Category Archives: NEW CARS

Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: 646 HP, Rear-Wheel Drive and Just 30 Examples

September 11, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is not simply a more powerful version of the CLE Coupé. It is a comprehensive, hand-built transformation designed around one overriding objective: maximum driving dynamics. With a 646-hp V8 biturbo engine, rear-wheel drive, a significantly widened body, adjustable racing suspension and more than 250 kilograms of downforce at top speed, this road-legal coupé is engineered to feel as convincing on a winding country road as it is on a closed circuit.

Limited to just 30 examples worldwide, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second model in Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Mythos Series. Every car is comprehensively rebuilt at Mercedes-AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, and the entire production run was sold out before the model’s world premiere.

A CLE Reimagined as a Complete Performance System

The project began with an idea inside AMG’s engineering department rather than a conventional product-development brief. A small team initially built a prototype to answer a straightforward question: how far could the CLE be pushed toward maximum driving performance?

The answer was not a collection of optional upgrades. AMG engineers reworked the vehicle as an integrated performance system, combining a more powerful engine, a bespoke chassis, extensive lightweight construction, a wider bodyshell and purpose-developed aerodynamics.

The current Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé provides the technical foundation, but the Spezialanfertigung is extensively modified. Approximately 170 kilograms have been removed compared with the donor vehicle, while the bodyshell itself has been reinforced and widened. The result is effectively a new performance machine, rebuilt to Affalterbach manufactory standards.

That extensive reconstruction explains the model’s name. “Spezialanfertigung” translates roughly as “special manufacture,” and in this case the designation describes far more than a cosmetic special edition.

646-HP V8 Biturbo with a Flat-Plane Crankshaft

At the center of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is an extensively enhanced version of AMG’s M177 EVO 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. The model’s name reflects its output: 646 hp (475 kW), with 850 Nm of torque available across a broad engine-speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.

The engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft, which reduces rotating mass and improves its ability to build revs. AMG has also developed dedicated engine mapping to sharpen throttle response and make the power delivery more immediate.

This is not a power increase designed merely to inflate a specification sheet. The engine has been integrated into a wider package intended to deliver a more responsive and engaging driving experience, particularly when the driver is working through corners and modulating the throttle.

Three Cooling Circuits for Extreme Loads

The V8’s thermal-management system has been enhanced to cope with the demands of intensive racetrack use and high ambient temperatures. It employs three separate cooling circuits:

A high-temperature circuit for the engine.
A low-temperature circuit for charge-air cooling.
A second low-temperature circuit for transmission oil and the 48-volt components.

The system is designed to maintain thermal stability under sustained loads, helping the engine and drivetrain deliver consistent performance rather than merely a brief peak output.

Titanium Exhaust and Akrapovič Collaboration

The V8’s character is reinforced by a bespoke high-performance exhaust system with increased flow capacity and a deliberately emotional sound signature. The cold-end design was developed in cooperation with Akrapovič, while extensive use of titanium contributes to the vehicle’s weight reduction.

The result is intended to preserve the unmistakable AMG V8 soundtrack while supporting the car’s broader lightweight and performance objectives.

Rear-Wheel Drive Replaces AMG 4MATIC+

One of the most consequential changes is hidden beneath the bodywork. The donor vehicle’s AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system has been removed entirely.

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels. That decision reduces weight, but more importantly, it fundamentally changes the car’s dynamic character. The driver becomes more directly involved in managing the relationship between engine torque, rear-axle traction and cornering attitude.

An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential varies its locking action to optimize torque distribution between the driven wheels. This improves traction, stability and overall dynamic performance, while also allowing controlled drifting under suitable conditions.

It is a deliberately less forgiving configuration than all-wheel drive, but that is precisely the point. The Spezialanfertigung is designed to provide a more direct connection between the driver and the car.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G and 310 km/h Top Speed

Power is transmitted through AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission. The torque-converter gearbox combines rapid gear changes with a more relaxed shifting character when the selected drive program calls for it.

Depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT setting, the transmission can deliver sharp, sporty shifts or exceptionally smooth gear changes. It can also execute multiple downshifts in quick succession, allowing the engine to reach its most effective rev range almost immediately.

The Launch Control system has been specifically adapted to the rear-wheel-drive layout. Mercedes-AMG quotes a 0–200 km/h acceleration time of 11.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 310 km/h.

Those figures are impressive, but the more revealing detail is the drivetrain layout: this is a car designed to make its performance accessible through driver inputs rather than relying exclusively on maximum traction.

A Racing-Inspired Chassis Developed with KW Automotive

The suspension is one of the defining features of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Mercedes-AMG worked with KW automotive to develop a steel coilover suspension system that can be precisely tuned for different driving styles, circuits and road conditions.

At its core is four-way adjustable damper technology, with independently configurable:

Low-speed rebound.
Low-speed compression.
High-speed rebound.
High-speed compression.

The low-speed settings influence body movements during braking, acceleration and turn-in. Their performance-focused calibration is intended to deliver sharper handling, improved driver feedback and greater stability.

The high-speed settings address rapid wheel movements caused by bumps, kerbs and surface irregularities. This allows the dampers to maintain control without compromising the car’s ability to absorb demanding road inputs.

The objective is not simply a stiff ride. It is a chassis that can be tuned to provide direct feedback, strong body control, traction and confidence when the car is operating close to its limits.

Ceramic Brakes Designed for Racetrack Abuse

The braking system has been engineered for sustained high loads. The AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Braking System includes a dedicated brake-cooling concept developed specifically for the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung.

Large air intakes in the front bumper and airflow-guiding elements improve heat dissipation. At the front axle, 420 x 40 mm internally ventilated and perforated ceramic discs are paired with six-piston fixed calipers. The rear axle uses 360 x 32 mm ceramic discs with single-piston floating calipers.

The front discs feature long-fiber technology designed to transfer heat more rapidly from the friction surface into the cooling channels. This helps reduce brake-pad temperatures during demanding braking.

Ceramic construction also reduces weight and unsprung mass compared with a conventional braking system. That benefits more than stopping performance: lower unsprung mass can improve wheel control, turn-in response and the suspension’s ability to follow the road.

The gold-painted calipers provide a visual reminder that this is a braking system designed for extreme performance.

A Body 60 Millimeters Wider at Both Axles

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung’s proportions are not merely dramatic for the sake of appearance. Its bodywork has been extensively modified to support the car’s performance objectives.

The bodyshell has been reinforced and widened, increasing vehicle width by 60 millimeters at both the front and rear. The wider stance improves stability and cornering potential while creating the space required for exceptionally wide wheels and tires.

Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the exterior, including:

Widened front fenders with integrated air outlets.
A redesigned front apron with large cooling intakes.
Side sill panels.
A bonnet with a central cold-air intake.
The roof.
The rear apron and diffuser.
A reinforced boot lid.
A manually adjustable rear wing.

The rear side windows and rear window are made from polycarbonate, while a lighter 12-volt starter battery contributes to the overall weight reduction.

The body structure also includes additional reinforcements and an integrated roll-over bar. These measures increase torsional rigidity, providing the foundation for precise suspension tuning and consistent driver feedback under high loads.

20-Inch Wheels with Tires Developed from AMG ONE Technology

The widened carbon-fiber fenders accommodate exclusive AMG Performance forged wheels measuring:

Front: 11.0 J x 20.
Rear: 12.0 J x 20.

They are fitted with exceptionally wide tires measuring 305/30 ZR20 at the front and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear. The tires are based on a further development of technology originally created for the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

Their design remains exclusive to the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, reinforcing the car’s position as a limited-production performance flagship rather than a conventional CLE variant.

The suspension also lowers the car by 22 millimeters at the front axle and 16 millimeters at the rear, giving it a lower center of gravity and a more purposeful stance.

A Two-Tone Finish for a One-Off Presence

The exterior design is finished in a distinctive two-tone combination. The front section is painted Mojave Silver Magno, while the bodywork from the B-pillar rearwards is finished in Obsidian Black Magno.

AMG crests on the driver’s and passenger’s doors emphasize the car’s bespoke character. The enormous grille, wide fenders and extensive exposed carbon-fiber elements give the CLE a far more aggressive presence than the standard coupé.

Yet the design is not simply about visual drama. Every major exterior modification serves a technical purpose, from cooling and wheelhouse ventilation to aerodynamic balance and downforce.

Aerodynamics: More Than 250 Kilograms of Downforce

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung’s aerodynamic package includes a front diffuser, fender louvers, underbody modifications and a manually adjustable rear wing.

The front diffuser can be adjusted between two positions using three fasteners:

Street: intended for road use.
Race: intended exclusively for racetrack operation.

In the Race position, the diffuser creates an inverted-wing profile beneath the front end. It accelerates airflow under the car and generates a Venturi effect, increasing front-axle downforce.

The benefits are intended to be felt through the steering wheel. Increased front-end load improves high-speed stability, turn-in response and steering precision when the car is subjected to high lateral forces.

The center section of the carbon-fiber rear wing can also be manually adjusted to increase rear-axle downforce and achieve the desired aerodynamic balance on a circuit.

Fender Louvers and Underbody Airflow

Open louvers in the widened front fenders improve wheelhouse ventilation while contributing to downforce. An airflow channel next to the headlights directs air through the wheel arches and out through the louvers.

Additional flics mounted on the sides of the front apron optimize airflow, increasing front-axle downforce while also supporting brake cooling.

The aerodynamic work continues beneath the vehicle. The front underbody remains almost fully enclosed, while longitudinal fins in the flat floor locally accelerate airflow and contribute to additional downforce.

Mercedes-AMG states that the complete system generates well over 250 kilograms of downforce at top speed.

That figure is particularly significant because it comes from an integrated package rather than a single large wing. The diffuser, underbody, wheelhouse ventilation and rear wing are designed to work together, balancing aerodynamic load across both axles.

Nine-Stage AMG TRACTION CONTROL

For closed-circuit driving with ESP switched off, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung features AMG TRACTION CONTROL, allowing the driver to select the level of rear-wheel slip support.

The system offers nine stages of adjustment, enabling the driver to tailor the car’s behavior to tire temperature, track conditions and personal preference.

At one end of the spectrum, the system can provide greater assistance in managing the engine’s considerable output. At the other, it allows experienced drivers to operate closer to the handling limit with reduced electronic intervention.

This is a feature that reinforces the car’s central philosophy: the driver should be able to determine how the car responds, rather than simply selecting a generic “Sport” or “Track” mode.

A Lightweight Interior with a Clear Purpose

The interior follows the same uncompromising approach as the exterior. AMG has removed the rear seats and acoustic insulation materials, reduced comfort equipment and simplified the sound system to save weight.

Several drive modes and assistance systems have also been deleted, allowing the number of controls on the AMG Performance steering wheel to be reduced.

The steering wheel itself is covered in DINAMICA microfiber and features a motorsport-inspired flattened shape designed to provide grip and control.

Ultra-lightweight racing bucket seats with pronounced lateral support are fitted as standard. A roll-over bar increases torsional rigidity, while lightweight carbon-fiber door panels complete the interior package.

The optional Performance Package adds six-point harnesses for the driver and passenger, further emphasizing the car’s circuit-focused character.

Hand-Built in Affalterbach

Every Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is hand-built in Affalterbach, based on a CLE 53 platform. The process continues AMG’s long tradition of exclusive manufactory craftsmanship, a tradition associated with iconic models such as the AMG 300 CE 6.0 “The Hammer.”

The extensive reconstruction is central to the car’s identity. This is not a vehicle that simply receives a power upgrade and a set of cosmetic changes on an assembly line. It is comprehensively rebuilt to meet the demands of its unique performance specification.

The Second Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series Model

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second model in the Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series, a collection dedicated to exceptionally rare collector vehicles produced in strictly limited numbers.

It follows the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, which is limited to 250 examples worldwide and features an open two-seat configuration without a roof or windscreen.

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung takes a different approach. It remains a road-legal coupé, but its engineering is directed toward uncompromising racetrack performance.

The result is a vehicle that combines a distinctive appearance, extreme performance and an unusually direct driving experience. With only 30 examples planned and the entire production run already sold out before its world premiere, it is also destined to become one of the rarest modern AMG models.

Verdict: A Road-Legal AMG Built Around the Driver

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is best understood as a purpose-built performance machine wearing the shape of a luxury coupé.

Its 646-hp V8, rear-wheel-drive layout, four-way adjustable suspension, ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber bodywork and sophisticated aerodynamic package are not isolated upgrades. They are parts of a single concept designed to make the car more precise, more responsive and more involving.

At a time when high-performance cars increasingly rely on all-wheel drive, complex electronic systems and additional weight to deliver speed, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung takes a more focused approach. It removes weight, narrows the gap between driver and machine, and gives the rear axle a central role in the driving experience.

The result is an exceptionally rare AMG that promises to be as memorable for its engineering philosophy as it is for its performance figures.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung key specifications

Specification	Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung
Engine	4.0-liter V8 biturbo
Power	646 hp (475 kW)
Maximum torque	850 Nm
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G, 9-speed automatic
0–200 km/h	11.4 seconds
Top speed	310 km/h
Weight reduction	Approximately 170 kg
Front tire size	305/30 ZR20
Rear tire size	335/30 ZR20
Front ceramic brake discs	420 x 40 mm
Rear ceramic brake discs	360 x 32 mm
Downforce at top speed	More than 250 kg
Production	30 examples worldwide
Build location	Affalterbach, Germany

Source: Mercedes-Benz

NEW CARS

2027 Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 Get Major Updates With New Design, Smarter Tech and Enhanced Safety

September 10, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Volvo is giving its popular 40 series a comprehensive technology and design update, bringing a sharper exterior, a more sophisticated interior, a larger infotainment display, Google Gemini AI, and a significantly upgraded suite of driver-assistance and safety systems.

The refreshed Volvo XC40, Volvo EX40 and Volvo EC40 are designed to make everyday driving easier, safer and more connected while extending the appeal of a family of models that remains an important part of Volvo’s global lineup.

The update is more than a styling exercise. Volvo has upgraded the cars’ electronic architecture, cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, while introducing new software capabilities that can continue to improve the vehicles through over-the-air updates.

A Sharper Look for the Volvo 40 Series

The most obvious changes arrive at the front of the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40.

The familiar Thor’s Hammer lighting signature has been redesigned with new Matrix LED headlights, giving the 40 series a more contemporary interpretation of one of Volvo’s most recognizable design elements.

The front end also receives an upgraded grille, redesigned bumper, bonnet and front wings. Together, these changes give the compact Volvo models a cleaner and more confident appearance while retaining the restrained Scandinavian design language that has become a defining characteristic of the brand.

At the rear, the Volvo XC40 and EX40 receive redesigned LED taillights, an upgraded tailgate and a new rear bumper. The EC40, meanwhile, retains its distinctive rear-end design.

The Volvo XC40 will also be available with new 18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch diamond-cut wheel designs, adding further opportunities for customers to personalize the SUV’s appearance.

According to Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 series at Volvo Cars, the combination of design, technology and safety improvements is intended to create the strongest versions of the 40 series to date.

New 11.2-Inch Infotainment Screen

Inside the cabin, one of the biggest changes is the introduction of a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen.

The new display is designed to provide a sharper image and a more intuitive user experience, while reducing the number of taps required to access commonly used functions.

That matters in everyday driving. Rather than simply adding another larger screen to the dashboard, Volvo says the updated interface has been designed to make interaction with the vehicle quicker and easier.

The updated infotainment system also brings Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology into the 40 series.

Google Gemini Comes to Volvo’s 40 Series

One of the most significant technology upgrades is the integration of Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant.

Unlike traditional voice-command systems that often require users to remember specific phrases, Gemini is designed to understand more natural conversation.

Drivers can use the system for tasks such as planning journeys, identifying interesting places to stop and managing messages while on the move.

For example, instead of navigating through multiple menus to find information about a destination, the driver can communicate with the vehicle more naturally. The objective is to make the infotainment system feel less like a conventional command interface and more like a conversational digital assistant.

The technology also fits into Volvo’s broader strategy of using software to keep its vehicles current after they leave the factory.

More Practical and Premium Interiors

Volvo has also concentrated on making the 40 series more comfortable and useful for everyday life.

The cabin retains the practical storage solutions expected from a compact family vehicle while gaining an updated wireless phone charger and other integrated features designed around daily usability.

New upholstery and interior trim choices further differentiate the refreshed models.

For the first time, Volvo XC40 buyers will be able to specify Arianne Cardamom leather upholstery combined with Brown Ash wood decor elements. Customers can also choose Black Ash or aluminium interior finishes.

Refined cabin illumination adds another layer of sophistication, giving the interior a more premium atmosphere, particularly during nighttime driving.

The result is an interior that attempts to balance Volvo’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian design with modern digital technology.

Volvo Upgrades the 40 Series Safety Technology

Safety remains one of the most important areas of the update.

The new Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 benefit from a substantially upgraded sensor and software platform designed to provide the vehicle with a more comprehensive understanding of its surroundings.

The hardware package includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and updated parking cameras.

Together, these sensors allow the vehicle to monitor traffic and objects around it more effectively, providing the foundation for a range of upgraded active-safety and driver-assistance functions.

Volvo’s approach is based on its long-running real-world accident research, with the company’s safety systems designed not only to warn the driver but, when necessary, intervene to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

Automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected, while automatic emergency steering can help the vehicle steer around an identified hazard when appropriate.

New Door Opening Alert

One of the new safety features is Door Opening Alert.

The system is designed to detect approaching road users, including cyclists, and warn occupants before they open a door into the path of passing traffic.

It’s a relatively simple feature, but one that addresses a common urban-road safety problem. As cities become increasingly dependent on bicycles and other forms of micromobility, preventing a vehicle door from being opened directly into the path of a cyclist can make a meaningful difference.

Pilot Assist Gains Lane Change Assistance

Volvo’s optional Pilot Assist driver-support system has also been enhanced.

The system now includes lane-change assistance and has been refined to follow the road more smoothly, with the goal of providing greater comfort and confidence during longer journeys.

As with other advanced driver-assistance technologies, Pilot Assist is intended to support the driver rather than replace the person behind the wheel. Drivers remain responsible for monitoring the road and maintaining control of the vehicle.

3D Camera Makes Parking Easier

Parking technology receives an upgrade as well.

The optional 360-degree camera system now provides a 3D view, giving drivers a more comprehensive visual representation of the area surrounding the vehicle.

The technology is particularly useful during low-speed manoeuvres in tight parking spaces, garages and crowded urban environments.

For a compact SUV such as the XC40, this type of technology can be particularly valuable because it reduces blind spots and makes it easier to judge the vehicle’s position relative to surrounding objects.

Volvo EX40 and EC40 Continue the Electric Push

The updated 40 series remains an important part of Volvo’s electrification strategy.

For buyers ready to switch to an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX40 offers up to 575 km of range on a single charge, while the Volvo EC40 can travel up to 584 km, depending on specification and market.

The EX40 and EC40 therefore continue to provide a fully electric alternative within Volvo’s compact SUV and crossover range.

The XC40, meanwhile, continues to serve customers who prefer the flexibility of a conventional powertrain.

This multi-powertrain strategy allows Volvo to maintain the 40 series as a broad offering while the company continues its transition toward an increasingly electrified model lineup.

Over-the-Air Updates Keep the Cars Improving

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the updated Volvo 40 series is that the vehicles are not necessarily finished evolving when they leave the factory.

Volvo says the XC40, EX40 and EC40 can receive regular over-the-air software updates that introduce new features and improvements.

That means owners can benefit from changes to the vehicle’s software without necessarily having to visit a dealership.

This approach is becoming increasingly important across the automotive industry, as modern vehicles rely on software for everything from infotainment and navigation to driver assistance and vehicle functionality.

Volvo 40 Series Black Edition Also Available

The refreshed 40 series will also be offered in Black Edition specification in selected markets.

Order books for the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 are now open in selected markets, with production scheduled to begin later in autumn 2026.

Availability, equipment, powertrains and specifications will vary depending on the market.

Updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40: What Has Changed?

The latest 40 series update can be summarized by four major areas: design, technology, safety and connectivity.

The exterior gains redesigned lighting and bodywork, while the interior receives a larger 11.2-inch infotainment display and new premium materials.

The technology package is strengthened by Google Gemini, while the safety architecture receives new cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. Pilot Assist gains lane-change assistance, the 360-degree camera gets a 3D view, and Door Opening Alert adds another layer of protection for cyclists and other road users.

For electric-car buyers, the EX40 and EC40 continue to offer up to 575 km and 584 km of range respectively.

Rather than replacing the 40 series with an entirely new generation, Volvo has chosen to significantly upgrade an established model family. That strategy makes sense for a vehicle line that already has a strong customer base: improve the areas drivers notice every day while adding the software and safety technology needed to remain competitive.

The refreshed Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 therefore represent a substantial evolution rather than a simple facelift. With a sharper design, a larger touchscreen, Google Gemini, improved driver assistance, new safety hardware and continued over-the-air software updates, Volvo’s compact 40 series enters its next phase with considerably more technology under the skin.

Source: Volvo

NEW CARS

Nissan Pixo Returns as New Entry-Level Electric City Car Below the Micra

September 9, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Nissan is bringing back the Pixo name for a new electric city car that will become the Japanese automaker’s smallest and most affordable EV in Europe. Set to make its world debut on September 23, the new Nissan Pixo will sit below the Micra in the company’s growing electric vehicle lineup and target buyers looking for a compact, affordable car designed primarily for urban driving.

The new Nissan Pixo will be closely related to the Renault Twingo, with the two electric city cars expected to share their underlying technology. Nissan’s latest small EV is part of a wider partnership with Renault that has already produced the new Micra, which is based on the Renault 5.

Nissan says the Pixo will bring a “fresh, fun character” to the compact electric vehicle segment while combining small dimensions with technology and a distinctive interpretation of the brand’s current design language.

New Nissan Pixo Debuts September 23

Nissan has released a short teaser video ahead of the Pixo’s official unveiling, confirming that the new electric city car will be revealed in full on September 23.

Although the company has yet to release complete specifications, Nissan describes the model as a car created for “modern urban life.” The automaker is emphasizing compact dimensions, intuitive technology and distinctive Nissan styling as some of the Pixo’s key characteristics.

The teaser also appears to provide an early hint at the car’s design philosophy. Its retro arcade-game aesthetic fits with previous reports that the new Pixo will draw inspiration from Nissan’s distinctive Pike cars of the 1980s.

That could give the Pixo a more playful visual identity than the conventional styling typically associated with affordable electric city cars.

Nissan Pixo Expected to Share Technology With Renault Twingo

Underneath its Nissan-specific styling, the new Pixo is expected to be closely related to the latest Renault Twingo.

The Renault Twingo’s electric powertrain provides a strong indication of what Nissan’s smallest EV could offer. The expected configuration uses an 80-hp front-mounted electric motor paired with a 27.5-kWh battery.

With that setup, the Pixo could offer a driving range of approximately 155 miles, although Nissan has not yet officially confirmed the figures for its own version.

The relatively small battery is consistent with the Pixo’s intended role. Rather than attempting to compete with larger electric hatchbacks on long-distance range, the Nissan EV is expected to prioritize low weight, compact dimensions and efficiency in urban environments.

For city drivers, a smaller battery can also help reduce both the weight and cost of the vehicle, two factors that are particularly important in the affordable EV market.

Nissan Pixo Price Could Start at Around £17,000

Price could be one of the biggest selling points of the new Nissan Pixo.

The electric city car is expected to closely mirror the Renault Twingo on pricing, potentially giving it a starting price of around £17,000 in the UK.

If that figure is confirmed, the Pixo would become an important model for Nissan as the company attempts to make electric mobility more accessible.

The car will occupy a position below the Nissan Micra, giving the Japanese manufacturer a smaller and potentially cheaper alternative for customers who do not need the space or performance of a conventional supermini.

The Pixo could therefore play a similar role in Nissan’s electric range to the one traditionally occupied by affordable petrol-powered city cars.

Nissan Revives the Pixo Name

The return of the Pixo badge is not entirely unexpected, as Nissan had previously indicated that it planned to use an established name for its new city car.

Earlier reports suggested that Nissan was considering the name “Wave,” but the company ultimately opted for Pixo.

The name has a history in the European market. Between 2009 and 2013, Nissan sold the Pixo in the UK as a rebadged version of the Suzuki Alto, which was manufactured in India.

At the time, the Nissan Pixo was positioned as one of the cheapest new cars available in Britain, with prices starting at just £5,995.

The new electric Pixo will be a very different proposition. Instead of being an inexpensive conventional city car, it will become Nissan’s entry point into its European electric vehicle lineup.

Retro Nissan Design Could Give the Pixo a Distinctive Character

One of the most intriguing aspects of the new Nissan Pixo is its expected design.

Nissan has previously indicated that the car will take inspiration from the company’s Pike series of compact models from the 1980s. Those cars became known for their unusual, retro-inspired designs and distinctive personalities.

The teaser video’s arcade-game theme appears to reinforce that direction.

That could make the Pixo stand out in a growing segment of small electric vehicles. Rather than relying solely on affordability and efficiency, Nissan appears to be positioning the car as an EV with a strong emotional and visual appeal.

The strategy also fits with Nissan’s recent efforts to give its smaller electric models more individual identities.

Pixo Will Become Nissan’s Smallest European EV

Once launched, the Nissan Pixo will sit at the bottom of the company’s European electric vehicle range.

Above it will be the Nissan Micra, followed by the larger Leaf and Ariya.

The new Micra itself is closely related to Renault’s electric lineup, being a reworked version of the Renault 5. This means Nissan’s partnership with Renault is playing an increasingly important role in the automaker’s European EV strategy.

The Pixo takes that approach a step further by bringing a compact A-segment electric model to the market.

For Nissan, the timing could be significant. European demand for smaller and more affordable electric cars is increasing, while automakers are under pressure to reduce the cost of EVs and expand their offerings beyond larger, more expensive models.

Nissan Pixo vs. Renault Twingo

The Nissan Pixo and Renault Twingo are expected to share much of their underlying technology, but Nissan is likely to give its model a distinct personality.

The biggest differences should come from exterior and interior design, equipment, branding and the way each manufacturer positions its car.

Where the Twingo focuses on reviving Renault’s famous city-car nameplate with a modern electric interpretation, Nissan appears ready to use the Pixo as an opportunity to combine affordability with its own retro-inspired design language.

The result could be one of the more distinctive entries in Europe’s affordable EV market.

Nissan’s Expanding Electric Vehicle Lineup

The Pixo will join a rapidly expanding Nissan EV lineup in Europe.

The new Micra has already moved Nissan into the small electric hatchback segment, while the new Leaf returns as a larger model positioned for buyers seeking greater practicality.

At the top of the current range sits the Ariya electric crossover.

The Pixo will therefore give Nissan something it has increasingly lacked in its European range: an extremely compact, relatively affordable electric model aimed specifically at urban motorists.

Its success could depend heavily on pricing. If Nissan manages to deliver a starting price close to the expected £17,000 figure while maintaining a useful range and attractive equipment levels, the Pixo could become an important player among Europe’s next generation of affordable EVs.

Nissan Pixo: What We Know So Far

The new Nissan Pixo is expected to offer:

A-segment electric city-car dimensions
Front-mounted electric motor
Approximately 80 hp
27.5-kWh battery
Expected range of around 155 miles
Renault Twingo-based technology
Retro-inspired Nissan design
Positioning below the Nissan Micra
Expected UK starting price of around £17,000
Official unveiling on September 23

Nissan has yet to confirm the complete technical specifications, equipment levels, charging capabilities and final pricing.

Nissan Pixo Could Become a Key Affordable EV

The return of the Pixo name marks a significant transformation for Nissan’s smallest European model.

The original Pixo was designed around low purchase prices and simple city-car transportation. Its successor will retain the compact urban mission but replace the conventional powertrain with electric propulsion and add considerably more technology and design ambition.

With Renault Twingo underpinnings, an expected 80-hp electric motor and a 27.5-kWh battery, the Pixo could offer a straightforward formula for urban EV buyers. Its expected range of approximately 155 miles should be sufficient for the daily needs of many city drivers, while a potential £17,000 starting price would make it one of the more accessible new electric cars in Europe.

The biggest unanswered question is whether Nissan can deliver that combination of affordability, range and distinctive design without pushing the final price significantly higher.

We will know much more when Nissan officially reveals the new Pixo on September 23.

Source: Nissan