Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition: The Dark Side of Electrification

Nissan has recently unveiled a special edition of its popular crossover, the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition. This model combines the innovative and unique e-POWER powertrain, which offers an EV-like driving experience without the need to plug in, with a distinctive and eye-catching design that features bold black accents, glossy black alloy wheels, a glass roof, and roof rails. The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition is available in three dual-tone combinations: Ceramic Grey, Pearl White, or Black Metallic, all with a black roof. The result is a sleek and stylish crossover that stands out from the crowd and delivers a smooth and responsive performance.

What is e-POWER and how does it work?

e-POWER is Nissan’s proprietary hybrid system that differs from conventional hybrids in several ways. First, the wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor, which means that the acceleration is instant and linear, just like in a pure EV. Second, the battery that powers the electric motor is not charged by plugging in but by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that acts as a generator. The engine never directly drives the wheels but only runs when needed to keep the battery at an optimal level. Third, the engine has a variable compression ratio technology, which allows it to switch between high compression for more power and low compression for better fuel efficiency. Fourth, the e-POWER system has a Linear Tune feature, which synchronizes the engine speed with the road speed, reducing the noise and vibration that are typical of hybrid vehicles.

The benefits of e-POWER are manifold. It offers the best of both worlds: the smoothness, quietness, and responsiveness of an EV, and the convenience, range, and affordability of a petrol car. It also reduces the emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to a conventional Qashqai with a 1.3-litre engine. Moreover, it eliminates the need for a transmission, which simplifies the drivetrain and reduces the weight and complexity of the vehicle.

What are the features and specifications of the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition?

The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition is based on the third-generation Qashqai, which was launched in 2020 and has been praised for its improved design, comfort, technology, and safety. The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition adds some exclusive elements that enhance its appeal and personality. Here are some of the main features and specifications of this model:

• The electric motor delivers 187 hp and 300 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph.
• The battery has a capacity of 1.97 kWh and is located under the floor, ensuring a low centre of gravity and a spacious boot.
• The engine produces 155 hp and has a combined fuel consumption of 54 mpg and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km.
• The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition has three driving modes: D, B, and e-Pedal. D mode is the default mode, which provides a normal level of regenerative braking. B mode increases the regenerative braking, allowing the driver to decelerate more by lifting off the accelerator. e-Pedal mode enables one-pedal driving, which maximizes the regenerative braking and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop without using the brake pedal.
• The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition comes with 18-inch glossy black alloy wheels, a glass roof, roof rails, and black exterior accents, such as the front grille, the lower bumper, the door mirrors, and the rear spoiler.
• The interior features charcoal cloth seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other available features include a 10.8-inch head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and illuminated kick plates.
• The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition is equipped with a range of advanced driving technologies, such as adaptive LED headlights, adaptive driving beam, blind spot intervention, intelligent lane intervention, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent driver alertness, and ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link. ProPILOT Assist is a semi-autonomous driving system that can control the steering, acceleration, and braking of the vehicle, while Navi-Link can adjust the speed and route based on the navigation data.
• The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition has a starting price of $47,000, which is $3,000 more than the regular Qashqai e-POWER Tekna trim.

How does the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition compare to its rivals?

The Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition competes in the crowded and competitive segment of compact crossovers, where it faces some strong rivals, such as the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, and the Ford Kuga. Here is a comparison table that shows how the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition stacks up against these models in terms of powertrain, performance, efficiency, and price.

As the table shows, the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition has a clear advantage over the Toyota C-HR Hybrid in terms of power, torque, and performance, while also being more efficient and emitting less CO2. However, it is also more expensive and has a lower top speed. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Hybrid have similar powertrains and offer more power, torque, and top speed than the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition, but they are also less efficient, more polluting, and slightly cheaper. The Ford Kuga Hybrid has less power, torque, and performance than the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition, but it is also more efficient, less polluting, and cheaper.

Therefore, the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition is a competitive and attractive option in its segment, offering a unique and innovative hybrid system that delivers a smooth and responsive EV-like driving experience, as well as a distinctive and eye-catching design that sets it apart from the crowd. However, it is also one of the most expensive models in its class, and it may not appeal to those who prefer a more conventional hybrid system or a higher top speed. Ultimately, the choice depends on the personal preferences and priorities of each customer.