Elgrand E53! Coming in 2023

The current Elgrand E52 model has unfortunately not been as successful in Japan as Nissan had hoped.  Nissan management did not focus on the Japanese domestic market as much as they once had and the view in Japan is that the Alphard/Vellfire from Toyota is the winner of the luxury large minivan battle.  During the last 10 years the E52 hasn't been improved much from its original debut with only minor tweaks, and the Japanese market is looking for more when they choose a new vehicle.

New management at Nissan means a new strategy and they are looking to replace the current E52 with a new (E53?) model and take back some of the ground lost to Toyota.  The concept pictures of the E53 circulating at the moment show an evolution to the E52 model with similar lines and curves, definitely akin to the MPV look and not back to the E51 'van' style.  Interior space is said to be improved and the 3rd row of seats given much more space and comfort.

Engines are rumoured to be the same 2.5 as per the E52 today, along with an interesting e-Power option.  A 1.5 litre turbo charged engine that will provide the power to 2 electric motors, with a possible 4wd (2 motor) option as well.  The e-Power system will be similar to the one used by the upcoming Qashqai.  Speculation is that the new E53 will arrive in Japan in 2023, although a new Alphard is due in late 2022 so Nissan may have a lot of catchup to do.

Personally the shape isn't looking that great in my own opinion, but perhaps they will sprinkle a little more magic before its release. Of course Autech can get involved again to provide something that looks a bit more exciting and worthy of importing.

Link to the Japanese article

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