Nissan has officially opened sales for the Ariya Nismo in Japan, following its unveiling of the spiced-up electric SUV back in January.
The Ariya Nismo, touted as a flagship EV by Nissan, offers extra power and more aggressive styling compared to the standard model. Customers can choose between a 66 kWh or 91 kWh battery, matching the options available for the conventional Ariya. The Nismo versions are expected to deliver ranges fairly close to the 330 km and 438 km EPA-rated ranges of the standard Ariya.
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The Nismo versions of the Ariya are rated at 270 kW and 320 kW of power respectively, with the e-4ORCE drivetrain tuned by Nismo engineers for a more engaging driving experience. Despite the enhancements, the Ariya remains a heavy crossover, weighing well over two metric tons.
Externally, the Ariya Nismo features sporty bumpers, a rear spoiler, and exclusive colors like Stealth Gray with a black roof, along with a red accent stripe. Nissan claims these modifications improve aerodynamics, although their impact at moderate speeds may be limited.
Inside, the Ariya Nismo offers upgraded seats, red accents, and a special Nismo driving mode with “Formula E inspired” sounds, adding an artificial engine noise to the electric vehicle.
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The prices in Japan start at over 8 million yen (around €56,000), making it an attractive option compared to European prices for standard Ariya models. However, prices are expected to be significantly higher in other markets.
While the Nissan Ariya Nismo offers enhanced performance and styling, some may view it as an example of an automaker leveraging an existing nameplate for additional profit. Nonetheless, the Ariya remains a highly regarded electric SUV.
