All-New Nissan LEAF: Smarter, Sleeker, and More Efficient Than Ever

Nissan has kicked off a brand-new short video series that brings us behind the scenes of the all-new Nissan LEAF. This three-part series focuses on the planning, design, and engineering minds responsible for shaping the third generation of one of the world’s most recognizable electric vehicles.

Over the past 15 years, Nissan has sold close to 700,000 units of the LEAF globally. That is a lot of real-world experience to draw from—roughly 28 billion kilometers traveled by owners. With those insights, the team had everything they needed to reinvent the LEAF from the ground up.

This next-generation model builds on everything Nissan has learned since the original LEAF debuted in 2010. The company considers it a “heartbeat model,” something that defines the brand’s spirit of going where others will not. With its updated tech and bold styling, it is more than just another electric vehicle—it is a statement.

According to Richard Candler, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, the goal was to reach beyond early adopters. Nissan wanted a vehicle that is as emotionally appealing as it is practical—a real alternative to gasoline-powered cars. That meant giving it a sleek, assertive look while keeping things family-focused and functional.

Design played a huge role. The new LEAF’s exterior was crafted with aerodynamics as a top priority. In the United States and Japan, it achieves a drag coefficient of 0.26, which is impressive for a family-sized electric vehicle. European versions go even further, with a coefficient of 0.25 thanks to unique wheels and mirrors.

A lot of clever details contribute to this. Flush-mounted door handles, a sleek grille shutter, flat underbody panels, and a smooth fastback silhouette all work together to reduce air resistance. Even the panoramic roof was part of the aerodynamic plan.

Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase explained that the panoramic glass roof helped trim 12 millimeters off the vehicle’s height at key aerodynamic points without cutting into cabin space. It features electrochromic glass that changes its tint electronically—no need for bulky shades or blinds.

This means passengers get more headroom, better heat control, and a cabin that feels open and airy. The roof also includes an infrared-reflective coating, which keeps things cooler inside during sunny weather.

Inside, the LEAF takes advantage of Nissan’s Common Modular Family for Electric Vehicles platform. This gives the interior a completely flat floor, which translates to more legroom and a lounge-like experience for everyone on board.

The new LEAF looks confident and futuristic on the outside, while inside it stays practical and family-friendly.