Nissan has put its new-generation Elgrand premium minivan on sale in Japan, with orders opening on July 16. First shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the model moves to the third-generation e-POWER hybrid system and adds the enhanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive control and an Intelligent Dynamic Suspension. Nissan positions it as a spacious lounge on wheels that still aims to be enjoyable to drive.

Nissan has announced the launch of the all-new Elgrand in Japan, with sales starting on July 16. The Elgrand is the company’s premium minivan, and this generation is larger than the outgoing car and built around a new hybrid powertrain and chassis technologies.

A flagship built around a new design theme

Nissan says the exterior follows a design concept it calls “The private MAGLEV,” pairing a long, low-slung silhouette with what the company describes as a planted, commanding stance. The front grille takes inspiration from Kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking craft, and flows into the lamp signature that is repeated in the full-width rear light bar. According to the manufacturer, the lightweight wheels use a resin finisher to add fine detail that aluminium alone cannot achieve.

Five body colours are offered: four monotone finishes — Prism White, Shigoku, Dark Metal Gray and Midnight Black — and a two-tone option that combines the new Fuji Dawn and Shigoku shades.

Third-generation e-POWER and enhanced e-4ORCE

The headline change is the third-generation e-POWER hybrid system. It pairs a dedicated power-generation engine (the ZR15DDTe) with a so-called 5-in-1 unit that combines the motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a single module. As with all e-POWER models, the wheels are driven entirely by electric motors, with the engine used only to generate electricity.

Nissan has also revised e-4ORCE, its electric all-wheel-drive control. The company says the latest version makes greater use of the rear motor’s drive force during cornering for a more engaging feel, and drivers can watch motor output and brake distribution in real time on the meter display. An Intelligent Dynamic Suspension adjusts damping at each wheel, and six drive modes — Standard, Sport, Comfort, Snow and Personal among them — alter the character of the powertrain, all-wheel drive and suspension.

Lounge-style cabin and technology

Inside, the Elgrand uses a 14.3-inch integrated display that Nissan says is a first for the brand in Japan, ambient lighting with up to 64 colour settings, and an optional 22-speaker Bose sound system. Every seat is a Zero Gravity Seat, and the second row adds dual reclining and extending ottomans. Practical touches include a Qi2.0 wireless charger for two phones, three 100V AC outlets rated at 1,500W, and a multi-position folding third row. Nissan says that with seven people on board the car can still carry seven carry-on suitcases.

Driver assistance runs from ProPILOT up to ProPILOT 2.0, depending on grade, and the NissanConnect infotainment system now features Google built-in with Google Maps, Assistant and Play.

What it means

The Elgrand competes in Japan’s large-minivan class against the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, and the switch to e-POWER gives it an electrified drivetrain to counter its hybrid rivals. Nissan has confirmed the on-sale date of July 16 in Japan but did not state retail prices in the text supplied.

Facts: Nissan Elgrand

  • Powertrain: third-generation e-POWER hybrid (dedicated ZR15DDTe generator engine, motor-driven wheels)
  • Drive: enhanced e-4ORCE electric all-wheel drive
  • Grades: X e-4ORCE, G e-4ORCE
  • Drive modes: six (incl. Standard, Sport, Comfort, Snow, Personal)
  • Seats: seven, all Zero Gravity Seats
  • Infotainment: 14.3-inch display, NissanConnect with Google built-in, optional 22-speaker Bose
  • On sale: July 16 (Japan)

Source: global.nissannews.com