Third-Gen Nissan Leaf EV Debuts in Japan with Special Autech Edition

The all-new, third-gen Nissan Leaf EV has finally debuted in its native Japanese market, featuring a special Autech edition.

Months after making its global debut in North America, the all-new, third-gen Nissan Leaf EV has finally debuted in its native Japan. And just like any other JDM model, the Japan-spec Leaf EV is a bit more special than its overseas counterpart, as it features a special, top-spec Autech trim.

JDM-spec Nissan Leaf EV with the Autech trim

Focusing on the Autech version, this top-spec model is the only variant of the Leaf in Japan to get the Nissan Z-inspired LED taillights, on top of the bespoke Autech bodykit it comes dressed in. Said kit introduces a more prominent front splitter to this EV crossover, followed by several aluminium accents including on the side inserts, mirror caps, and rear skirt.

Complementing the Autech bodykit is a blacked-out front grille, blue DRLs on the lower front bumper, and several Autech badges scattered around the exterior. Rounding off the Autech special treatment are the 19-inch multi-spoke aluminium wheels, as well as the special Deep Ocean Blue exterior colourway paired with a Super Black roof.

The Autech treatment continues as we get inside the Leaf EV Autech edition, where it gets a dark-themed cabin setup featuring black upholstery with contrasting blue stitching and piping. There’s also a unique pattern and Autech embroidery on the front seats, complemented by special seat belts and Autech-branded floor mats.

That said, it appears that the JDM-spec Leaf EV didn’t get all the bells and whistles seen on its overseas counterparts, where it gets a more modest 12.3-inch dual-screen cockpit setup instead of the larger 14.3-inch ones seen in both the US and Europe.

Despite the sporty get-go, the Autech edition did not boast any additional performance or mechanical upgrades over the standard JDM-spec Leaf EV. Power is drawn from a single, front-mounted (FWD) electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW) and 355 Nm.

Juice is provided by a 78-kWh battery pack that is good for up to 708 km of range under the WLTC cycle, which tends to be slightly more optimistic than Europe’s WLTP standards, so take this figure with a grain of salt.

Pricing for the all-new, third-gen Nissan Leaf EV starts at JPY 5.188 million (RM142,971) for the baseline B7 X trim, while the top-spec Autech edition commands a higher entry price at JPY 6.513 million (RM179,486), with deliveries set to begin in early 2026.

While the Autech trim does make the new Leaf EV look much sportier than its vanilla twin, we’d reckon this might not be the sportiest form of this EV crossover. With the Ariya EV SUV already getting a high-performance Nismo edition, we can expect Nissan to give the same Nismo treatment to the new Leaf EV in the near future.