Nissan LEAF NISMO launched in Japan

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. launched the Nissan LEAF NISMO, which also went on sale in Japan today.

The Nissan LEAF is an electric vehicle that has sold approximately 700,000 units globally since the launch of its first-generation in 2010. In January 2026, Nissan introduced the all-new third-generation LEAF to the Japanese market, featuring a new-generation EV platform and significant advancements in driving range, driving performance and advanced technologies.

Based on the all-new Nissan LEAF, the Nissan LEAF NISMO is the latest addition to Nissan's NISMO road car lineup. It embodies the philosophy of all NISMO road cars by blending race-bred performance with everyday drivability and further enhances the driving performance of the Nissan LEAF.

NISMO tuning ensures optimal performance
Developed under the concept of an ’agile intelligent sport crossover,’ the Nissan LEAF NISMO features NISMO exclusive tuning that delivers responsive and nimble performance, making the vehicle feel lighter and more agile than its size and weight would suggest.

The suspension features NISMO-exclusive springs, stabilizers and selected member bushes, increasing overall suspension rigidity and improving steering response. As with the X‑Trail NISMO, the LEAF NISMO features swing valve-equipped shock absorbers that help reduce initial body roll while allowing the suspension to respond smoothly to changing road surfaces. The result is light, responsive handling and a reassuring ride across a wide range of driving situations, from cruising to winding roads.

The LEAF NISMO rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 5 sports tires, which offer both higher grip and excellent control. Combined with lightweight, highly rigid 19-inch aluminum wheels manufactured by Enkei, the package maximizes tire performance while enhancing handling and driving stability.

Among the four drive modes available on the standard Nissan LEAF — Standard, ECO, Sport and Personal — the Standard, ECO and Sport modes have unique NISMO tuning. Sport mode has been enhanced to deliver powerful, linear acceleration unique to an electric motor vehicle and is designated as ‘NISMO Mode’. Standard and ECO modes have also been optimized to complement the NISMO tuned chassis to offer a more integrated driving feel.

In addition, the Nissan LEAF NISMO is the first EV NISMO model to feature regenerative braking control paddles with dedicated tuning. Among the four settings, deceleration force is reduced at Level 1 and increased at Levels 2 through 4 compared with the base model, delivering a more engaging and rewarding driving experience.

Designed to enhance performance
Embodying NISMO's philosophy of ’design for performance,’ the LEAF NISMO combines a sharper, more dignified appearance with enhanced aerodynamic performance. The front bumper features exclusive corner finishers with air-guide functionality that help smooth airflow and direct it along the side of the vehicle, reducing aerodynamic resistance.

Dedicated lower door finishers emphasize the vehicle's low center of gravity, while a dedicated rear bumper incorporating a boat-hull-shaped under spoiler and an extended ducktail rear spoiler help reduce drag and increase downforce. Combined, these unique elements achieve additional downforce without increasing aerodynamic drag compared with the base vehicle.

Also, an ‘Arterial Magma’, red accent color runs throughout the body, expressing powerful performance and advanced character as a unique electrified vehicle. The door mirrors feature a gloss-black finish accented by a red line that symbolizes NISMO's passion for performance, adding a distinctive visual highlight to the exterior.

The model is offered in six body colors: the four colors available on the base LEAF, plus two unique variations of NISMO Stealth Gray, an exclusive color for NISMO road cars. Designed to blend naturally into the circuit environment with a distinctive presence, it embodies NISMO’s focused, minimalist philosophy.

Excitement-inspiring interior
In the cabin, it features a black foundation high-quality interior with red accented details. This helps create the ideal driving environment for the driver to stay focused while enhancing the sense of excitement. As with previous NISMO road cars, exclusive NISMO elements are used throughout, including the power meter, instrument panel finishers and power switch.

The steering wheel is wrapped in TailorFit^™, a synthetic leather material with high durability and tactile feel similar to nappa leather featuring a red center marker and red stitching. The front seats incorporate red perforations along with embroidered NISMO logos, reflecting NISMO's attention to craftsmanship. In addition, the NISMO-exclusive tuned RECARO sport seats have been meticulously engineered to enhance the sense of connection between the driver and vehicle. They also feature a power reclining function with smooth, continuous adjustment, helping drivers achieve a more comfortable driving position.

Dynamic styling with a wide, low stance
The Nissan LEAF NISMO adopts exclusive styling that makes its NISMO identity instantly recognizable. Special exterior treatments create a wider, lower stance, while dedicated aerodynamic components contribute to visual impact and driving performance.

Signature NISMO red accents throughout and exclusive 19-inch wheels create a bold, performance-inspired presence. Together, these features create a design that reflects the vehicle's enhanced performance and signature NISMO character.