The new Nissan Leaf marks a sharp turn for a model that once defined the early electric car market in Europe. Now in its third generation, the vehicle abandons its hatchback roots for a crossover body with coupé styling, a move aimed at refreshing its appeal amid growing competition.
At 4.35 meters long, the car is actually shorter than its predecessor. Yet the redesign aligns with Nissan’s push to revive its smaller Micra while giving the Leaf a more modern, angular look. The front end features a long LED light bar sweeping into the faux grille, paired with an illuminated badge that breaks up the minimalist fascia.
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The side profile blends sharp creases with rounded curves, a nod to Nissan’s early 2000s design language. The sloping roofline cuts drag but eats into rear headroom, a trade-off for the coupé silhouette. At the back, the upward flick of the rear window and 3D taillights add flair, though the lack of a rear LED bar disrupts the symmetry with the front.
Inside, the cabin keeps things simple. Two 14.3-inch touchscreens dominate the dashboard, with Google built in for navigation and software. Physical buttons mix with touch controls, a practical choice compared to all-touchsetups but one that feels inconsistent. The gear selector, tucked into a console below the dash, looks like an afterthought next to the sleek upper dashboard design.
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Rear passengers may find headroom and legroom tight, especially under the panoramic roof—though the glass does brighten the cabin. The 437-liter boot is decent but trails some rivals, and the split floor helps hide charging cables. There’s no frunk.
The Leaf offers two battery options: a 52kWh unit with a 440km WLTP range and a 75kWh version good for 622km. The larger battery supports 150kW DC fast charging. Vehicle-to-load capability allows up to 3.6kW output for powering external devices.
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On the road, the car prioritizes comfort. The suspension smooths out rough pavement but leads to noticeable body roll in turns. Wind noise at highway speeds is more intrusive than expected. Acceleration is adequate for city and highway driving, and the e-pedal enables one-pedal operation. The regenerative braking system works well, though the brake pedal itself feels soft when coming to a stop.
A region-by-region benchmark in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK suggests the new Leaf could attract buyers looking for style and practicality in a crossover package. Whether it can reclaim its early dominance in the BEV market remains to be seen.