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The Nissan Ariya adds an SUV to the marque’s lineup of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Japanese automaker didn’t stop there; the Ariya is getting a performance-oriented trim. That’s right, the Nissan Ariya NISMO is a thing, and it’s a corner-crushing cut above the standard EV SUV. But, is it necessary?

The Nissan Ariya gets the NISMO treatment with a 40-horsepower bump

The Nissan Ariya NISMO takes the existing e-4ORCE platform and adds a second electric motor. As a result, the NISMO model rides on grippy all-wheel drive (AWD). Better yet, the Japan-only EV SUV develops more power than the e-4ORCE model. 

Specifically, the entry-level B6 model produces 362 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the NISMO faithful will be more excited about the  B9 model and its 429 horsepower. Further, with 443 lb-ft of torque courtesy of a larger 91-kWh battery pack, the B9 is sure to be a thrust-happy affair. 

A Nissan Ariya NISMO shows off its rear-end styling.
Nissan Ariya NISMO | Nissan

However, the NISMO isn’t just an experiment in the needless application of more power; Nissan re-tuned the Ariya’s chassis for performance. We expect the Ariya will be a bit more adept at hiking up its pants and getting around corners. Still, looking at other NISMO models on the Nissan Z and GT-R platforms, we have to ponder the necessity of an Ariya NISMO. 

We love a NISMO, but the performance-oriented Ariya might be unnecessary

An electric SUV is, well, a lump. Even the explosive straight-line performance of the Tesla Model X Plaid can’t replace the fact that it weighs over 5,000 lbs. Woof. The same issue resides in the 2023 Nissan Ariya. The EV crossover SUV weighs over 4,300 lbs. It’s not exactly what you’d call spry.

Even with a corner-focused approach to its latest EV, we can’t imagine you’ll have anywhere near as much fun feeding the Ariya NISMO into corners as you would with a Nissan Z or Toyota GR86. 

Still, the NISMO’s re-tuned chassis will undoubtedly liven up its handling and driving experience. That, and with a welcome bump in power, surprising passengers with stoplight-to-stoplight thrust will become a common task. Car and Driver managed to coax a 5.0-second sprint to 60 mph out of the Ariya e-4ORCE Platinum+ (I know, it’s quite the name). It stands to reason that the NISMO model will shave tenths off of that time. 

Adding to the possible futility of North American Nissan fans pining after an Ariya NISMO, Nissan introduced it to the Japanese market. It’s unclear whether the marque will bring it to American shores.

Source: Nissan Media, Car and Driver

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).