Launch Report: New Nissan Leaf is a legacy reborn 17 June 2026 The third-generation Nissan Leaf takes a bold direction. Repurposed as a crossover with coupé styling, can this new philosophy appeal to buyers? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry reviews the model alongside regional experts. The Nissan Leaf has already carved out a legacy in Europe’s automotive market. As one of the first mass-produced battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), it became a launchpad and an early symbol for the technology. However, with increasing competition, the Japanese carmaker has taken a new direction, hoping to carve out a new legacy. As a result, the latest Nissan Leaf is a far cry from the one that landed in the C-segment in 2010. No longer a simple hatchback, the BEV has been repositioned as a crossover with a coupé-like body design. This re-imagining has helped to refresh the model’s appeal, moving it into a world of sleek and modern styling. Autovista24’s latest Launch Report benchmarks the Nissan Leaf against its key competitors in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. Regional experts also provide a breakdown of the car’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A bold design for the Nissan Leaf Measuring 4.35 metres long, the new car is shorter than its predecessor. However, the change in body design comes as the Japanese carmaker revives the smaller Micra. For those looking for a larger, coupé-styled BEV, the Leaf offers some familiar design touches. The design philosophy is similar to that of the Nissan Ariya. A long LED-bar lighting profile sweeps down each side of the ‘grill’ to provide a distinctive silhouette. The large, illuminated manufacturer’s badge breaks up what is otherwise a minimalist front end. The new model manages to blend both sharp angles and curves with ease. The lower part of the front end