Although, we had already had a previous opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new Nissan X-Trail e-POWERthis had actually been on a closed track, so now in the official launch of this model in Mexico, now, for a short period of time, we drove it on the roads of our country on a route around Merida , Yucatan how did it go how is it handled? it’s worth it? Let’s find out the answers to these questions.
Nissan X-Trail e-Power 2023: Main differences
Being a derivative, I won’t waste much time talking about design issues. Thus, at least on the outside, the X-Trail e-Power has a few distinctive features such as the black grill, as well as allusive logos on the tailgate, sides and on the running boards (in this case illuminated).
Inside doors it remains practically the same, with some changes in the information projected in the 12.3-inch cluster, where, among other things, we can see the lack of energy of the vehicle. The lever “Shift by Wire” it is also new and exclusive for this version, as well as the buttons to activate the e-STEP. The quality of materials and assembly is virtually identical to what is seen in the normal X-Trail. The infotainment system, with a 12.3” touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is maintained.
Nissan X-Trail e-Power 2023: Handling and consumption
We’ve already talked a lot about e-Power, but it’s still a technology that still raises questions among the general public and frankly that included me, since I hadn’t had much feedback.
The technical sheet tells us that, in the mechanical section, there is an electric motor, which is assisted by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which, as you know, in this case acts as a power generator, so It doesn’t move the front wheels. Power is 188 horsepower (+7) and 243 pound-feet of torque (+63 pound-feet), while the box in this type is reducing. In this case, it has 7 driving modes: Drive, Drive+, Sport, Drive+, Eco, Braking, Braking + Sport, Breaking + Eco and EV.
As you will see, the power is not surprising, but the torque does boast very good figures. In fact, the delivery of torque is like that of an electric car, linear, forceful and effective. Thanks to this feature, on the Yucatan roads, with long straight lines, we were able to overtake without major problems, as well as maintain cruising speeds efficiently. Be careful, it is not a sports car, it does not try to be, but it is much more responsive than the common gasoline variant. It must be considered that, due to the adoption of batteries, it is also heavier since the total weight increases from 2,055 kg to 2,235 kilograms.
Driving with e-Step is especially useful in cities, since, thanks to the deceleration, it practically allows driving with a single pedal. Of course, consider that it does not stop the vehicle completely, so it is better to pay attention to the brake pedal anyway. Anyway, this model fulfills the promise of driving like a zero emissions.
In terms of consumption, the brand announces up to 21.4 km/l in the combined cycle, but to us, according to the data provided by the computer, gave us a range of 16-18 km/l. Be careful, you have to consider that most of the time we were going above 130 km/h, so efficiency, like all electrified cars, can be affected at high speeds. Although this data serves as a frame of reference, it is best to wait for our consumption test in real conditions to find out the real efficiency of this X-Trail e-Power.
Nissan X-Trail e-Power 2023: Price and rivals, is it a good buy?
- Exclusive $845,900 pesos
- Platinum $934,900 pesos
By his conception, The new 2023 Nissan X-Trail e-Power is closer to that of an extended-range electric or a series hybridbut with the particularity that it does not require connecting to any connector such as electric or plug-in hybrids.
With this in mind, we have that it does not directly have direct rivals. Even so, we can count conventional hybrid models as Toyota RAV4 HEV, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson HEV, Honda CR-V HEVas well as conventional hybrids such as Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
The new Nissan X-Trail e-Power 2023 stands out from its rivals, due to its handling with a performance closer to an electric, something evidenced in the delivery and use of torque, as well as its space, versatility and safety equipment. In fact, as a curiosity, it is approved in Mexico as an electric.
