Nissan Australia has recently unveiled plans to add an affordable mid-range model, the Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power, to its lineup in the latter half of 2023. This new addition, priced at a competitive $49,490 before on-road expenses, introduces a more accessible entry into the world of electrified X-Trails, following in the steps of its pricier siblings, the Ti and Ti-L variants, released earlier this year.

The ST-L e-Power model features a design identical to its petrol-driven counterpart, the ST-L 4WD. However, like all e-Power vehicles, it will exclusively offer a five-seat configuration, reflecting a $3200 price increment over its seven-seater, petrol-driven equivalent.

Competitively positioned within the market, the X-Trail ST-L e-Power is nestled between Toyota's RAV4 GXL AWD Hybrid and RAV4 XSE AWD Hybrid, with prices at $47,100 and $50,200, respectively. Its direct competitor, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES, offers similar specs but with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, coming in at a higher $56,490.

This latest addition to the Nissan range brings a unique touch of innovation, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged series hybrid system. The system prevents the petrol engine from directly driving the vehicle; instead, it powers an inverter via a generator, which charges a 1.8kWh battery pack. Additionally, the ST-L e-Power houses two electric motors – a 150kW front and a 100kW rear motor – delivering a continual EV-like driving experience and offering an electrified all-wheel-drive system.

The Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power showcases impressive output figures, with the manufacturer noting 157kW in system output and individual torque ratings of 330Nm on the front axle and 195Nm on the rear. Fuel consumption comes in at an economical 6.1L per 100km on the combined ADR cycle, albeit slightly higher than the Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid's official figures.

Despite having a different drivetrain, the new X-Trail ST-L e-Power matches its petrol ST-L sibling in terms of features, barring a few additions such as a black grille surround, low-speed pedestrian alert system, interior noise cancelling, and regenerative braking. The hybrid model is more than just an eco-friendly variant, as it also offers improvements in interior space, boasting a maximum boot space of 575 litres compared to the seven-seater’s 465 litres, while also featuring a nifty 'Divide and Hide' storage system.

All e-Power variants come with a tire repair kit, replacing the traditional space-saver spare. The chassis and dimensions remain unchanged from the petrol model, but with an entirely reworked body, this model gains a few extra millimetres in width and height for improved cabin room. The model also continues to sport independent suspension at each corner, stabiliser bars, and an electric power steering system.

The interior of the ST-L e-Power comes well-equipped, carrying over features from the petrol model such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather-look seat upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone auto air conditioning, and LED headlights. On the exterior, it boasts 18-inch alloy wheels and a black grille surround that distinguishes it as an e-Power variant.

While the X-Trail ST-L e-Power may lack a few high-end features present in the X-Trail Ti e-Power, such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and adaptive LED headlights, the price difference of $4700 presents a compelling value proposition for buyers who are seeking a balance between affordability and advanced hybrid technology.

Dimensions wise, the model retains the same measurements as its petrol counterpart, with a length of 4680mm, width of 1840mm, height of 1725mm, and a wheelbase of 2705mm. The vehicle's weight ranges from 1540kg to 1672kg. The vehicle's chassis benefits from a complete redesign, while the independent suspension at each corner, stabilizer bars, and an electric power steering system add to its advanced features.

As for its interior, the boot space in the five-seat configuration reaches an impressive 575 litres, an increase compared to the seven-seater's 465 litres. This model also introduces the handy 'Divide and Hide' storage system, allowing you to compartmentalize the luggage area. Note that the e-Power models replace the traditional space-saver spare with a tire repair kit.

Servicing the X-Trail ST-L e-Power is straightforward with 10,000km or 12 months intervals, whichever comes first, for both 2WD and 4WD variants. The 4WD models incur a slight premium on the third and sixth service visits. In addition, the vehicle is covered by Nissan's standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five-years roadside assist included. The warranty can be transferred if the vehicle is sold within this period.

Covered by Nissan's standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five-years roadside assist, the X-Trail e-Power upholds a promising customer-centric approach. Plus, the warranty is transferrable if the vehicle is sold within the warranty period.

Finally, safety remains paramount, with the new X-Trail receiving a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Its safety assist feature scored an impressive 97%, with high scores for both adult and child occupant protection. The vehicle is packed with comprehensive safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Junction Assist, Reverse AEB with Pedestrian Detection, and Blind-Spot Assist, among others. Higher variants like the ST-L receive the added benefit of ProPILOT with an active lane-centering function.

2023 Nissan X-Trial e-Power Pricing (estimated drive away price)

2023 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power with e-4orce five-seat - $54,609 

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power with e-4orce five-seat - $59,544

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power with e-4orce five-seat - $62,694 

2023 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power standard features:

e-Power hybrid system with all-wheel drive

e-Pedal Step high-power regenerative braking

Active noise cancelling

Black grille surround

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (low-speed pedestrian warning)

18-inch alloy wheels

Dusk-sensing LED headlights with auto high beam

LED tail-lights

8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio

7.0-inch instrument display

Six-speaker sound system

Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat

Heated front seats

Synthetic leather-look seat upholstery

Sliding rear seats with 40:20:40 split

Leather-accented steering wheel

Dual-zone automatic climate-control air conditioning

Rear privacy glass

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Fog lights

Auto-folding, power-adjustable heated side mirrors

Four USB ports

Rear-view camera

360-degree camera with Moving Object Detection

Seven airbags (including front-centre airbag)

Front and rear parking sensors

Forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian (front and rear) and cyclist (front) detection

Adaptive cruise control

Lane-keep assist

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Traffic sign recognition

ProPilot semi-autonomous driving tech (advanced lane centring on freeways)

Tyre pressure monitoring

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power adds (over ST-L):

19-inch alloy wheels 

Adaptive LED headlights with LED indicators

12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto

Satellite navigation

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

10.8-inch colour head-up display

Wireless smartphone charging

10-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment

Leather-accented seat upholstery

Digital rear-view mirror

Panoramic sunroof

Tri-zone auto climate control

Ambient interior lighting (centre console)

Power tailgate

Rain-sensing wipers

2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power adds (over Ti):

20-inch alloy wheels 

Quilted Nappa leather-accented seats

10-speaker Bose premium sound system

Hands-free power tailgate with position memory

Heated steering wheel and rear seats 

Side mirrors with auto dipping in reverse, and memory functions 

Memory function for front seats 

Ambient lighting in door cards

Remote engine start

Rear-door sunshades