Next-Gen Nissan LEAF Revealed with Smarter, Smoother and Quieter Drive

Abu Dhabi : Nissan’s third-gen LEAF debuts improved comfort during rides. It also has smarter thermal control and a quieter cabin.

• It has a new 3-in-1 powertrain that delivers up to 214hp and more cabin space.
• The cabin is now quieter and more spacious than previous models.
• The newly developed steering rack helps reduce the minimum turning radius to 5.3m.

Nissan has pulled the covers off the third-generation LEAF to show top improvements in quality of drive, cabin refinement and energy efficiency. This new version, which is detailed in the latest LEAF Insights video, introduces some engineering updates built to give it a quieter, smarter and more responsive electric driving experience.

The new Nissan LEAF, which is developed in Japan, blends performance and practicality in a compact package. The aim is for drivers in urban and highway settings.

Compact, Powerful and More Efficient

One big highlight is how Nissan has adopted its new 3-in-1 electric powertrain, which integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer into a unit that is 10 percent smaller than before.

It is available in selected variants, and produces up to 160 kW (214hp) and 355 Nm (261 ft-lb) of torque. This compact unit also gives more flexibility in layout, which Nissan has used to redesign the cabin space.

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, which is usually behind the dashboard, is now placed under the hood. This change helps free up space and gives the interior a more open feeling.

Key Technical Highlights

• 3-in-1 motor unit with up to 214hp and 261 ft-lb torque.
• Multi-link rear suspension with 66% more lateral stiffness.
• The new steering rack helps reduce the minimum turning radius to 5.3 meters.
• The cabin is up to 2 decibels quieter at 50 km/h (31 mph) than the previous LEAF.
• The battery is liquid-cooled with thermal recovery from on-board charger.

Better Comfort, Smarter Suspension

The new LEAF, to support improved handling and passenger comfort, uses a multi-link rear suspension. The system has a 66 percent boost in lateral stiffness and works with a stiffer platform to improve agility and comfort.

Even with the new 19-inch wheels, the turning radius has improved by nearly 0.1 meter, which enhances driving in the city. An upgraded rack electronic power steering system plays a key role here as it contributes to the more compact turning circle of just 5.3 meters.

On the inside, the car has a quieter driving experience. Nissan says the cabin is up to 2 decibels quieter at city speeds compared to the last model. The new suspension and motor layout, along with better insulation, help keep vibrations and road noise to a minimum.

Advanced Battery Heat Recovery

Battery performance in cold conditions is one area where EVs often struggle, but the new LEAF addresses this head-on. The car has a newly adopted liquid-cooled battery system that now includes thermal recovery. The Chief Vehicle Engineer, Hiroki Isobe said: “We even capture the heat produced by the on-board charger to warm up the battery.”

This system helps improve battery performance in cold weather and also helps save energy by more efficiently using available heat. In turn, this may extend range and improve battery reliability over time.