Nissan Unveils Ariya, the Brand’s First All-Electric Crossover

Nissan has launched the Ariya, the brand’s first all-electric crossover.

Prices start from £43,845 in the UK and it has three different battery and powertrain configurations for buyers to choose from. The range is 329 miles and the motors come packing 600 Nm of torque.

A “lounge-like and modern” interior with a “clear connection to its Japanese DNA,” should give passengers and drivers a comfortable ride. Nissan even says that the Ariya has the largest cabin in its segment. 

As per usual with new electric cars, the Ariya gets two large 12.3-inch touchscreens to show the infotainment and key vehicle information such as the battery’s charge level, range, and navigation.

“We created Ariya for customers wanting an elevated electric vehicle that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles,” said Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President, Region Marketing & Sales, Nissan AMIEO.

“During the design process, it was integral that we put the customers at the forefront of every decision, such as including a power sliding centre console, increased leg room and a dual-screen display. The result is a fantastic EV that marks a new chapter for Nissan as we pave the way toward the future of electric vehicles.”

That new chapter is ushered in with a very interesting design. The Ariya’s front manages to be both curvy and pointy. The large black grille area should certainly give it some presence on the road, as well.

The car comes with two different trim levels: Advance and Evolve. However, buyers get three different powertrain options: a 2WD 63 kWh version, a 2WD 87 kWh version, and the e-4ORCE AWD 87 kWh version.

Charging is swift. Nissan says the 87 kWh version can charge up to 217 miles in 30 minutes. The battery pack is placed at the bottom of the chassis for 50/50 weight distribution on the e-4ORCE version and “near-equal” weight distribution on the 2WD versions.

Inside, the Ariya’s flat floor gives it a “lounge-like space inspired by premium futurism,” whatever that means. Regardless, the “Zero Gravity” ventilated seats, “exemplary” legroom, panoramic openable sunroof, and power-adjustable centre console should make it a very nice place to sit. 

The Ariya is also equipped with a head-up display showing practical information to the driver in a safe way.

Haptic controls have been integrated into the Ariya’s minimalist dashboard to communicate touchpoints with feedback, whilst several principal controls – the volume knob and key steering-wheel buttons, for example – remain physical.

In terms of safety features, the Ariya gets Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking technology.

The Advance version also gets ProPILOT with Navi-Link, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Pilot, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Full Auto Park, Apple Car Play and 360 degrees Around View Monitor. There are also plenty of options to enhance the Advance, including the Bose Tech Pack or the Sky Pack.

Higher-spec Evolve models get innovative features such as Pro-Pilot Park, Windscreen Heads-up Display, a 10 Bose speaker system, Electric Panoramic Sunroof, power moving centre console, and black upholstery with synthetic leather seats and Ultrasuede inserts.

Pricing for the 63kWh battery version with 160kW of power and an onboard 7.4kW AC Charger starts at £43,845 for the Advance and £47,840 for the Evolve.

For the larger 87kW battery with up to 329 miles of range, 178Kw of power and a more powerful onboard 22kW AC charger, the Advance is priced at £49,595 with Evolve at £53,590.