Nissan Leaf

Model Overview

The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric model under Japan's Nissan Motor and stands as the world's first mass-produced pure electric vehicle built for the mass market. First introduced in late 2010 across Europe, the US, and Japan, it swiftly became one of the top-selling EVs globally courtesy of its first-mover advantage.

In 2025, Nissan officially unveiled the third-generation Leaf, reinventing the model from a five-door hatchback into a compact fully electric SUV built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-EV dedicated EV platform. Order books for the third-generation Leaf opened in overseas markets in autumn 2025, with initial customer deliveries slated for spring 2026. In Japan, pricing starts from JPY 5,188,700 (approx. RM240,000); European pricing starts at EUR 35,950; while the US entry-level variant is priced from around USD 28,140.

It is worth noting that the Leaf has not yet been officially introduced to the Chinese mainland market through official channels.

Design Language

The third-generation Leaf represents a complete departure from its predecessors in exterior styling. Embracing Nissan's "Timeless Japanese Futurism" design philosophy, it transitions from a traditional five-door hatchback into a fastback crossover SUV. The front fascia features an enclosed grille, full-width daytime running lights, and an illuminated emblem, presenting a sleek, futuristic profile. The flanks are fitted with flush door handles, while the rear draws inspiration from the Nissan Z sports car's rectangular tail lamps, integrating 42 individual LED lighting units for high visual distinction. The overall aerodynamic drag coefficient is rated at just 0.25 Cd. In terms of dimensions, depending on the market specification, it measures roughly 4,405 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,557 mm in height, with a 2,690 mm wheelbase. Up to seven exterior colours are available, headlined by Turquoise Cyan.

Inside, the third-generation Leaf adopts a minimalist, high-tech aesthetic. The dashboard features a dual-screen setup—twin 12.3-inch displays on base variants, upgraded to twin 14.3-inch screens on top-spec grades. The centre console and armrest adopt a floating, decoupled layout, complemented by a push-button gear selector and a two-spoke steering wheel. The cabin incorporates vibrant multi-colour accents alongside dual-tone upholstery.

Powertrain and Performance

The third-generation Leaf lineup is powered exclusively by a front-mounted single electric motor, offering two powertrain configurations based on the CMF-EV platform:

• Standard Variant: Maximum motor output of 130 kW (174 hp) and peak torque of 344–345 Nm. Paired with a 52 kWh battery pack, delivering an estimated CLTC range of 410 km.

• Long Range Variant: Maximum motor output of 160 kW (214 hp) and peak torque of 354–355 Nm. Fitted with a 75 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, achieving a US EPA-rated range of 488 km.

In addition, the Japanese domestic market offers a 78 kWh battery variant boasting a maximum range of up to 702 km under the JC08 test cycle. The European-spec model delivers a maximum WLTP combined range of 624 km.

For charging, the new Leaf supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, taking state of charge from 30% to 80% in just 28 to 35 minutes. AC charging supports up to 11 kW three-phase supply. A heat pump air-conditioning system and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) discharge capability (up to 3.6 kW) come standard across all variants, with higher-spec trims adding Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) bidirectional charging to supply household power or feed electricity back into the grid.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the third-generation Leaf rides on a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Upgrading the rear suspension from the previous generation's torsion beam to a multi-link setup substantially improves ride compliance and handling dynamics. The battery pack is laid flat across the floorpan, effectively lowering the centre of gravity. The turning radius is a tight 5.3 metres. Nissan's e-Pedal Step single-pedal drive mode comes standard, allowing the driver to accelerate and decelerate seamlessly using only the accelerator pedal.

Cabin and Equipment

On the connectivity front, the third-generation Leaf features an infotainment system with native Google built-in services, supporting voice commands, online navigation, and connected apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are standard across the range, along with over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Higher trims add a Head-Up Display (HUD), an electrochromic dimmable panoramic glass roof, and 64-colour ambient lighting.

In terms of comfort features, premium variants are equipped with a 10-speaker BOSE Personal Plus premium sound system featuring dedicated speakers built directly into the front headrests. The cabin features a completely flat floor layout with an open pass-through between the driver and front passenger footwells. A wireless smartphone charging pad is provided upfront. Boot volume is rated at 23.6 cubic feet (approx. 668 litres) with the rear seats in place, expanding to 30 cubic feet (approx. 850 litres) with the rear bench folded flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the third-generation Leaf comes standard with the ProPILOT Assist active safety suite, incorporating 12 driver assistance features including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), and High Beam Assist (HBA).

For advanced autonomous capability, top-spec variants feature Nissan's latest ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance system. Leveraging high-definition 3D mapping data (accurate to the centimetre), the system supports hands-off single-lane cruising on designated expressways and highways. A 3D 360-degree surround-view monitor is also included.

Market Performance and Outlook

The Nissan Leaf remains a groundbreaking pioneer in the global EV arena. Since its debut in 2010, cumulative global sales have approached the 700,000-unit mark. However, its market journey in China was less smooth—despite early localization plans, sluggish product updates and digital cockpit tech that lagged behind rising domestic new energy vehicle makers prevented it from establishing a firm foothold in the market.

Industry observers note that while the third-generation Leaf has received a comprehensive overhaul across platform architecture, styling, range, and smart connectivity, its range of 410 to 480 km sits squarely in the mainstream bracket for 2025. Up against strong offerings from Chinese brands in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 pure electric SUV segment (such as the BYD Yuan PLUS / Atto 3 and GAC AION Y) as well as fierce competition in Europe, whether the third-gen Leaf can replicate the iconic success of the original will largely depend on its pricing strategy and local market execution. Overall, as a pioneer of global vehicle electrification, the Nissan Leaf's third-generation evolution from a hatchback to an SUV showcases Nissan's engineering depth and strategic resolve in the electric and connected mobility era.