Nissan has launched the third-generation LEAF Nismo in Japan, giving its electric crossover a sharper chassis and more aggressive styling without increasing motor output.
Prices start at 6,601,100 yen (RM165,500) for the Nismo B5. The larger-battery Nismo B7 costs 6,952,000 yen (RM174,300), while the B7 fitted with Recaro front seats is priced at 7,227,000 yen (RM181,200).
The mechanical changes centre on handling.
Nissan has fitted stiffer front and rear springs, uprated anti-roll bars, revised front subframe bushes and Kayaba shock absorbers with swing-valve technology. The setup is intended to contain roll and pitch while retaining a usable ride on public roads.
Grip comes from 235/45 ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres mounted on 19-inch Enkei wheels. Each wheel is one kilogram lighter than the equivalent standard LEAF item despite using a rim that is half an inch wider.
Nismo has also recalibrated the accelerator response for its Nismo, Standard and Eco drive modes. A four-stage regenerative braking system is controlled through steering-wheel paddles, marking its first use on a Nismo electric model.
Level one allows freer coasting, while level four provides stronger deceleration and permits more speed control through the accelerator.
Power remains unchanged from the regular LEAF. The B5 uses a 53kWh battery with a front motor producing 130kW and 345Nm. The B7 pairs a 75kWh battery with a 160kW, 355Nm motor. Both are front-wheel drive.
At 1,900kg for the B5 and 1,920kg for the B7, controlling body movement is central to the package. Nissan has not quoted a 0–100kph time.
The engineering emphasis is therefore on steering response, grip and braking control rather than a headline power increase.
The body receives a Nismo-specific front lower finisher, revised rear aerodynamic treatment, a larger tailgate spoiler and the division’s familiar red trim. Nissan says the aero package increases downforce without adding drag. A central rear fog lamp, black mirrors and model-specific badges complete the exterior changes.
Inside, the LEAF Nismo uses a black cabin with red stitching and trim, dedicated displays and a red drive-mode selector. Selected versions receive seats with Bose speakers in the head restraints, while the flagship adds electrically adjustable Recaro seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara.
It joins the Japanese range six months after the redesigned LEAF arrived. The new variant is available only in Japan for now, with Nissan yet to announce plans for other markets.
