He died in Nissan. The next generation of the SUV X-Trail family, which is now underway, will no longer have diesels, as the Japanese automaker wants to switch to all-electric drives by 2030. Instead, Nissan’s top SUV relies on a new hybrid system called e-Power, already used in the more compact Qashqai.
The special feature of this new type of propulsion: The 190 hp (150 kW) electric motor at the front axle, powered only by the 158 hp turbo petrol engine, provides steam – so the X-Trail has its own battery. Instead of a heavy own power plant for on-board electricity generation. The top model e-4orce uses another electric motor with 136 hp (100 kW) on the rear axle, transforming the X-Trail into an all-wheel drive vehicle.
Complex e-system
It sounds complicated – and technically it is. We don’t notice much of the sophisticated technology while driving, however: Get into the cockpit, hit the start button – and we’re driving away as quietly as a whisper. Thanks to the small buffer battery, the X-Trail drives several kilometers all-electric – if the battery level is low or more power is needed, the petrol engine kicks in almost unnoticed. Emphasis: This runs at the most constant speed possible and largely operates in the optimum speed range, which should benefit efficiency – more in a jiffy.
In practice, the SUV feels like an electric car, responds very spontaneously when you hit the gas and impresses with its extremely low noise level. Single Pedal Drive is also possible at the push of a button: If you take your foot off the accelerator, the X-Trail slows itself to walking speed and restores braking energy to the battery. However, when accelerating hard and going uphill, the whisper-quiet drive ends: Then the petrol engine speaks clearly and the X-Trail sounds like a regular hybrid vehicle with a CVT transmission.
No miracle of consumption
With a system output of 214 hp (157 kW) – limited by the output power of the petrol engine – the X-Trail isn’t overpowering, but it’s well-engined and sprints to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. 180 km/h. With the promised efficiency, the drive system does not quite convince us: according to the WLTP standard, Nissan promises a consumption of 6.7 l/100 km. At the end of the test drive on the rugged country roads of Slovenia, the display reads 7.5 l/100 km. It’s certainly not great value, but it’s not a bad thing for a family SUV that weighs nearly two tons.
Practical and modern inside
The X-Trail we drive is the fully-equipped top model with the optional third row of seats. Space in the 4.68-metre-long SUV is generous in the front and rear seats, and is filled with many practical storage compartments. However, the third row is only suitable for short distances and for children up to 1.60 meters tall. The luggage compartment can be expanded to a total volume of 575 liters thanks to the rear seat, which can be moved 22 centimeters when not in use. The X-Trail swallows a maximum of 1400 liters. Smart: The rear doors can be opened at almost right angles for better access.
But the X-Trail doesn’t just impress with its space: high-quality materials such as leather seats, soft-touch surfaces or wood treatments are attractively finished. Digital fans will also get their money’s worth: in addition to the central 12.3-inch touchscreen, which can be connected to a smartphone via Android Auto or Apple Carplay, the instruments on the instrument cluster are also animated. Everything is backed up by an easy-to-read head-up display projected onto the windshield. There are also numerous USB charging sockets and inductive charging sockets for the smartphone.
Solution
The X-Trail is a well-balanced, fun-to-drive SUV for families with space requirements and high comfort standards. The e-power drive doesn’t reinvent the hybrid wheel, but it’s an interesting alternative to a much heavier and more expensive plug-in system, especially for people who don’t have a charging facility at home. Prices start at CHF 39,990 (front-wheel drive, 204 hp, five-seater); The e-4orce with a 4×4 will cost at least 49,990 francs. The seven-seat vehicle we drive is listed with prices starting at 51,190 francs.
Andrew Engel
Source: Blick
I am David Miller, a highly experienced news reporter and author for 24 Instant News. I specialize in opinion pieces and have written extensively on current events, politics, social issues, and more. My writing has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC News. I strive to be fair-minded while also producing thought-provoking content that encourages readers to engage with the topics I discuss.
