2026 Nissan Leaf new details out; debut later this month

KUALA LUMPUR: Over the next two years, Nissan is set to roll out a refreshed lineup of models, including the reimagined Leaf EV. The Japanese automaker shared initial specs of the electric SUV in March, and now a few more concrete details have emerged.

2026 Nissan Leaf: What do we know so far

New design

The third-generation Leaf has adopted an SUV-like design with a sharp front end, inspired by the Chill-Out concept previewed in 2021. Key highlights include - 

• Full-width lightbar
• Boomerang-shaped lights
• Flush-fitting front door handles
• 19-inch wheels
• e-dimming panoramic glass roof 
• Illuminated Nissan badge  

New CMF-EV platform

The EV benefits from the brand’s modular CMF-EV platform, which enables streamlined packaging, efficient energy management, and enhanced driving performance. The said architecture can also be found under the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Significant range improvement  

In the latest video, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Richard Chandler, shed some light on the next-gen Leaf’s driving range. He confirmed that the upcoming EV will travel between 300 km and 500 km between stops, marking significant range improvements over the previous generation.

The average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time, the EV can add over 250 km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability, says Chandler.

Most aero efficient car Nissan has ever made

The upcoming Leaf is touted as the brand’s most aero efficient car to date, thanks to its fastback-style body and active grille shutters. A flat underbody, optimised wheel design, and flush-fitting door handles are added to the aerodynamic profile.

The EV targets a coefficient of drag of 0.26 (down from the second-gen’s 0.28) in the US and Japan and 0.25 in Europe with a unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs.

"Leaf is an icon for us. It's one of our core 'heartbeat' models. We've sold around 700,000 Leafs since 2010, with over 28 billion kilometres covered by our customers, so we have really substantial, real-world insight about the customer - understanding how their needs have evolved from the early days of Leaf until now, added Candler.

For further details on the third-gen Nissan Leaf, we have to wait for the full debut set to happen later this month.

Also read: New Nissan 1S centre opens in Kluang, Johor