The Nissan LEAF, once the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, is back with a bang in 2025. The third-generation LEAF has been officially unveiled, bringing a completely reimagined design, longer range, cutting-edge technology, and a renewed focus on affordability. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, the new LEAF is now more competitive than ever, targeting mainstream EV buyers and reclaiming its dominance in the growing electric hatchback space.
The original LEAF revolutionized the EV world in 2010. In its third generation, it aims to do it again — this time, with far more rivals and much higher expectations.
Design: From Soft to Sharp — Radical Evolution
One of the most talked-about changes in the Gen-3 Nissan LEAF is its entirely redesigned exterior. Moving away from the egg-shaped, eco-centric silhouette of its predecessors, the new LEAF adopts a crossover-hatchback fusion look — sporty, bold, and confident.
Exterior Highlights:
- Sharp LED headlamps with DRLs
- Closed-off aerodynamic front grille
- Strong shoulder lines and coupe-like roofline
- Dual-tone paint options
- Full-width LED taillights with Nissan’s new design DNA
- Aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels
The new LEAF is visually aligned with other new-age EVs like the Nissan Ariya and Qashqai, offering a premium and futuristic stance.
Dimensions:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | ~4,480 mm |
| Width | ~1,850 mm |
| Height | ~1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (approx) |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm (est.) |
| Boot Space | ~400 litres |
These dimensions make it larger than the outgoing LEAF, with a roomier cabin and better road presence, especially in urban and semi-urban settings.
Interior: Digital, Comfortable, Sustainable
Inside the new Nissan LEAF, the transformation is just as radical. The cabin has shifted from simple functionality to contemporary luxury — with a driver-focused layout and high-quality materials.
Key Interior Features:
- Dual-screen setup: 12.3-inch digital driver display + 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Nissan Connect EV platform with OTA updates, voice commands, and remote vehicle access
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Vegan leather upholstery and recycled eco-materials
- Custom ambient lighting
- Multi-functional steering wheel with ProPILOT controls
Rear-seat space is improved, and the flat floor further enhances legroom. The rear seats are split 60:40, and boot space is competitive for a compact family EV.
Powertrain Options & Performance
The third-generation Nissan LEAF is available in multiple battery and motor configurations to cater to diverse user needs — from daily city driving to long-range highway cruising.
Powertrain Variants:
- LEAF Standard Range
- Battery: 40 kWh
- Range (WLTP): ~320 km
- Motor: 110 kW (147 hp)
- Torque: 320 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: ~8.5 seconds
- LEAF Long Range
- Battery: 60 kWh
- Range (WLTP): ~460 km
- Motor: 160 kW (214 hp)
- Torque: 340 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: ~7.0 seconds
- LEAF e+ Performance (Coming Late 2025)
- Battery: 85 kWh
- Range (WLTP): ~600 km
- Dual Motor AWD setup (260 hp est.)
These figures put the LEAF back in direct competition with models like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona EV, and BYD Seal.
Charging: Faster and Smarter
Charging is where the new LEAF has taken a significant leap. It now supports DC fast charging up to 130 kW, depending on the variant, which is a substantial upgrade over the older model’s CHAdeMO limits.
Charging Details:
- AC Home Charging (7.4 kW): 0–100% in ~7-8 hours (standard charger)
- DC Fast Charging (130 kW): 10–80% in 30 minutes (Long Range variant)
- V2G/V2H (Vehicle-to-Grid/Home): Supported in select markets
Nissan aims to promote bidirectional charging, allowing LEAF users to power homes, devices, or send electricity back to the grid.
Driving Experience & Technology
The new LEAF benefits from a low center of gravity and improved chassis dynamics due to the new CMF-EV platform. It handles better, rides smoother, and feels more premium on the road.
Key Driving Tech:
- ProPILOT Assist 2.0 (semi-autonomous driving)
- 360-degree Around View Monitor
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Blind Spot Intervention
- Lane Keep Assist
- Regenerative braking with e-Pedal 2.0 for one-pedal driving
The LEAF now feels more refined and confident on highways, thanks to improved insulation, smoother acceleration, and sharper steering.
Safety: Top-Class Protection
Nissan is known for its safety innovation, and the third-gen LEAF is no exception. It is expected to secure 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP and Global NCAP crash tests.
Standard Safety Features:
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control & ESC
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
ProPILOT Assist is available in top variants, offering highway lane centering and traffic jam assist.
Variants and Trims (Europe & Asia)
- LEAF Sense – Base model
- LEAF Smart – Mid variant with digital screens
- LEAF Luxe – Premium features, ProPILOT
- LEAF e+ Performance – AWD, long-range, high output (late 2025)
Trim names and availability may differ by region.
Expected Launch in India & Pricing
While the Nissan LEAF hasn’t had major success in India previously due to pricing and infrastructure, the third-gen model may be considered for 2025-26 launch under Nissan’s new EV strategy.
Expected India Price (if CKD/CBU):
- Standard Range: ₹27–₹30 lakh
- Long Range: ₹32–₹35 lakh
- Performance: ₹40+ lakh
Nissan is actively collaborating with Renault for localized EV production in India, and a future LEAF-based model could be built at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai facility.
Competition
The 2025 Nissan LEAF competes with:
- Tesla Model 3 (RWD/Long Range)
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- BYD Atto 3 / Seal
- MG ZS EV
- VW ID.3 (Europe)
- Renault Mégane E-Tech
What sets the LEAF apart is its strong brand legacy, affordability, and well-rounded performance.
Sustainability: Green Inside and Out
Nissan claims the new LEAF uses 90% recyclable materials in its battery and interior. With a carbon-neutral manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK, the LEAF plays a vital role in the brand’s global carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
Conclusion: Reinvented for the Electric Decade
The 2025 Nissan LEAF (Gen-3) isn’t just an update — it’s a complete reinvention. From quirky city EV to a stylish, practical, and capable long-range electric car, the new LEAF stands tall in a fiercely competitive segment.
With solid range options, upgraded tech, sustainable materials, and semi-autonomous capabilities, it has all the ingredients to be a mainstream EV success, especially in price-sensitive and urban-first markets.
If Nissan prices it right and localizes production for regions like India and Southeast Asia, the new LEAF might just become the EV icon it once was — all over again.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the range of the new Nissan LEAF?
Depending on the variant, it ranges from ~320 km (40 kWh) to ~600 km (85 kWh, e+ AWD variant).
Q2. Is the new LEAF suitable for highway travel?
Absolutely. With fast charging support, long range, and ProPILOT Assist, it’s ideal for both city and highway use.
Q3. Will Nissan launch the third-gen LEAF in India?
It’s under consideration. If localized or brought as a CKD, we can expect a launch by late 2025 or early 2026.
Q4. Does the new LEAF support fast charging?
Yes, up to 130 kW DC fast charging is supported, depending on the model.
Q5. Is the LEAF an SUV now?
No. It has evolved into a crossover-style hatchback but retains compact urban practicality.
