Nissan Ariya: an all-electric coupé crossover for a new era

Nissan has revealed to the world the all-new Nissan Ariya electric coupé crossover, marking a new chapter for Nissan electric vehicles. CEO Makoto Uchida and Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta unveiled the Ariya to a global audience during a livestreamed event at the soon-to-open Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama.

The Ariya – Nissan’s first all-electric coupé crossover– offers powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, as well as an interior with a welcoming, luxurious lounge-like atmosphere. Its stress-free autonomous driving features, voice personal assistance and seamless connectivity heighten on-road confidence and provides a welcoming environment for the driver and passengers. And with an estimated range of up to 310 miles (based on WLTP combined cycle, subject to homologation), Ariya is the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike.

The Nissan Ariya is heavily based on the similarly-named concept vehicle displayed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and first hinted at with the IMx at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s the first production model to represent Nissan’s new electrified brand identity, forging a path toward a new automotive era where electrification, optimised platform packaging and seamless vehicle AI technology will become standard.

“The Nissan Ariya is a truly beautiful and remarkable car,” Gupta said. “It enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. The Ariya is designed to impress, and to express what Nissan strives for – making our customers’ lives better.”

Built on an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform, the Ariya is the ultimate expression of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s strategy to further improve the appeal of its vehicles and achieve the ultimate goal of a future with zero emissions and zero vehicle fatalities.

Incorporating the three main pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (Intelligent Power, Intelligent Drive and Intelligent Integration), the Ariya combines advanced electric vehicle technology with a new level of seamless human-machine interface connectivity, offering an entirely new driving experience.

Design: a completely reimagined appearance

The exterior
The Ariya is Nissan’s ultimate expression of style and technology, with each complementing the other in aesthetics and function. The model’s 100% electric vehicle platform removed fundamental limitations and allowed designers to take new approaches to existing components.

The design represents the Ariya’s first Nissan Intelligent Mobility “touchpoint,” underlining a significant redefinition of Nissan’s design philosophy. This new philosophy is based on what Nissan calls Timeless Japanese Futurism – characterised by a distinctive Japanese approach conveyed in a simple-yet-powerfully modern way. Designers embraced this with the key attributes of sleek, sexy and seamless to communicate how an EV paired with advanced driving capabilities can offer a new perspective to design, function and the ownership experience.

Embracing the Japanese term iki, which characterises the Ariya’s chic, cutting-edge nature, the front of the vehicle appears seamless, elegant and fresh. It’s highlighted by a shield – a reimagined grille for the EV era. The shield, incorporating a 3-D, traditional Japanese kumiko pattern just under the smooth surface, protects sensing equipment used for ProPILOT functions and Intelligent Key detection without the aesthetics interrupting operation.

Nissan’s redesigned brand logo is prominently placed at the centre of the aerodynamic shield, beaming with crisp definition from the 20 LEDs that compose it. The new brand logo represents Nissan’s passion and dedication towards innovation by challenging conventional approaches. In keeping both sun and bar design elements, the logo signals a respect for the company’s heritage while moving towards a future of mobility services and electrification.

The lower section of the shield is bordered by subtle lighting that illuminates, along with the logo, when the Ariya is ready for operation. Thin LED headlamps, constructed with four 20-millimeter mini-projectors, are combined with sequential turn signals to reinvent Nissan’s signature V-motion design.

When viewed from the side, the Ariya seems to be constantly slicing the air thanks to a low, sleek roofline. Sporty, five-spoke, 19-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch wheels also available, depending on the grade) communicate the vehicle’s dynamic stance and sporty nature.

A single, uninterrupted horizon line that stretches across the side profile, linking the front fascia and the rear, conveys linear movement, creating architectural beauty in tension and drama from every angle.

The rear of the Ariya is equally striking, characterised by a steeply raked C-pillar that blends flawlessly into the rear deck. The one-piece light blade, representing the rear combination lamps, has been engineered to give a blackout effect when parked, and a consistent red illumination when in use. Rear fender flares and a high-mounted rear wing signal the Ariya’s powerful EV capabilities.

“The Ariya’s exterior proportions show what’s possible with Nissan’s 100% electric-vehicle platform,” said Senior Design Director Giovanny Arroba. “The surprisingly short overhangs, aggressive roofline and large wheels provide an elegant appearance that flawlessly balances sport and luxury.”

A newly-developed exterior two-tone Copper colour package, Akatsuki, expresses the moment just before dawn, as the sun marks the beginning of a new day. The combination of copper with a black roof highlight the body’s flowing nature and movement of an EV while the copper tone itself references conductivity and the dawn of a new automotive era.

Along with Akatsuki, the Ariya is offered with six two-tone combinations, each sporting a black roof, and four striking full-body color combinations.

The interior
Defined by the Japanese term ma – referring to spatiotemporal openings – the cabin of the Ariya has been designed in the most efficient and comfortable way. The interior is more akin to a sleek cafe lounge on a starship, evoking performance and intrigue than to a traditional automotive cabin. The advantages provided by the company’s all-new EV platform have enabled the Ariya to offer one of the most spacious cabin in its class.

The compact nature of the powertrain components made it possible for Nissan’s engineers to install the climate control system under the hood (where a traditional gasoline engine would be), allowing the designers to utilise the whole length of the cabin without obstructions, such as a transmission tunnel or cabin systems tucked under the instrument panel. Also, a flat, open floor – made possible by the location of the battery at the base of the chassis – and the Ariya’s slim profile Zero Gravity seats, result in vast amounts of legroom and easy interaction between front- and rear-seat passengers.

The quiet EV drivetrain and the generous use of sound-absorbing materials result in an exceptionally quiet cabin, allowing everyone inside to relax and enjoy the stress-free, lounge-like space.

Front-seat occupants are treated to the Ariya’s minimalist dashboard, which blends seamlessly with the shape of the cabin, transitioning into the doors. It’s devoid of buttons and switches found in conventional vehicles. Primary climate control functions are integrated into the centre dash in the form of capacitive haptic switches that offer the same feeling as mechanical switches by vibrating when touched. They only appear when the car is turned on, providing a technological yet luxury touch to the cockpit area.

Tucked under the centre of the instrument panel is a centre storage box and foldout tray. The innovative slide-out table design transforms the cabin space into a mobile office workspace.

The adjustable centre console can be moved to suit the driver’s personal preference, and the settings can be saved as part of the driver’s profile for automatic adjustment during future outings. The surface hosts a new shifter that fits in the palm of the hand to encourage a relaxed driving position with haptic drive mode controls within easy reach.

Rear-seat passengers are treated to an abundance of headroom and legroom, with the flat cabin floor allowing them to easily cross their legs and relax. Accents and ornamentation are carried into the rear space to give all the same sense of sophistication and comfort. The thin front seats are positioned to obscure the B-pillar, offering occupants an outward panoramic view. The Ariya is also equipped with a sunroof giving its openness and even stronger feel.

“The interior of the Ariya is a pleasant ‘living space’ for the driver and occupants to enjoy while experiencing the theater of traveling to familiar and new destinations,” Arroba said. “The materials throughout the interior were carefully selected to avoid the overly traditional feel of some luxury vehicles, while giving an impression of premium futurism in technology and utility.”

The future of the electric vehicle is now
The Nissan Ariya coupé crossover marks a new era for electric vehicles, promising an incredibly powerful and smooth ride thanks to the full strength of Nissan Intelligent Mobility delivered by the latest assistance technologies designed to support, respond and respect the driver’s intentions. A design inspired by Timeless Japanese Futurism gives all occupants a welcome, personal impression that aims to surpass expectations.

“The Ariya enhances driving excitement, ensures high levels of comfort and confidence and heightens the joy of connecting,” Gupta said. “It’s more than just a great EV crossover, it’s a great vehicle. It’s a true force of wonder, and it’s coming soon.”

Five Versions of Nissan Ariya will be available in EuropeThe above specifications are as of July 2020 and are subject to homologation.

Model names, features and specifications may vary by market.

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