Nissan Ariya: 500 km of range for this new all-electric SUV

Electric mobility is certainly not a new subject to study for Nissan, which has been present in the electric cars’ market since 2010, thanks to its record-breaking Leaf.

Today, the Japanese automaker is preparing to enter a new era in the field of zero emissions. It does so by presenting the Nissan Ariya, the first model resulting from the so-called Nissan NEXT strategy, which aims to introduce 12 new electrified models in the next 18 months.

The Nissan Ariya is based on a new platform, created specifically to host electric drivetrains. It can host different size of batteries. As a proof of this, the Ariya will be offered with two battery capacities: 63 kWh and 87 kWh.

The new Nissan Ariya will be available in a single motor, FWD powertrain and in a dual motor, AWD configuration. The all-wheel drive traction is obtained by putting a motor on each axle, making them completely independent one from another.

There will be five versions available.

• Ariya 2WD (63 kWh) – 218 HP and 300 Nm of torque
  • Expected range: 360 km (223 miles)
• Ariya 2WD (87 kWh) – 242 HP and 300 Nm of torque
  • Expected range: 500 km (310 miles)
• Ariya e-4orce (62kWh) – 279 HP and 560 Nm of torque
  • Expected range: 340 km (211 miles)
• Ariya e-4orce (87 kWh) – 306 HP and 600 Nm of torque
  • Expected range: 460 km (285 miles)
• Ariya e-4orce Performance (87 kWh) – 394 HP and 600 Nm of torque
  • Expected range: 400 km (248 miles)

The adoption of the new platform has allowed designers to take advantage of greater freedom in defining spaces and volumes. The car has a crossover body with a coupe-like shape, similar to what German car makers keep pulling out these years.

Among the most identifying elements of the car we find the new “grilles”, which now have a glossy finish and a geometric pattern instead on the dark surface.

A lot of effort has been put inside, too. The Nissan Ariya uses two 12.3″ display, one for the digital instrument panel and one for the infotainment system. The car also makes use of a big new-generation head-up display.

Last but not least, the Nissan Ariya has got tons of technology in it, like the new virtual assistant which is activated by saying “Hi Nissan”, 360° radar and sensors, adaptive cruise control, and much more.

The base price for the new Ariya is going to be $40,000. Considering that the Nissan Leaf S starts from $32,000, that’s not bad at all.