Review – Nissan X-Trail E-Power – Why this electric car is tow vehicle of the year 2023
Nissan E-Power
It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. The new X-Trail is equipped with Nissan’s innovative e-Power powertrain. How that works. The wheels of the car are driven by an electric motor, just like an all-electric car. The required power is provided by a battery pack, also just like an EV. What is different, however, is where the power comes from.
Instead of a (fast) charger or an outlet, the X-Trail gets its energy from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. The sole task of the gasoline engine is to generate electricity for the electric motor. The latter always drives the wheels. In the e-4ORCE variant we tested, two electric motors – one front, one rear – provide the drive.
5 minutes of “loading”
So in the X-Trail, you experience the benefits of an electric car but never have to stop to recharge. You can simply refuel in just 5 minutes, just like a traditional gasoline car. When the fuel tank is full again, the trip computer indicates 700 kilometers of range. With a hefty caravan it will be a bit less, but it is a lot further than you can currently achieve with an all-electric car combined with a caravan. And as mentioned, the “charge” takes only 5 minutes.
Nice and smooth
The base version of the X-Trail e-Power features a 203-hp electric motor on the front axle. For adventurous drivers, there is the e-4ORCE version, which offers all-wheel drive thanks to an additional electric motor on the rear axle that produces 128 hp. The result is a combined output of 214 hp, with which the X-Trail shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. So nice and smooth, like a real electric car is.
Nice and practical
We mentioned in the introduction that this electric-powered car is capable of towing a caravan. And it does so for a reason; in fact, it was recently awarded the prestigious title “Towing Car of the Year 2023” by the ANWB Camping Champion. With seven seats, it can tow up to 1,650 kg, while the five-seat configuration offers up to 1,800 towing capacity.
In terms of luggage space, the X-Trail boasts a space of 585 liters, which is 20 liters more than the previous model. The low threshold makes loading and unloading items very easy.
The second row of seats is thoughtfully designed, with doors that swing open extra far for effortless entry and easy placement of child seats. Each seat can be adjusted individually, and heated seats and individual climate control provide additional comfort in the rear. The third row of seats is only suitable for young children, due to the lack of legroom.
Big brother of the Qashqai
Inside, one immediately notices the hefty 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which provides the driver with all essential information. The infotainment screen, with the same generous size, is not the fastest on the market, but not slow by any means. It is equipped with all modern conveniences, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The overall interior quality is a step higher than that of its smaller brother, the Qashqai. The materials used exude more luxury. Physical buttons are fortunately present, allowing you to effortlessly adjust settings and other items while driving, without distracting the driver’s attention.
No economy miracle
After our week of testing, fuel economy comes out to an average of 1 in 15. For a hefty seven-seater, certainly not disappointing, but with an advanced, partially electric powertrain, you might expect more economical results. Consumption is not significantly different than that of a standard X-Trail of the previous generation. So why choose the X-Trail anyway? Simple: the extremely smooth electric powertrain.
What does the new Nissan X-Trail e-Power cost?
The price list starts at 50,000 euros. For that money, you get the five-seater along with a single electric motor. Those who want seven seats should automatically opt for the more powerful e-4ORCE variant. It comes starting at 55,500 euros. Know how he drives? Then watch the video below:
