Nissan has launched the LEAF NISMO in Japan, extending its NISMO road car lineup to the automaker’s electric vehicle. The LEAF nameplate has sold roughly 700,000 units globally since its 2010 debut, and Nissan brought a redesigned third-generation model to Japan in January 2026 built on a new EV platform with improved range and performance.
The NISMO variant builds on that platform, following the brand’s usual approach of blending motorsport-derived tuning with a car that’s still practical for daily driving.
Chassis and Suspension Tuning
Nissan describes the LEAF NISMO’s development concept as an “agile intelligent sport crossover,” and the chassis work reflects that goal.
NISMO-exclusive springs, stabilizers and member bushes stiffen the suspension and sharpen steering response, while swing valve-equipped shock absorbers — a system also used on the X-Trail NISMO — cut down on initial body roll without sacrificing ride comfort over rough surfaces. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires wrapped around lightweight 19-inch Enkei aluminum wheels round out the setup, adding grip while keeping unsprung weight in check.
Drive Modes Tuned for the Chassis
Three of the LEAF’s four drive modes carry NISMO-specific tuning. Sport mode has been reworked into what Nissan calls “NISMO Mode,” delivering sharper, more linear acceleration, while Standard and ECO modes were retuned to match the stiffer chassis.
The LEAF NISMO also becomes Nissan’s first EV NISMO model with dedicated regenerative braking paddles, offering four settings that range from lighter deceleration at Level 1 to progressively stronger braking force through Level 4.
Aerodynamic and Visual Updates
Exterior changes go beyond styling. Corner finishers on the front bumper guide airflow along the body’s sides to cut aerodynamic resistance, while a boat-hull-shaped under-spoiler and extended ducktail spoiler on the rear bumper add downforce without increasing drag.
Lower door finishers accentuate the car’s stance, and a red “Arterial Magma” accent runs through the body alongside gloss-black door mirrors marked with a red line. Buyers can choose from six exterior colors — the four offered on the standard LEAF, plus two exclusive shades of NISMO Stealth Gray.
Cabin Details
Inside, the LEAF NISMO pairs a black-dominant interior with red accents throughout, including a NISMO-specific power meter, instrument panel finishers and power switch.
The steering wheel uses Nissan’s TailorFit synthetic leather with a red center marker and stitching, and the front seats add red perforations with embroidered NISMO logos. NISMO-tuned RECARO sport seats with power reclining round out the cabin, designed to keep the driver firmly positioned during more spirited driving.
Specifications and Pricing
The LEAF NISMO comes in three Japan-market grades — B5 NISMO, B7 NISMO and a RECARO-equipped B7 NISMO — all sharing a 4,415mm length, 1,810mm width and 2,690mm wheelbase.
The B7 grades produce 160kW and 355Nm from their motor, while the B5 NISMO makes 130kW and 345Nm; vehicle weight ranges from 1,820kg to 1,920kg depending on grade. All three are offered exclusively in 2WD, with Japan pricing, including consumption tax, starting at ¥6,601,100 for the B5 NISMO, ¥6,952,000 for the B7 NISMO and ¥7,227,000 for the RECARO-equipped B7 NISMO.