Nissan is taking on Tesla’s Model Y with the launch of the Ariya coupe crossover, it’s second electric vehicle following the success of the Leaf.

With a range of 480km, the Ariya also has autonomous driving features and voice assistance similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric vehicle.

The Ariya is heavily based on the similarly named concept vehicle displayed at the 2019 Tokyo motor show.

It’s the first production model to represent Nissan’s new electrified brand identity, forging a path toward a new automotive era where electrification, optimised platform packaging and seamless vehicle AI technology will become standard.

“The Nissan Ariya is a truly beautiful and remarkable car,” said Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta said. “It enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. The Ariya is designed to impress, and to express what Nissan strives for – making our customers’ lives better.”

When released, this SUV will offer two battery packs: 63 or 87 kilowatt-hours.

The Ariya will also offer optional all-wheel drive and promises engaging handling, with a 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity thanks to its skateboard-like battery pack, an arrangement Nissan fancifully calls Magic Carpet. It will also be rated to tow up to 1500kg.

Nissan’s redesigned brand logo is prominently placed at the centre of the aerodynamic shield, beaming with crisp definition from the 20 LEDs that compose it. The new brand logo represents Nissan’s passion and dedication towards innovation by challenging conventional approaches. In keeping both sun and bar design elements, the logo signals a respect for the company’s heritage while moving towards a future of mobility services and electrification.

The Nissan Ariya is also equipped with additional innovative 360-degree safety features such as the signature Nissan Safety Shield.

It will be launched late 2021, and with the expected global demand, Nissan New Zealand could see it available here in mid-2022.