- Third-gen Leaf reveals more design and features ahead of its official global debut.
- Reborn as a crossover, the new Leaf is Nissan’s most aerodynamic model yet.
- Nissan promises a spacious interior and targets up to 311 miles of driving range.
Electric cars are evolving fast, and Nissan wants the next Leaf to prove it still has a place in the conversation. The company is preparing for the full debut of its next-generation EV later this month, teasing more of its design and offering a behind-the-scenes look at its development through a series of new videos.
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Nissan gave us our first look at the third-generation Leaf back in March 2025, trading in the familiar hatchback shape of past models for a crossover profile, complete with a fastback-style rear. We now get a closer view of key design elements, including the LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and an active grille shutter that adjusts for airflow.
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We can also see the NACS-compatible charging port, and the optional panoramic roof with an e-Dimming function. The later uses electrochromic technology and an infrared reflective coating, eliminating the need for a physical sunshade.
According to Nissan’s design director Nobutaka Tase, this Leaf will be the most aerodynamic production model the company has ever built, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.25 in Europe and 0.26 in the US and Japan. The slight difference comes down to region-specific tweaks like wheels and mirror designs, with the European version coming out just a bit more streamlined.
Shared Platform, Promised Range
Underneath, the Leaf shares the CMF-EV platform with the larger Ariya, which means a flat floor and a roomier cabin layout. Exact specs haven’t been released yet, but Nissan confirmed it will offer a single-motor setup with no all-wheel-drive option, and is aiming for a driving range north of 300 miles (482 km).
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Richard Candler, Nissan’s vice president of global product strategy, says the goal was to make the new Leaf a real contender for buyers used to gas-powered vehicles. That meant designing a sleeker body without giving up on practicality, and ensuring long-distance driving was part of the deal. Target range spans from 300 to 500 kilometers (186 to 311 miles), with the ability to add around 200 kilometers (124 miles) of range in just 40 minutes of charging.
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Overall, Nissan has sold nearly 700,000 examples of the Leaf since 2010, taking valuable insights from existing owners for the development of the new generation. We’ll have more details when the full reveal happens on June 18.
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