Nissan has boldly boosted its presence in the electric vehicle market by lowering the price of its upcoming Nissan Ariya, a crossover SUV that promises to combine performance, technology, and comfort. The Nissan Ariya arrived in Europe, followed by North America later this year. It will be Nissan's second electric vehicle after the Leaf, which debuted in 2010 and has sold over 500,000 units worldwide.
But unlike the Leaf, which is a compact hatchback, the Nissan Ariya is a larger and more spacious vehicle that can compete with other electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Volkswagen ID.4.
A Competitive Price for a Premium Product
Nissan has announced that it will reduce the price of the Nissan Ariya by up to 10% in some European markets, making it more affordable and attractive for customers who are looking for a high-quality electric vehicle.
The price reduction is partly due to lower battery costs and partly due to Nissan's strategy to gain market share and customer loyalty in the electric vehicle segment.
According to Nissan's press release, the Nissan Ariya will start from $48,000 (€42,600) in Norway, $49,500 (€43,900) in Germany, $50,000 (€44,400) in France, and $51,000 (€45,300) in Spain. These prices include VAT and local incentives.
For comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts from $54,000 (€47,900) in Germany and $55,500 (€49,200) in France. The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts from $51,500 (€45,700) in Germany and $53,000 (€47,000) in France. The Volkswagen ID.4 starts from $46,500 (€41,300) in Germany and $47,500 (€42,100) in France.
The Nissan Ariya electric SUV will offer four variants: two with front-wheel drive and two with all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive variants will have a 63 kWh or an 87 kWh battery pack, while the all-wheel drive variants will have a 63 kWh or an 87 kWh battery pack with an e-4ORCE system that enhances traction and handling.
The range of the Nissan Ariya will vary depending on the variant and driving conditions. The front-wheel drive variant with a 63 kWh battery pack will have a range of up to 223 miles (360 km), while the front-wheel drive variant with an 87 kWh battery pack will have a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
The all-wheel drive variant with a 63 kWh battery pack will have a range of up to 211 miles (340 km), while the all-wheel drive variant with an 87 kWh battery pack will have a range of up to 286 miles (460 km).
The power output of the Nissan Ariya electric SUV will also vary depending on the variant. The front-wheel drive variant with a 63 kWh battery pack will have a power output of 160 kW (217 hp), while the front-wheel drive variant with an 87 kWh battery pack will have a power output of 178 kW (241 hp).
The all-wheel drive variant with a 63 kWh battery pack will have a power output of 205 kW (278 hp), while the all-wheel drive variant with an 87 kWh battery pack will have a power output of 225 kW (306 hp).
The Nissan Ariya will be able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in as little as 5.1 seconds for the all-wheel drive variant with an 87 kWh battery pack.
A Cutting-Edge Design and Technology
The Nissan Ariya is not only impressive in terms of performance and price but also in terms of design and technology. The vehicle features a sleek and futuristic exterior that reflects Nissan's new brand identity and vision for the future of mobility.
The Nissan Ariya electric SUV has a low and wide stance, a V-shaped front grille with a light signature, a coupe-like roofline, and a spacious and minimalist interior. The electric car also has a flat floor and a sliding center console, creating more room and flexibility for the passengers.
The Nissan Ariya is equipped with a range of advanced technologies that enhance the driving experience and safety of the vehicle. Some of these technologies include:
- A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display provide information and entertainment to the driver and the passengers.
- A head-up display that projects key information on the windshield, such as speed, navigation, and alerts.
- A wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows the driver to access their smartphone apps and features on the vehicle's display.
- A wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports allow the driver and the passengers to charge their devices without cables.
- A ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system that enables the vehicle to drive autonomously on highways, with the driver's hands off the steering wheel and eyes on the road.
- A ProPILOT Park system enables the vehicle to park itself in parallel or perpendicular spaces, with the driver's input only required to confirm the parking spot.
- A Nissan Intelligent Mobility system that connects the vehicle to the cloud, the smartphone, and other devices, enabling features such as remote control, smart home integration, and over-the-air updates.
A Green and Sustainable Choice
The Nissan Ariya is a smart and stylish choice for electric vehicle buyers and a green and sustainable one. The Ariya has been awarded five stars by Green NCAP, an independent organization that evaluates the environmental impact of vehicles.
According to Green NCAP's press release, the Nissan Ariya scored high marks in all three categories: clean air, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions. The vehicle achieved a 10 out of 10 rating for clean air, a 9.2 out of 10 rating for energy efficiency, and an 8.7 out of 10 rating for greenhouse gas emissions.
The Nissan Ariya also scored well in terms of noise pollution, circular economy, and life cycle analysis. The vehicle has a low noise level of 67 dB(A) at 50 km/h, which is below the average of 69 dB(A) for electric vehicles. The vehicle also uses recycled materials for some of its components, such as the dashboard, the seats, and the floor mats. The vehicle also has a low environmental impact over its entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
The Nissan Ariya is a game-changer for electric SUVs, offering a competitive price, a cutting-edge design, and a green and sustainable choice for customers who are looking for a premium electric vehicle. The vehicle is expected to be a hit in Europe and North America.