2026 Nissan LEAF reborn as an SUV-coupe

The third-generation 2026 Nissan LEAF has been officially unveiled, with the original EV pioneer switching to a mid-size SUV-coupe body style.

The new model embeds the car-maker’s latest tech, allowing for a range of up to 604km when European deliveries kick off in the second quarter of 2026.

There’s no word when the all-new Nissan LEAF will land in Australia, with the local outfit suggesting an arrival in 2026.

When it lands it should prove a natural rival for both the dominant Tesla Model Y and the BYD Atto 3, and the shift to a more popular shape could see the nameplate finally break through in the SUV-obsessed Australian market.

As well as possessing a sleeker side profile compared to a regular SUV, the LEAF employs smooth frontal styling and active shutter technology, along with pop-out door handles and a flat underbody for a low drag coefficient of just 0.25.

Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 19 inches and if you’re looking for the rear door handles, they’re tucked into the C-pillar. At the rear of the car the new LEAF adopts a neat integrated spoiler and dark tinted taillights that hint heavily at the firm’s sportiest Nissan Z.

Around 10mm shorter than the current LEAF, the new Nissan EV is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-EV platform – the same underpinnings adopted by the bigger Nissan ARIYA and Renault Megane E-Tech.

That sees the LEAF measure in at 4405mm long, 1810mm wide and 1550mm tall, with a relatively long 2690mm wheelbase that enhances interior space.

An electric tailgate reveals a boot with luggage space for up to 437 litres.

In Europe there’s the choice of two front-wheel-drive powertrains.

The LEAF Standard comes with a 130kW/345Nm e-motor that is powered by a 52-kilowatt-hour battery for a WLTP verified range of up to 436km.

Off the line the base LEAF sprints from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and tops out at 160km/h.

A longer-range LEAF Extended is also available that combines a 160kW/355Nm e-motor with a larger 75kWh battery. Nissan says it can cover up to the headline range figure of 604km.

With more power and fractionally more torque, it covers the 0-100km/h dash in 7.6 seconds, but the top speed is an identical 160km/h.

While the 52kWh battery can be topped up at up to 105kW, the larger 75kWh accepts a charge of up to 150kW. Both cars take less than 30 minutes for a 20 to 80 per cent top-up.

Improving its usability, Nissan says at European highway speeds of 130km/h the small-battery LEAF can cover up to 224km on a charge, while the LEAF Extended can cruise for 330km before it needs topping up.

Improving real-world charging times is a navigation-linked preconditioning function that cools or heats the battery to the optimum temperature for a top-up when the LEAF arrives at a charging station.

A vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality will allow the new LEAF to charge small and medium devices, with the Nissan providing up to 3.6kW of power.

Some regions, like the US, will benefit from a vehicle-to-grid capability that will allow users to reduce their running costs by selling back power to the grid during peak times.

Climb aboard the LEAF and the new Nissan EV boasts the car-maker’s latest in-car tech that comprises dual 12.3-inch or 14.3-inch displays.

Combined with a multi-function two-spoke steering wheel, Nissan has added touch-sensitive shortcuts on the dash to improve ease of use, while the gear lever has been banished for a row of buttons.

Another highlight of the LEAF’s cabin is the optional panoramic roof that incorporates its latest e-Dimming tech. It employs electrochromic tech and an infrared reflective coating that sees the glass switch from clear to opaque at a touch of a button, rendering a sunshade obsolete.

Range-topping models also come with a powerful Bose sound system that features headrest speakers.

New driver-assist tech includes an Intelligent Around View Monitor that incorporates a new invisible bonnet view and a front wide monitor. From launch some markets will get an advanced adaptive cruise control that will work in the city.

Pricing and local specifications will be announced closer to the new LEAF’s arrival.

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