains remain mostly unchanged under the hood. Japanese purchasers can select between a 130 kW (174 hp) motor with 345 Nm of torque in the smaller battery B5 model and a 160 kW (214 hp) motor with 355 Nm in the bigger battery B7 model. The car’s weight varies based on the model you choose, ranging from 1,820 kg (the lightest B5) to 1,920 kg for the standard B7. If you choose the B7 with Recaro seats, it’s a bit lighter at 1,900 kg. Software improvements alone are expected to provide roughly 20% more ‘sporty’ acceleration experience, despite the fact that the acceleration numbers are the same as the normal Leaf. They haven’t released any official acceleration or range stats for the Nismo yet, but the ordinary Leaf with the large battery can travel up to 303 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA in the United States, and has some excellent WLTC numbers in Japan. Of course, the NISMO’s performance tires and aerodynamics will reduce its real-world range.
Inside, black surfaces are the norm, but add flair with red stitching and accents that complement the outside. A synthetic-leather steering wheel with an equally dramatic 12-o’clock marker and red stitching practically shouts NISMO. On higher-end models, the front seats are enhanced with crimson perforations and an embroidered NISMO emblem. Even though the Recaro sport seats are 20 kg lighter, they sacrifice a few convenience amenities such as the Bose audio system and auto liftgate. Still, the Recaro has some real lateral support and power reclining, even though they only come with the larger battery and lack some of the other bells and whistles seen in the other versions.
Prices in Japan begin at 6,601,100 yen for the B5, rise to 6,952,000 yen for the B7, and top out at 7,227,000 yen for the Recaro model. When converted to dollars, the car is priced in the low to mid $40,000 level, without including local taxes and levies. Nissan is eager to introduce the Leaf Nismo to the United States as part of a larger effort to expand the NISMO lineup, but has yet to provide specific dates or a price. We also know that the Leaf Nismo will be available in Canada soon, while the ordinary Leaf is now on sale in North America, with the 214 hp motor and 75 kWh battery as standard. So it’s safe to presume that the NISMO version will be placed above those grades after the car passes certification and supply is straightened out.
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