From A to Zen: How the Nissan ARIYA changes the EV game

Japan has been doing wellness for centuries, long before omakase set meals became a must-do trend.

The country, its people and culture are steeped in traditions designed to counteract its chaos with calm and guide the body and mind towards enlightenment through ancient methods of meditation as well as mindful activities such as calligraphy, martial arts, bonsai and garden design.

It all comes under the philosophy of Zen.

And now that same ethos has been applied to Nissan’s latest hero, the all-new, all-electric ARIYA SUV.

This is more than just a car, it’s a statement of a new direction for the Japanese brand.

With sophisticated finishes, generous cabin real estate and the inherently hushed nature of electric propulsion, the ARIYA appeals to those who value presence without ostentation, and innovation without compromise.

And with up to 504km of driving range* in the Advance+ variant, rapid-charging options, refined dynamics and the kind of quietude that elevates your commute into something more contemplative, the ARIYA positions itself as the quiet luxury EV for those whose horizons extend beyond mere status.

The ARIYA’s appeal lies in its harmony of thoughtful details rather than a single headline feature.

It is available in Australia in four model grades that are defined by their levels of standard equipment, as well as the battery capacity and drivetrain.

The entry-level Engage and mid-spec Advance are both powered by a single electric motor that produces 160kW and 300Nm and drives the front wheels with a 63kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 385km of driving range*.

The Advance+ has a more powerful 178kW version of the same single electric motor but features a larger capacity 87kWh battery that increases the driving range to 504km* on a single charge.

And then there’s the range-topping Evolve, which has a unique dual-motor configuration with combined outputs of 290kW and 600Nm with Nissan’s groundbreaking e-4ORCE dual-motor electric all-wheel drive transmission and the 87kWh battery that provides up to 487km of driving range*.

Prices start at $55,840 plus on-roads for the Engage and rise by $4000 increments through the Advance and Advance+ to top out at $71,840 plus on-roads for the Evolve^.

To achieve a state of Zen demands a sense of luxury and convenience.

And the Nissan ARIYA has an abundance of those two elements thanks to a generous level of standard equipment across all four models.

Even at the entry-level, the ARIYA Engage is fitted with stunning 19-inch alloy wheels with wind-cheating aerodynamic covers to improve driving range, plus it has automatic LED headlights, satin chrome exterior highlights, heated door mirrors and a rear roof spoiler.

Inside the cabin, occupants are cosseted in high quality charcoal fabric trim, have dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, keyless entry with push button start and a vast array of digital conveniences within the twin 12.3-inch displays, including a six-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio, embedded satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices, wireless phone charger and USB power outlets.

Stepping up to the mid-spec Advance adds mixed synthetic leather and fabric trim, rear privacy glass, a hands-free electric tailgate, heating for the steering wheel and front seats with electric adjustment, a premium 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Apart from the bigger battery pack and slightly more powerful electric motor, the Advance+ brings a few extra luxuries as well such as synthetic leather seat trim with Ultrasuede inserts, a panoramic sunroof, power-sliding centre console, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and an advanced head-up display.

For the most discerning owners, the flagship ARIYA Evolve is on another level again, featuring unique 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear sequential indicators, matte chrome exterior highlights, a heated windscreen, blue interior trim with genuine Nappa leather accents and Ultrasuede inserts, power adjustable steering column, and a digital rear view mirror.

You’ll also receive a 10-year/300,000km warranty with the Nissan ARIYA when servicing with Nissan, providing long-term peace of mind.

Stepping into the ARIYA, you enter a cabin that speaks of restraint and composure, a layout where open space, premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics converge.

With a flat floor afforded by the under-floor battery architecture, there’s ample space thanks to an extended 2775mm wheelbase that ensures occupants feel composed rather than constrained with more than enough room for five.

In fact, rear seat occupants are treated with a genuine sense of luxury and convenience thanks to generous head and legroom, plus rear vents, USB power outlets, large door pockets and cup holders.

With 466L of cargo carrying capacity in the boot of the Engage and Advance models (that can expand up to 1350L when the 60:40 rear bench is folded flat), the ARIYA is more than accommodating for everyday weekly family duties and holiday road trips.

Luxury must be accompanied by a sense of security, and the ARIYA delivers on this front too with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and autonomous functions.

All variants include the same level of Nissan ProPILOT+ features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, blind-spot warning/intervention, rear-cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, reverse parking display and more#.

The high strength platform with a low-mounted battery adds structural rigidity and a low centre of gravity, both advantages in stability and crash mitigation.

Overall, the Nissan ARIYA projects a peace-of-mind capability in tandem with premium comfort.

The Nissan ARIYA adds another aspect of Zen by reducing the stress of range anxiety and charging times for electric vehicles.

The Engage and Advance, with the 63kWh battery are capable of covering approximately 385km* on a single charge while the range-topping Evolve with the 87kWh battery can drive up to 487km*.

But it’s the mid-spec Advance+ with the single electric motor and larger battery that sets the benchmark with more than 500km* of driving range.

All versions of the ARIYA are equipped with CCS Type 2 DC fast-charging capability up to 130 kW, enabling a 10–80 percent charge in approximately 35 minutes for the 63kWh model, and around 40 minutes for the 87kWh pack (under optimum conditions).

At home, using AC charging: 63kWh version takes around 9 hours with a 7kW charger while the 87kWh version takes around 12.5 hours on single-phase.

The 87kWh variants include the more advanced 22kW onboard charger, enabling a much faster home charge cycle (Standard feature on Evolve, as an option pack on Advance+).

Perhaps the most compelling attribute for the luxury change-agent is the ARIYA’s driving character which is quiet, composed, and instinctively refined.

Without the combustion-engine discord, the cabin falls into a hushed, contemplative ambience while the electric motors provide seamless acceleration at any speed.

However, the ARIYA invites a more mindful drive for any occasion, whether it’s isolating occupants from the chaos of urban traffic or engaging the driver for a spirited drive on a mountain road thanks to its three distinct driving modes.

The default Normal setting gives the ARIYA a conventional driving character, while Eco mode suffuses the ride with a sense of calm while optimising energy consumption. And the Sport setting unleashes the full performance with sharper response for maximum enjoyment.

For the affluent driver ready to evolve, this car offers not just mobility, but a recalibrated driving experience that is calm, assured, future-facing.

In an era when luxury is increasingly defined by how effortlessly innovation is woven into everyday experience, the Nissan ARIYA offers a compelling proposition.

It balances performance and refinement, aesthetics and practicality, range and reassurance.

For those who value quiet sophistication and are unafraid to pivot toward the electric future, the ARIYA delivers a refined holistic package through luxurious materials, advanced tech, long range, fast charging and premium safety, all wrapped in a serene driving personality.

The ARIYA re-imagines the mobility experience for the luxury-minded driver who believes that change isn’t just inevitable, it’s an opportunity to lead.

* Indicative driving range using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures obtained after the battery was fully charged. Figures stated for the purposes of comparison amongst vehicles tested to the same technical procedures only. Actual real world driving range may vary depending on factors such as battery age and condition, driving style, use of heating/cooling, traffic conditions, weather conditions, any accessories fitted and vehicle load.

^ Correct as of date of publication. All prices subject to change. Visit Nissan.com.au for more information.

# Driver’s aids only. Visit Nissan.com.au for more information.  

Learn more about the Nissan ARIYA today