Nissan has been in the EV (Electric Vehicle) game longer than many other players. The Leaf, which sold well in several markets across the globe, helped the brand establish itself as a renowned EV maker. To cater to the demands for people who want an all-electric powertrain in a high-riding vehicle, Nissan has introduced the Ariya. It isn’t exactly butch to behold. The crossover silhouette is much easier on the eye.

When it goes on sale, the Ariya will have four powertrain options. Their availability, however, will be market dependent. The entry-level version will pack a single electric motor producing 215bhp/300Nm, and it will gain its juices from a 65 kWh battery. Nissan claims a 0-100kmph sprint time of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 160kmph and a range of up to 450km. You can have the same setup with a more powerful electric motor (239bhp/300Nm) and a bigger battery (90 kWh). Even though there’s more power, the added weight of the battery means a 0-100kmph sprint time of 7.6 seconds and the same top speed. However, the Ariya can travel up to 610km on a single charge with this configuration.

The same battery sizes are also available with dual electric motors. With the smaller juice box, the AWD Ariya has 335bhp/560Nm. That’s enough for it to hit 100kmph from nothing in 5.4 seconds, reach 200kmph flat out and travel up to 430km on a full charge. The range-topper gets the bigger battery, which allows for a maximum output of 389bhp/600Nm. The added oomph slashes the sprint time by 0.3 seconds, whereas the extra available juice takes the estimated travel range up to 580km. The top speed, however, remains unchanged.

Although Nissan hasn’t mentioned the specifics, the Ariya will support both slow (AC) and fast charging (DC) options. Also, the crossover will pack Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 driver assistance system along with e-Pedal and ProPilot Remote Park. Other features include an Around View Monitor, Forward Collision Warning System and Emergency Braking. The Ariya will receive its firmware updates wirelessly over the air.

Nissan will launch the Ariya in Japan by mid-2021. By the end of next year, the EV will also be available in other markets across North America, Europe and China. Do you like what Nissan has done to create the Ariya?