New 2022 Nissan X-Trail launched with e-Power hybrid tech

Continuing its electrification charge Nissan has launched its all-new X-Trail seven-seat SUV with its e-Power hybrid powertrain – including a dual-motor four-wheel drive e-4ORCE version – offering a sharp new look, improved interior tech and greater efficiency potential.

The brand's largest SUV for Europe is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's latest CMF-C platform, which has brought big improvements when it comes to packaging, according to the brand – a key for any seven-seat car.

This new platform has also allowed Nissan's engineers to package a relatively compact 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery, which is charged by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with variable compression ratio technology, which helps to boost efficiency further.

Adapted from a similar system used by Nissan in Japan, the brand's Technical Centre in the UK has comprehensively re-engineered the technology (which is shared with the Qashqai e-Power) to deliver an EV-like driving experience.

The petrol engine never drives the wheels directly. Instead, it acts as a range extender, operating at its most efficient to charge the battery when cruising or its most powerful when maximum acceleration is required. The battery feeds an electric motor mounted on the front axle delivering 201bhp and 330Nm of torque in the single-motor e-Power model.

Nissan claims the 0-62mph sprint takes eight seconds, but more importantly that the X-Trail can deliver up to 48.6mpg and as little as 132gkm of CO2 emissions. The X-Trail also inherits the Qashqai e-Power's e-Pedal Step regenerative braking technology to maximise efficiency; the brand does not quote an all-electric range for the car.

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New for the X-Trail is e-Power e-4ORCE, a dual-motor all-wheel drive version of the e-Power set-up that adds an electric motor on the car's rear axle for a total of 210bhp. In five-seat form it delivers a best 0-62mph time of seven seconds, with fuel economy of 44.7mpg.

The second electric motor means the X-Trail e-Power e-4ORCE has a 10,000 times faster torque response compared with a conventional all-wheel drive system, giving the driver greater control.

Nissan says adding regenerative braking on the rear axle along with the front results in a flatter, more stable ride when slowing down.

Alongside the e-Power offerings the X-Trail will also be available with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which also features variable compressions ratio tech. Offering 161bhp and 300Nm of torque, and mated to a CVT automatic gearbox, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and return a best of 39.9mpg and 161g/km of CO2.

The car's steering system has been upgraded to offer sharper responses and more steering feel, while the X-Trail's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension set-up features bespoke tuning, too.

As standard, the X-Trail comes in five-seat form. The seven-seat configuration is available on all trim levels as a £1,000 option, although the two-wheel drive e-Power powertrain is not offered on seven-seat models.

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The car's battery is located under the front passenger seat so there's no compromise when it comes to packaging in the rear, the brand claims. Nissan says the third row can easily accommodate passengers up to 1.6m tall with space under the second row seats for passengers' feet, while the car's rear doors open up to 85 degrees like the Qashqai to improve access to the rear rows. The second row features USB A and C ports to keep gadgets charged. The X-Trail also inherits the advanced ProPilot Assist driver tech that made its debut on the Qashqai.

With the rearmost seats folded down the new car offers 585 litres of boot space – 20 litres more than its predecessor – while a power tailgate is fitted as standard.

There's plenty of other interior tech on offer too, with a 12.3-inch digital dash, a 12.3-inch touchscreen that features the latest smartphone connectivity and connected services, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. There are also plenty of clever interior storage solutions as part of the new cabin's slicker design.

This is replicated on the exterior, where the X-Trail has taken on a sharper look inspired by the Qashqai, featuring slimmer headlight units, Nissan's new interpretation of its trademark V-motion grille, and a contrasting black roof.

Prices start from £32,030 for the entry-level Visia model with the mild-hybrid 1.5 petrol engine, rising to £33,705 of Accenta Premium trim. N-Connecta spec comes in at £36,530, while above this sit the high-spec Tekna and Tekna+ models, at £39,850 and £42,520 respectively.

Opt for the e-Power powertrain and you'll pay an extra £2,435 on top of the trim level prices outlined above; e-Power e-4ORCE models cost an extra £2,200 on top of the regular e-Power car.

Orders for the new X-Trail open this month ahead of deliveries starting in October this year.

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