Quick Highlights:
- Nissan hasn’t ruled out a Leaf NISMO, but it will depend on whether buyers show enough interest.
- The third-generation Leaf takes on SUV-like proportions and borrows design touches from the Z sports car.
- A larger 75 kWh battery stretches the range to around 604 km (WLTP), while the standard model can sprint from 0–100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
- A potential NISMO variant could match the Ariya NISMO in performance, with 320 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque.
The Nissan Leaf has earned its place as one of the most practical and popular electric cars of the past decade. But the third-generation model hints at something more ambitious: a Leaf that could be sharper, sportier, and more performance-oriented, following the performance-oriented ethos Nissan has shown with models like the X-Trail NISMO.
Christian Spencer, senior manager at Nissan USA, says a Leaf NISMO isn’t on the production schedule yet. Still, he left the door open. If enough drivers show genuine interest, Nissan would consider turning the idea into reality.
“We’re always listening to our customers,” Spencer told CarScoops. “If the demand is there, we’ll explore it.”
For fans of Nissan’s performance sub-brand, that’s an encouraging sign. A Leaf with NISMO treatment would take the familiar EV into entirely new territory, blending everyday practicality with the kind of driving excitement usually reserved for sports cars.
Design Based on the Z Sports Car
The new Nissan Leaf is no longer an electric hatch with a practical approach. Its designers have also borrowed the iconic Z sports car, which has made it appear more purposeful and edged with sharper lines. It still maintains the practicality that Leaf enjoyed, making it a widespread success; however, this time around it appears and feels more mature, which borders on SUVs with their broad proportions.
The finer aspects, such as the smoother aerodynamics and refined suspension, are indications of a car that is intended to be driven and not merely charged. The steering has been made more lively, and the general position makes the Leaf appear more sportive and assertive on the road. It goes without saying that even without the NISMO badge, it is possible to read between the lines that Nissan is telling that this generation of the Leaf is not only about efficiency but about driving fun as well.
Performance and Battery Upgrades
The standard Leaf now comes with a 75 kWh battery, delivering a remarkable 604 km WLTP range, a significant improvement over the outgoing model’s 385 km. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration is claimed at 7.4 seconds, slightly slower than before due to the larger battery and SUV-inspired design.
A potential Leaf NISMO could transform performance dramatically, drawing on the Ariya NISMO’s dual-motor setup producing 320 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque. This would allow a 0-100 km/h sprint near 5 seconds, offering a true EV hot hatch experience. Suspension and handling upgrades are expected, though Nissan may focus more on dynamics than on heavy component changes like oversized brakes.
Global NISMO Perspective
NISMO’s role varies by region. In Japan, NISMO extends into EVs and is tuned for tight, winding roads. In North America, the focus is on high-performance sports cars like the Z and GT-R. Spencer explained, “The meaning for NISMO varies a little bit. In the U.S., we focus on it differently because the driving environment is different. In Japan, the brand also has deeper roots in electric vehicles.”
This means that a potential Leaf NISMO in Australia or the U.S. would combine the hot hatch ethos with practicality, appealing to enthusiasts without compromising everyday usability.
Local Production and Availability
The new Leaf is coming to Australia at the beginning of 2026. It will have components produced at Nissan’s Dandenong casting facility in Victoria, integrating local production with global EV technology. Although the pricing is yet to be announced, pricing is expected to be higher for the larger battery and potential NISMO version compared to the current model.
In Australia, the NISMO badge has a track record of including 370Z NISMO, GT-R NISMO and Juke NISMO. A Leaf NISMO would be a continuation of this, and provide a performance based electric option to fans in an increasingly electric market.
Fan Demand Could Make It Real
For EV enthusiasts, the message is clear: a Leaf NISMO is possible if enough customers speak up. Nissan is listening, and with the new Leaf borrowing not just styling but also suspension and steering cues from the Z sports car, a hotter, sharper-handling EV hatch is not out of place. It’s now up to fans to decide if this dream becomes reality.
Source: CarScoops
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