2024 Nissan Ariya NISMO Disappoints Numbers Wise

– The 2024 Ariya NISMO offers only minor power boosts over the standard model’s performance.

– Charging speeds remain unimpressive compared to other high-performance electric vehicles in its class.

– Despite aesthetic and handling tweaks, it fails to compete with true performance-oriented electric rivals.

High performance electric vehicles are rapidly gaining ground. When Nissan announced a performance-oriented NISMO variant of the Ariya, expectations soared. After all, NISMO is synonymous with high-performance models like the Z and GT-R. However, the 2024 Ariya NISMO, set to be launched in Japan and Europe, doesn’t seem to live up to the hype surrounding the brand.

As with other NISMO models, the Ariya NISMO features several exterior upgrades for both aesthetics and aerodynamics. NISMO has trimmed the bodywork to reduce drag and increase downforce, which should improve the car’s performance at high speeds.

In addition to the sleeker body, the B6 and B9 variants of the Ariya NISMO come equipped with 20-inch NISMO-designed wheels, shod in 255/45R20 rubber. The interior, too, has seen some upgrades, with special seats and trims. NISMO fans will like the highlights, but they are, unfortunately, where the excitement begins to wane.

At the heart of the Ariya NISMO are its B6 and B9 variants, each offering a slight boost in power over the standard Ariya models. The B6 is powered by a 66-kWh battery, delivering 362 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque—a 27-hp increase over the non-NISMO equivalent. Meanwhile, the B9, with its larger 91-kWh battery, bumps the output to 413 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, a modest 24-hp improvement over the standard model with the same battery. Even a Formula E-inspired sound generator, meant to generate fake goosebumps, can’t make up for what is ultimately a lacklustre performance upgrade.

Nissan claims a 10 % increase in peak motor output for the NISMO models and has introduced an exclusive NISMO driving mode aimed at improving responsiveness. While these tweaks offer slight improvements on paper, they certainly won’t take the Ariya NISMO to Hyundai N, Kia GT, and Ford GT levels however they seem in line with Volkswagen’s GTX versions…

One area where the Ariya NISMO really falls short is its charging capabilities. With a 130-kW DC fast charging speed, the SUV will take 35 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 % for the 66-kWh pack and 40 minutes for the 91-kWh pack. Other specs that are underwhelming include Nissan’s claim that the 2024 Ariya NISMO can sprint from 0 to 1000 km/h in “within five seconds.” Most non-high-performance variants of midsize EVs hit the same mark in the low four to high five seconds.

While we are being critical already, it’s possible that the Ariya NISMO’s handling characteristics will surprise. Having said that, the current Ariya eForce is already a better-than-decent driver and it’s quick. The NISMO branding seems opportunistic, if anything.

The 2024 Nissan Ariya NISMO is expected to hit the roads in Japan and Europe, with no immediate plans for a North American release. Even so, it seems that Nissan remains open to bringing the model to other markets based on consumer demand. While there is no official pricing available yet, the involvement of the NISMO sub-brand in Nissan’s electric lineup should indicate a rather substantial price hike over the “regular” vehicle. s.