Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE: Revolutionizing electric vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

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I was initially confused by the Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE. I was already familiar with the Ariya, a stylish electric SUV/crossover. However, the addition of "e-4ORCE" made me think of another Nissan name, "e-POWER". At first, I thought Nissan had partially 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, providing an innovative solution to range anxiety.

Fortunately, the Ariya remains a fully electric vehicle. The addition of an extra motor and four-wheel drive enhances the car's performance and roadholding capabilities. While it doesn't make the Ariya a rugged off-roader, it does improve its traction and stability, similar to the Audi Quattro system. I can confirm that the e-4ORCE allows for smoother roundabout navigation and a more composed experience on the motorway. Equipped with the larger battery pack, it's also notably faster than the two-wheel drive version, making it a highly accomplished package.

However, the premium for the e-4ORCE variant is significant, with an additional £11,000 on the base price or £140 per month on a typical lease deal. This takes the price past £50,000, although it still offers minimal benefit-in-kind tax charges for business users. The trade-off is a slightly reduced range compared to the two-wheel drive version, around 30 miles less.

Aside from these changes, the Ariya e-4ORCE retains its impressive features. The cabin is superb, with "haptic" controls on the wooden dash and fully adjustable seats. The center console slides forward and back, and there's a powered tailgate. The Nissan ProPilot part-autonomous drive system works intuitively, and the switchable "e-pedal" allows for efficient acceleration and braking. The car also offers settings for economy, comfort, sport, and snow driving modes.

The fit and finish of the Ariya e-4ORCE are faultless, with high-quality materials used throughout. The boot space is slightly smaller due to the batteries, but the carpeting in the back is durable for load carrying, and the space is usable with the back seats folded down. In terms of looks, opinions may vary, but I find the exterior design to be sleek and sensually curved. The Akatsuki Copper color with piano-black trim adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

The giant alloy wheels suit the Ariya e-4ORCE's proportions perfectly. However, being a slightly longer vehicle, parking can be a challenge on congested streets. While the realistic range of 250 miles is reassuring, parking anxiety seems to be replacing range anxiety as a concern for electric car owners. There is a need for smaller electric cars in addition to the larger models available.

FutureCar Staff