2023 Nissan X-Trail Gets Sporty NISMO Bits And Rugged X And Premium Autech Trims In Japan

Nissan has just unveiled the Japanese-spec X-Trail e-Power hybrid, and in typical fashion, the automaker subsequently presented customized variants of the midsize SUV. These include the rugged factory-spec X trim, the premium sporty Autech, plus a selection of Nismo Parts.

Starting with the X-Trail X, it is designed as the most adventurous trim of the lineup. Visually, it is distinguished by the regular X-Trail thanks to the version-specific 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in 235/60R18 tires, the front and rear skid plates, as well as the black-finished grille, door-handles, mirror-caps, and roof rails. Inside, Nissan added a water-repellent Cell-Cloth upholstery on the seats, so passengers can get inside the SUV with wet clothes on rainy days or after a swim.

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The Nissan X-Trail Autech (left) and the X-Trail X (right) were showcased in the flesh during the official presentation of the SUV in Japan.

Moving on to the Nissan X-Trail by Autech, you can think of it as the equivalent of an Alpina-badged BMW, as it tries to blend premium and sporty features. The presentation vehicle was painted in a deep blue exterior shade with a black roof, but it comes in seven body colors including three that are exclusive to Autech.

More importantly, the X-Trail Autech is distinguished by the unique chrome-infused grille, the extra LEDs on the front bumper, the more prominent aluminum-style skidplates, side-sill add-ons, plus matching mirrors and roof-rails. Another highlight is the standard 20-inch aluminum wheels shod in 255/45R20 Michelin Primacy 4 tires which enhance the proportions of the SUV while improving handling.

Inside, the seats have a quilted leather upholstery with blue stitching for an upmarket look. Leather can also be found on the dashboard, door-cards, and center console, combined with a copper-style element. Predictably, standard equipment is pretty generous, including the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12.3-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen, and the 10.8-inch head-up display, alongside all of the available comfort and safety features.

Last but not least, the X-Trail can get a selection of Nismo Parts enhancing its visual appeal and its sound. These include a set of 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black, a prominent front splitter, a Nismo-branded protector for the tailgate, special stickers for the shark-fin antenna and the extensions of the rear spoiler, hydrophobic coating for the mirrors, carbon-style trim stickers for the interior, and a Nismo exhaust with dual pipes at the back providing the hybrid-only SUV with a meaner sound.

In terms of pricing, the Nissan X-Trail X starts from ¥4,129,400 ($29,916), the X-Trail Autech is more expensive ranging between ¥4,295,300-5,046,800 ($31,118-36,562), while Nismo Parts are available as standalone components.

Nissan X-Trail X