Nissan Ariya Nismo unveiled with 429bhp and chassis upgrades

• Dual-motor with four-wheel drive
• Top-spec model gets 429bhp
• Host of chassis upgrades

Nissan has revealed the new Ariya Nismo at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, a high-performance variant of the electric family SUV. While the annual car show is often packed with weird and wonderful concept cars, the Ariya Nismo is slated to enter production, squaring up against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Volkswagen ID.4 GTX when it reaches customers next spring.

Nismo is the motorsport division of Nissan, much like M is to BMW, or N is to Hyundai, and as such, the changes for Ariya Nismo revolve around improving performance. The engineers have given the electric SUV a thorough overhaul, applying their motorsport magic to everything from the chassis to the motors and the interior.

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What’s new with the Nissan Ariya Nismo

Nissan will offer two versions of the Nismo, the B6 and B9, producing 362bhp and 429bhp respectively. While not as outrageous as the 641bhp of the Ioniq 5 N, the B9 model still receives a healthy uplift over the current range-topping, 388bhp Ariya. There’s no word yet on 0-62mph stats, but we expect the B9 model to achieve a sub-five second figure.

Nissan claims to have tweaked every chassis component of the Ariya Nismo too, which should help the electric SUV stay planted along twisty roads. There are new 20-inch wheels, exclusive to the Nismo, fitted with high-performance tyres to transmit that extra power to the tarmac. Both models use four-wheel drive, which should help to further aid traction.

The visual changes on the outside of the Ariya Nismo aren’t just for show; the rear spoiler helps to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speed and the redesigned front bumper features larger air vents for improved cooling. There’s a new rear diffuser too, complete with an F1-esque light in the middle. Red exterior accents replicate the look of past Nismo models, adding to the sporty flair.

What about the Ariya Nismo’s interior?

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The red theme continues inside the Ariya Nismo, with matching flashes for the air vents, stitching and steering wheel. There are unique seats for the Nismo model, finished in a dark faux-suede upholstery.

Drivers will notice a new synthetic driving soundtrack, inspired by Formula E race cars, played through the cabin speakers. This ties into a Nismo-specific driving mode with improved accelerator response over the regular Ariya.

How much will it cost and when can I order one?

Nissan hasn't revealed the price of the Ariya Nismo and production has only been confirmed for the Japanese market so far, where it will join the GT-R and Leaf Nismo models. 

Nissan doesn't currently offer any performance cars in the UK, but with other manufacturers bringing their hot electric SUVs to our shores, we expect the Japanese manufacturer to follow suit at some point in the future.

Why not read our top 10 list of the best performance SUVs that you can buy today?