Nissan Australia has confirmed the pricing and specification of the two X-Trail e-POWER with e-4ORCE variants which are now available to order from the national dealer network.
According to Nissan, both model grades deliver a true EV-like drive experience without needing to plug in.
Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Nissan’s e-POWER technology delivers a constant EV-like drive experience, thanks to the driven wheels being powered only by the electric motors.
“This is a true best-of-both world’s solution, delivering the smooth and immediate acceleration of an EV, only without ever needing to plug in,” says Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson.
“The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER with e-4ORCE isn’t an evolution of an ICE powertrain, it’s a true bridge to Nissan’s fully electrified BEVs, like the LEAF or Ariya, delivering an EV-like drive experience, along with the confidence to travel as far as you need to.
This is a premium SUV that delivers plenty of driving fun, along with all the technology and practicality on offer across the entire all-new X-Trail family,” he says.
Designed to act as flagship models in the X-Trail range, the e-POWER with e-4ORCE powertrain is available on the X-Trail Ti and Ti-L trim levels.
Australia will exclusively take e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel-drive variants, in keeping with the model’s flagship standing in the X-Trail range.
The electrified X-Trail family begins with the Ti e-POWER with e-4ORCE ($54,190 MSRP), followed by the top-of-the-range X-Trail Ti-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE ($57,190 MSRP).
Both models represent a $4200 premium in MSRP over the equivalent ICE-powered variants, and both are offered exclusively in five-seat configurations.
The X-Trail Ti e-POWER with e-4ORCE is packed with premium features, including genuine leather-accented~ seating, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, LED turn signals, a Smart Rear View Mirror, tri-zone climate control, Adaptive Driving Beam, auto wipers and power-operated rear tailgate. The technology offering is also significant, with a 12.3-inch, navigation-equipped touchscreen, a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch TFT digital driver display.
The Ti-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE, furthers the luxury story, featuring a heated steering wheel, Bose 10-speaker sound system, quilted Nappa leather-accented seats with memory seat function, rear sunshades, hands-free rear tailgate, heated rear outboard seats, remote engine start and more.
What is e-POWER?
The X-Trail’s e-POWER with e-4ORCE system is comprised of a high-output 2.1kWh battery integrated with a turbo-petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors (150kW front axle, 100kW rear axle with a combined system output of 157kW).
Power to the wheels comes only from the electric motors, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator, and fuel efficiency of 6.1L/100km (combined).
The power for the electric motors and battery is generated by a variable compression turbocharged petrol engine which runs quietly in the background to feed the battery, which then supplies power to the electric motors via an inverter.
The engine is compact and lightweight, and is engineered to deliver high torque from low RPMs.
The unique element of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings.
Under heavy acceleration, and when the battery is low, the petrol engine will deliver power not just to the battery, but to the electric motors, ensuring consistent acceleration no matter the battery status or driving conditions.
Thanks to the pure electric motor drive, there’s no delay as with an internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant response delivers exhilarating high torque feel and agile acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a highway easier.
Integral to the design of the e-POWER installation is the linear tune, which governs the operation of the petrol engine, ensuring that it’s spinning at an appropriate speed relative to road speed, avoiding the “rev-up” effect of traditional hybrids under hard acceleration.
A secondary benefit is the refinement it brings, ensuring the engine is running only at the speed it needs to, which is typically low in urban and suburban conditions.
The X-Trail’s EV Mode allows a near-silent EV-like drive experience at much higher speeds (up to 100km/h) than conventional hybrids, while a twist-dial Drive Mode Selector provides five driving modes – Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport.
In addition to these benefits, the e-POWER drive system guarantees a quiet drive, for example at 40 km/h the sound in the car reduces significantly when compared to ICE-powered variants.
What is e-4ORCE?
A new all-wheel-drive system designed to work exclusively with Nissan’s electrified powertrains is introduced on the all-new X-Trail e-POWER, with e-4ORCE delivering reassuring traction and confident acceleration in all conditions thanks to Nissan’s most advanced AWD technology.
The “e” in e-4ORCE signifies that the system was developed to work solely with Nissan’s electrified powertrains. Indeed, it will also be offered on Nissan’s 100% electric Ariya.
The dual e-motor system has a total output of 157kW thanks to the addition of the rear motor, which allows for keen acceleration, with a zero-100km/h time of just 7.0 seconds. It also has a rear torque response that is up to 10,000 times faster than a mechanical 4WD system.
In addition, the constant torque redistribution, including torque vectoring side to side, and near-perfect weight balance contribute to reassuring handling and ride comfort, enabling a powerful yet smooth, driving experience.
With power distributed almost instantly according to the prevailing conditions, the driver and passengers will be unaware of the system working to maximise traction and control. Indeed, the system will be working even in apparently benign conditions.
The e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers reassuring traction and confident acceleration in all conditions. The system doesn’t just unlock capability, but also delivers better grip, traction and turning ability, enhancing ride and handling.
By specifically managing power output and braking performance for each wheel, e-4ORCE sends power to the outer wheels in a turn, ensuring agility and stability, which results in the vehicle tracing the intended driving line. This advanced traction management is constantly active, giving stability and traction in all driving scenarios, such as damp, muddy, oily, icy and snowy roads.
Engineers fine-tuned the precision control technology and twin electric motors of e-4ORCE to provide unparalleled ride comfort. Vehicle pitch and dive are reduced by adding regenerative braking via the rear motor.
In addition to optimising front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximise the cornering force generated by each one. This delivers cornering that faithfully follows driver intentions with minimal steering adjustments.
What is e-Pedal Step?
Given the majority of the X-Trail’s driving time is expected to be in urban areas, Nissan developed an entirely new ‘one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal Step.
Designed to take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, e-Pedal Step allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator.
The system must first be activated by the switch on the centre console and once engaged — at speeds above 10km/h — the accelerator will deliver acceleration as usual. Upon release of the accelerator, e-Pedal Step will brake the X-Trail at 0.2g, enough to illuminate the brake lights, and reduce the speed down to a “creeping” speed, not a complete stop. This ensures low-speed parking manoeuvres are as smooth as possible.
Outside of the city, when Sport mode is activated, the e-Pedal Step helps deliver a more exciting, and more engaging, drive experience, allowing the driver to slow or accelerate using only one pedal, without having to use the brake.
