The Nismo edition brings suspension and tire upgrades without any increase in horsepower.
Nissan equips the Leaf Nismo with revised shocks plus Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires.
Recaro seats red trim elements and Nismo emblems distinguish it from regular Leaf variants.

Although a performance-oriented Leaf may appear unlikely Nissan previously applied the Nismo treatment to the last-generation model starting in 2018. The brand has since extended the badge to SUVs such as the Armada and Rogue showing that almost any vehicle can receive it. The Ariya Nismo already proved that electric models can carry the name too.

Nissan plans to grow the Nismo range to ten vehicles and lift yearly sales from 100000 to 150000 units by late 2028. The new Leaf Nismo may play a modest part since most buyers seek efficiency rather than sportiness. Still the range-topping version brings visual flair through a wider body kit and an extended rear spoiler.

Photo by: Nissan

Unfortunately the car retains the base taillights rather than the more distinctive units found on higher trims. Beyond the muscular body kit with red highlights and Nismo lettering the model rides on unique 19-inch Enkei wheels. These changes also improve aerodynamics by lowering drag and adding downforce.

Red accents appear inside as well where optional Recaro front seats offer better side support. Nissan covers the steering wheel in synthetic leather with a red marker at the top. A Nismo badge sits on the console and the instrument display uses special graphics to mark the difference.

Mechanical upgrades exist too. The Leaf Nismo adopts swing-valve dampers from the X-Trail Nismo along with stiffer springs and stabilizers plus revised bushings. New wheels wear 235/45 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires and Sport mode receives sharper throttle mapping.

Power stays unchanged. In Japan buyers choose between a 174-hp motor with 254 lb-ft or a 214-hp unit with 261 lb-ft. Curb weight starts at 4012 pounds with the 52-kWh battery and rises by 220 pounds with the 75-kWh pack. Optional Recaro seats save 44 pounds but require the larger battery.

What do you think?

Orders open now in Japan at 6601100 yen roughly 40500 dollars with the smaller battery. The larger pack costs 6952000 yen about 42600 dollars while Recaro seats push the price to 7227000 yen or 44300 dollars.

Nissan has not confirmed sales outside Japan yet. Given its goal to expand the Nismo lineup further the model could reach other markets eventually.

2027 Nissan Leaf Nismo (Japan)

Source: Nissan