Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Ariya Nismo: Tesla Model Y Performance rival coming on 12 January

A new version of the Nissan Ariya SUV has been teased, likely sporting a racier bodykit and expected performance upgrades

Nissan Ariya Nismo - teaser

The hot electric SUV space is heating up (pun intended) as Nissan is preparing to reveal an all-new high-performance version of its Ariya family crossover. Due to be unveiled on 12 January, the Nissan Ariya Nismo will become the second EV to receive the ‘Nismo’ treatment, after the Japan-only Nissan Leaf Nismo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Previously spied testing on European roads and now teased in a new image released by Nissan itself, the new Ariya Nismo will get a much more aggressive bodykit than the standard car. Development models may be sporting heavy camouflage, but it’s easy to see the more aggressive front and rear bumpers, as well as the two new spoilers dressing the bootlid.

Nissan Ariya Nismo - front

Ariya Nismo test mules have also been spotted riding on redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels; these are the same size as the ones already fitted to high-spec versions of Nissan’s electric family SUV, but are wrapped in much stickier Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber – no doubt giving the car a little more grip for tearing up twisty roads.

We don’t expect the changes to be solely skin deep, either; previous Nismo models have featured tweaked suspension setups and upgraded brakes and it’s not too farfetched to suggest the Nismo-tuned Ariya will get similar improvements, too.

In terms of power, the current top-of-the-line Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Evolve+ already outputs a substantial 389bhp, enough to propel the two-tonne electric SUV from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. A tune from Nismo could easily push this figure over the 400bhp mark and bring the sprint to 62mph down under five seconds. While this is still nowhere near as fast as a Tesla Model Y Performance, it’d make the hot Ariya more than quick enough to keep up with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX and Skoda Enyaq vRS.

Nissan Ariya Nismo - rear

Excited? Well, there’s not too long to wait now, with the car being fully revealed in the coming days and likely going on sale towards the middle of 2024. Prices are likely to start north of £60,000; expensive, yes, but the Ariya has long been pitched as a more premium alternative to VW and Skoda rivals.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

EV Deal of the Day: get into the new Ford Capri for just £247 a month
Ford Capri - front cornering
News

EV Deal of the Day: get into the new Ford Capri for just £247 a month

12 Mar 2025
EV Deal of the Day: smart-looking Peugeot E-2008 for only £183 per month
Peugeot E-2008 - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: smart-looking Peugeot E-2008 for only £183 per month

5 Mar 2025
PHEV Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 family SUV for £270 per month
Jaecoo 7 - front cornering
News

PHEV Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 family SUV for £270 per month

25 Feb 2025
Skoda Enyaq review
Skoda Enyaq iV UK drive exterior
In-depth reviews

Skoda Enyaq review

24 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New Mercedes CLA 2025: massive 491-mile range for Mercedes’ new small saloon
New electric Mercedes CLA - front
News

New Mercedes CLA 2025: massive 491-mile range for Mercedes’ new small saloon

The new Mercedes CLA is arriving later this year with a class-leading range
14 Mar 2025
EV Deal of the Day: get into the new Ford Capri for just £247 a month
Ford Capri - front cornering
News

EV Deal of the Day: get into the new Ford Capri for just £247 a month

The all-electric Ford Capri is more of a refined cruiser than sporty SUV, but it impresses with a smooth ride and some clever technology
12 Mar 2025
EV Deal of the Day: smart-looking Peugeot E-2008 for only £183 per month
Peugeot E-2008 - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: smart-looking Peugeot E-2008 for only £183 per month

The Peugeot E-2008 is a compact SUV that offers plenty of style, and it’s all the more attractive at this low price
5 Mar 2025