The e-Power Revolution: How Nissan's Forbidden Crossover Seduced Europe
- Alain Kuhn Von Kuhnenfeld
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We had the opportunity to taste a few forbidden fruits in Europe this Fall. In France, it was the Nissan Qashqai e-Power which finally feels like a complete product. The previous generation was compact and basic. The 2025 Tekna+ version looks and feels like it grew up, both in design and substance.
The new front grille, inspired by Japanese armour scales, gives the car a strong visual presence. Slimmer LED headlights, reshaped bumpers, and 20-inch diamond-cut wheels make it look sharper and more confident on the road. It's no longer the understated family crossover. It now looks like it belongs next to premium rivals.
Inside, the Tekna+ trim delivers the biggest leap forward. The dashboard is wrapped in Alcantara, the seats are finished in quilted leather, and the new multi-coloured ambient lighting gives the cabin a calm, high-end feel at night. It feels like Nissan wanted to give families comfort and luxury.
The new 12.3-inch infotainment system with Google built in changes the daily experience. Navigation through Google Maps and voice commands through Google Assistant are seamless and fast. The addition of a 10.8-inch head-up display gives the driver clear information without distraction. Nissan also kept physical climate buttons, which makes the system easier to use while driving.
The e-Power system still is the key talking point. The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine doesn't power the wheels; instead, it works as a generator for the electric motor. The motor produces 187 hp in normal mode, 202 hp in sport mode, and 243 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes around 7.9 seconds. While it's not built for excitement, it delivers power instantaneously and smoothly, especially at city speeds. The engine is quiet, rarely noticeable even when it turns on to recharge the battery.
Fuel efficiency with this system is astounding! We saw as low as 3.0 L/100 km on short segments. In the city, 3.8 L/100 km is achievable. On the highway between 110 and 130 km/h, consumption rose but stayed close to diesel numbers. Nissan claims a 1200 km range, and during our trip from Paris to Saint-Malo, we covered close to 1000 km on a single tank. Good news for us, while this version of the Qashqai will not be available in North America, Nissan will incorporate this engine in the next-generation Nissan Rogue.
Our trip included a stop in Cancale for oysters and a short detour near Mont Saint-Michel for photos and some light off-roading. Despite being front-wheel drive only, the Qashqai managed gravel paths and uneven surfaces easily. The instant torque from the electric motor made it easy to control.
Our average fuel consumption for the whole road trip was 5.6 L/100 km. The car was fully loaded for our week-long road trip; we had two passengers, two large suitcases, and all our camera gear. At 130 km/h, the engine worked more, but the cabin remained quiet and comfortable.
Inside, space has improved. There's plenty of room in the front and back. The trunk offers 504 litres of storage—enough for two big suitcases, a carry-on, and a camera bag. Car-seat installation is simple with wide-opening doors and clearly marked ISOFIX points. It's the kind of small detail that makes a difference for parents.
Seat comfort is an 8 out of 10. The only negative is the left footwell, which feels tight for taller drivers. The front massaging seats and panoramic glass roof make long drives easier, and the heated seats and steering wheel add comfort in cold weather.
Safety equipment is extensive. ProPilot assists on highways, and the 360-degree camera with a new transparent bonnet view makes tight parking easier. It's a strong safety package for a family SUV.
The 2025 Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ feels like Nissan's most balanced vehicle yet. It looks sharper, drives smoother, and uses less fuel. The cabin is quiet, refined, and filled with thoughtful touches that make long trips pleasant. For families looking for a compact SUV that's efficient, practical, and premium without going luxury, this Qashqai is an easy choice.
