Nissan’s X-Trail will adopt an e-Power engine generating 140kW and 330Nm, while sipping a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid-equalling 5.0L/100km on the combined cycle, according to new media reports.
Japan’s Best Car Web is reporting a scoop on an incoming electrified X-Trail – which will be Nissan’s best shot yet at tackling the dominant Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – and, if proven accurate, the numbers are looking strong.
According to the Japanese news site, the e-Power X-Trail will be equipped with the same second-gen e-Power system as the new Qashqai, which will mean 140kW of power and 330Nm of torque. But unlike its smaller sibling, the new X-Trail is also expected be offered in AWD guise.
For reference, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid makes up to 163kW combined from its 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.
The X-Trail is also expected to return fuel figures of around 5.0L/100km combined on the WLTP cycle, which again should see it about on-par with its core rival, with the Toyota hybrid system returning around 4.7L/100km.
But the big difference is what powers the wheels. Most brands’ hybrid systems – including the powertrain Toyota uses in its RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Prius and Kluger, or Subaru uses in its XV and Forester – allow both electric and petrol to power the vehicle, but Nissan’s e-Power tech works differently.
With e-Power, the petrol motor is used exclusively to recharge the on-board lithium-ion battery, with only the electric motor used to power the driving wheels. It’s this, says, Nissan, that separates it from the pack.
Best Car Web is also reporting that a plug-in hybrid will follow around 12 months after the launch of the e-Power model, borrowing its powertrain from its Alliance sibling, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Nissan in Australia is yet to confirm an e-Power X-Trail for our market, but has locked in the Qashqai e-Power for a local launch.
Nissan Australia boss Adam Paterson said e-Power offers drivers the benefits of an electric drivetrain without needing to plug in.
“Nissan prides itself on delivering Intelligent Mobility solutions in every vehicle, and nowhere is that more obvious than with this Nissan-exclusive solution,” he says.
“While a traditional hybrid adds battery power to an internal-combustion engine, e-Power delivers an EV-like driving experience, including exhilarating acceleration and near-silent operation, all while drastically reducing your fuel use and emissions.