Nissan NZ launches X-Trail e-Power with e-4ORCE.

Nissan’s X-Trail e-Power with e-4ORCE is like an electric car. Photos: Nissan Australia

The next stage of Nissan’s electrified product offensive has arrived in New Zealand, in the stylish form of the all-new, fourth-generation X-Trail e-Power with e-4ORCE.

Nissan’s most technologically advanced SUV to date delivers a true EV-like drive experience without ever needing to plug in. 

Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Nissan’s innovative X-Power technology delivers a constant EV-like drive experience, thanks to the driven wheels being powered only by the electric motors, so response is always instant, linear and smooth. 

"This is a true best-of-both world’s solution, delivering the smooth and immediate acceleration of an EV, only without ever needing to plug in,” says Nissan New Zealand Managing Director Ben Hamilton. 

"The Nissan X-Trail X-Power with e-4ORCE isn’t an evolution of an ICE powertrain, it’s a true bridge to Nissan’s fully electrified BEVs, like the Leaf or Ariya, delivering an EV-like drive experience, along with the confidence to travel as far as you need to. 

"But efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of excitement. This is a premium SUV that delivers plenty of driving fun, along with all the technology and practicality on offer across the entire all-new X-Trail family."

Designed to act as flagship models in the X-Trail range, the X-Power with e-4ORCE powertrain is available on the generously equipped X-Trail ST-L and Ti-L trim levels. 

The fourth-generation X-Trail has updated features.

The electrified X-Trail family begins with the ST-L X-Power with e-4ORCE ($62,990), followed by the top-of-the-range X-Trail Ti-L X-Power with e-4ORCE ($66,990). Both are offered exclusively in five-seat configurations. 

The X-Trail’s X-Power with e-4ORCE system is comprised of a high-output 2.1kWh battery integrated with a turbo-petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors (150kW front axle, 100kW rear axle with a combined system output of 157kW). 

This powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from the electric motors, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator, and impressive fuel efficiency of just 6.1L/100km  (combined). 

The power for the electric motors and battery is generated by a highly advanced variable compression turbocharged petrol engine which runs quietly in the background to feed the battery, which then supplies power to the electric motors via an inverter. 

The engine is compact and lightweight, and is engineered to deliver high torque from low RPMs. The X-Trail’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine acts as the perfect generator. 

The unique element of X-Power is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings. 

The X-Trail’s EV Mode allows a near-silent EV-like drive experience at much higher speeds (up to 100km/h) than conventional hybrids, while a twist-dial Drive Mode Selector provides five driving modes - Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport.

The X-Trail’s EV Mode allows a near-silent EV-like drive experience