Electrifying! Nissan Ariya NISMO targets Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in EV performance war

Nissan’s motorsport and performance car division has unleashed the 2024 Nissan Ariya NISMO at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Built to take on the likes of the Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and Tesla Model Y Performance, the new flagship Nissan Ariya NISMO is the first battery-electric performance car developed by NISMO.

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Based on the dual-motor Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE that in standard form pushes out 250kW and 560Nm, NISMO unveiled not one but two hotted up versions of Nissan’s stylish SUV.

The first is the B6 e-4ORCE that ramps up power to 270kW but shares the same torque peak as the standard version, while the second B9 e-4ORCE slams down a more impressive 320kW and 600Nm of torque.

Full performance figures have yet to be released but while the B6 should be capable of a five seconds 0-100km/h dash and punchier B9 an even brisker four-ish 0-100km/h sprint both will be humbled by the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N in a straight line.

That’s because the Korean serves up an incredible 478kW which enables a devastating 0-100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds.

As well as turning up the wick, NISMO says it has developed a new driving mode for the Ariya that helps maximise the performance available.

There’s no word on range yet, but the B6 e-4ORCE comes with the smaller 63kWh battery while the B9 e-4ORCE benefits from the larger 91kWh power pack.

Whichever you choose both B6 and B9 are unmistakable NISMO products sitting lower to the ground, gaining a specially developed body kit and wearing large 20-inch alloy wheels they make an impression, especially in the sub-brand’s Stealth Grey hero hue.

The external red highlights are replicated within the cabin, with the NISMO rouge appearing on steering wheel, dash, door cards and armrest. As standard there’s a pair of black leather and suede sport seats. Both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment also come with NISMO graphics.

Beneath the skin, to ensure the Ariya delivers a more engaging drive there’s new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars that are intended to provide a stiffer, more controlled ride that inspires the driver to cover grounds at a faster rate.

Instead of range-saving tyres, there’s new Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, it’s likely that hidden behind the new rims is also a performance brake upgrade.

Despite being given the green light for Australia it’s still unclear when exactly the standard Ariya will land Down Under but our combined love for SUVs and performance vehicles should ensure the NISMO version will also be offered here.

Following its reveal in Tokyo, Nissan said: “The Ariya NISMO delivers greater confidence and peace of mind thanks to its extremely powerful yet smooth acceleration, exemplary handling and stellar aerodynamic performance.”