Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Revolution

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【Summary】The Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE is an electric SUV/crossover with improved roadholding and tractability due to its four-wheel drive system. It is still a pure electric vehicle and offers a range of 200-250 miles. The e-4ORCE version is faster and more expensive than the two-wheel drive version, priced at over £50,000. It features a high-quality cabin, haptic controls, and a ProPilot autonomous drive system.

FutureCar Staff Nov 18, 2023 10:17 PM PT

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At first, the Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE had me confused. I was already familiar with the Ariya, a striking and smooth electric SUV/crossover. However, the addition of "e-4ORCE" confused me, as I mixed it up with another Nissan name, "e-POWER".

Initially, I feared that Nissan had abandoned battery-electric power for the Ariya in favor of the e-POWER system used in some Qashqai models. This system burns petrol to fuel a battery-electric motor powertrain, an unusual arrangement that prevents range anxiety. However, I soon realized that the Ariya is still purely electric. The addition of e-4ORCE simply offers an extra motor and four-wheel drive for improved tractability and roadholding.

Equipped with the larger battery pack, the Ariya e-4ORCE is notably faster than the two-wheel drive version. However, the premium for this model is also significant, adding £11,000 to the base price or £140 per month on a typical lease deal. The range is slightly reduced compared to the two-wheel drive version.

In terms of features, the Ariya e-4ORCE offers a superb cabin with "haptic" controls on the wooden dash, fully adjustable seats, a sliding center console, and a powered tailgate. The Nissan ProPilot part-autonomous drive system works intuitively, and the car also has a switchable "e-pedal" for efficient driving. The fit and finish inside and out are faultless, with high-quality materials used throughout.

As for the looks, opinions vary. Some find it dead ugly, but I personally see a car with sensual curves and a smart appearance, especially in the signature color of Akatsuki Copper. The giant alloy wheels complement the proportions of the car, although its length can make parking on congested streets a bit challenging.

The Ariya e-4ORCE offers a realistic typical range of 250 miles and fast charging. However, it highlights the need for smaller electric cars to alleviate parking anxiety in addition to range anxiety.