Nissan Ariya lineup to gain new entry-level and flagship models

Nissan has given its Ariya mid-size electric SUV range a significant overhaul, expanding the range at both ends that improve its value proposition as well as offer a new high-spec option. As a former Auto Express Car of the Year winner, this new lower entry-point should make Nissan’s striking SUV even more appealing to a wider selection of buyers, coming without any compromise on range or performance. 

This price-leading model is the new Engage trim, starting at £39,645 when fitted with the 63kWh battery. Its range is as per other models in the range, achieving around 250 miles on a charge, and still comes with all the key features including LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and Nissan’s dual-screen infotainment setup. 

Sitting at the top of the range is a new Evolve+ trim, which uses the same e-4ORCE dual-motor system as the previous Evolve model, but increasing power from 302bhp to 388bhp together with a new peak torque of 600Nm. This will shoot the new flagship Ariya to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, a 0.6 second improvement over the 302bhp model. Estimated range is the same as other e-4ORCE models at 310 miles. Two-wheel drive variants with the 87kWh battery still have the longest estimated range at 330 miles. 

As well as more power, the Evolve+ trim also adds in larger 20-inch wheels as standard, plus a unique blue Nappa leather trim inside the cabin. This builds on the existing Evolve trim’s extensive suite of standard features including a glass roof, heated and cooled electric seats and a Bose sound system. The new top trim costs from £59,025. 

These new additions join the existing Advance and Evolve models, all the existing 63kWh models have picked up a £3,000 price drop, with 87kWh models upping this to £3,750, making the price disparity between them an even £5,000. 

These additions will no doubt help spread the appeal of Nissan’s mid-size electric SUV, where it competes in a crowded class that includes the Skoda Enyaq iV, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. 

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