New Nissan Ariya Nismo coming to the UK with 429bhp and chassis upgrades

• Dual-motor with four-wheel drive
• Top-spec model gets 429bhp
• Coming to the UK

Performance SUV buyers will have another new model to pick from next year, as it’s been confirmed that the Nissan Ariya Nismo is coming to the UK. Revealed earlier this year at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, the new performance car adds a sportier edge to the electric Ariya SUV, with more power, an upgraded chassis and a visual makeover.

Nismo is the motorsport division of Nissan, much like M is to BMW or N is to Hyundai, having historically applied its engineering magic to road cars such as the Nissan 370Z coupe and Nissan GT-R supercar. While a Nismo-badged Nissan Leaf is sold in Japan, the Ariya Nismo will be the first electric car sold in Europe to have been fettled with by the tuning division.

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We’ll have to wait until next year to see a Nissan Ariya Nismo on our UK roads, but it’ll make its pre-production debut later this week at the 2024 Formula E London ePrix.

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 Hyundai 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?

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.

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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?

Although production has been confirmed for the UK market, pricing for the Nissan Ariya Nismo is still under wraps. It’s expected to be the most expensive Ariya in the lineup, exceeding the current £59,000 top-spec model. It will arrive in UK dealerships next year, by which time we’ll know more about its performance and pricing.

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