Turning over a new Leaf: Fresh 2026 Nissan LEAF details emerge ahead of pioneering switch from hatch to Kia EV3 or Volvo EX30 rival
More details and fresh pics of the 2026 Nissan Leaf have emerged ahead of the all-electric SUV’s launch in Australia next year.
Promised to be more of a credible alternative to combustion car, the all-new Nissan Leaf is said to be a high efficiency SUV on the highway that can add 250km of range in a short 14-minute charge.
Releasing the first of three videos that help chart its development, all give a closer look at the battery-powered production SUV.
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The first short vid explains how the Leaf benefits from knowledge accrued from the 700,000 customers who bought the first two generations and collectively racked up 28 billion kilometres.
According to Nissan’s Vice President for Global Product Strategy, Richard Candler, the new Leaf is a credible alternative to a combustion family car as it has been made to cover long distances with ease.
Revealing how a typical charging stop takes around 14 minutes, Candler revealed a top-up of that duration adds around 250km of range, with the Nissan exec promising an “easy and seamless charging” experience.
That figure might sound impressive but is a long way off the 300km you can add in the faster-charging next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA after an even-briefer 10-minute top-up.
Unlocking the Leaf’s “impressive highway efficiency”, the next-gen Nissan SUV features a low drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd for the US and Japan version and 0.25 Cd for Europe.
The difference is explained by the European-spec Leaf sporting different wheels and tweaked door mirror that are both designed to enhance its range.
Other advanced Leaf’s aerodynamics include pop-out door handles, active grille shutters and a smooth alloy wheel design for both market versions.
Beneath its skin there’s a flat underfloor, while the fastback silhouette and rear liftback shape are used to create an airfoil effect.
The Nissan Leaf’s design boss, Nobutaka Tase, is particularly proud of its glass panoramic roof that features a design that sees it sit 12mm lower than a conventional glass roof that is said to blend “ample” headroom with new e-dimming tech.
The new dimming function has been introduced to eliminate the need for blinds or sunshades that can also impact on rear headroom.
The electrochromic tech adjusts the glass’s transparency at a touch of a button and is combined with an infrared coating that reduces solar radiation for a cooler cabin on hot days.
“Beyond EV intenders and innovators, we wanted the all-new Nissan Leaf to offer a truly credible alternative to combustion vehicles,” said Candler. “We wanted it to balance emotional and rational appeal, ensuring it looks sleek and bold, whilst meeting the real-world needs of families with thoughtful design.”
What was missing in the latest video is clear shots of the production Nissan Leaf’s side profile and rear styling, suggesting both are destined to be revealed in future videos.
