A high-performance version of the next-generation Nissan Leaf could be on the cards if there’s sufficient demand for a high-performance version of the electric SUV, according to a US report.
The third-generation Leaf is due to arrive in Australia in early 2026, based on the same underpinnings as the Nissan Ariya mid-size electric SUV that was finally launched in Australia last month.
A portmanteau of Nissan and Motorsport, Nismo is the Japanese brand’s performance sub-brand, with Nismo model grades including the Nismo Ariya, which is already on sale in Japan, positioned above above regular versions.
The only Nismo model variant currently on sale in Australia is the Z Nismo sports coupe, but previous Nismo flagships sold here were based on its 370Z predecessor as well as the R35 GT-R super coupe and the previous Juke light SUV.
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Speaking to US outlet Carscoops, a senior manager at Nissan USA, Christian Spencer, said a Nismo version of the third-generation Leaf – which morphs from hatch to SUV and features design elements inspired by the Z – is something the company could introduce if there’s enough call for it.
“I can say we are always open to exploring… we’re always exploring things that customers are interested in,” he told CarScoops.
“If we see that demand from the customer base, we’re going to follow it.”
Claimed to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds, the Ariya Nismo has a more powerful dual-motor electric powertrain that produces 320kW of power and 600Nm of torque, as well as upgraded suspension, but not other components typically added to sports models like bigger brakes.
“The Nismo brand has a lot of variation across the globe,” Mr Spencer told CarScoops. “So in Japan, for example, Nismo has a lot deeper roots in some of the electric vehicles.
“In the US we try and focus it a little bit more just because the driving environment is different… Japanese roadways are small and steeper, so the meaning for Nismo varies a little bit.”
A Nismo version of Nissan’s most popular model in Australia, the X-Trail mid-size SUV, was revealed in Japan in April, before order books opened in September. It has a focus on handling and dynamics rather than improved power.
The new Leaf is due in Australia early next year. Local pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, but apart from SUV-like styling it bring a substantially increased range.
A larger new 75kWh battery will offer up to 604km (WLTP), which is much more than the outgoing Leaf’s best of 385km, thnks in part to improved aerodynamics.
The standard version is slower than its predecessor, with a 0-100km/h claim of 7.4 seconds, but a Nismo version would likely be much quicker – especially given the Ariya Nismo’s 5.0-second claim.
Pricing is also expected to be higher for the bigger new British-built Leaf, which again incorporates components made at the Nissan Australia casting plant in Dandenong outside of Melbourne.
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