Those in the US who are planning on possibly purchasing a 2016 Nissan LEAF will be happy to know that retail pricing information has now been released. The new 2016 model year has a starting price of $29,010 (LEAF S) before federal tax credits.
The starting prices for the 2016 LEAF SV and the 2016 LEAF SL — both of which are equipped with the new, larger battery packs (30 kilowatt-hours), allowing for an EPA range rating of 107 miles to a full-charge — are: $34,200 and $36,790. Once the federal tax credit is factored in, these numbers become $7,500 cheaper. Though, once other fees are factored in as well, the figure could well end up higher.
While the 2016 LEAF SV and 2016 LEAF SL will both feature the new 30 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery packs, it is important for buyers to understand that the 2016 LEAF S will still only feature a 24 kWh battery pack (84 miles to a full charge, according to the EPA). All of the 2016 model years will reportedly feature an improved user interface, though.
A new press release provides more:
Along with the new battery, other enhancements for the 2016 model year include standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display for LEAF S models. LEAF SV and SL grades add NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition.
The NissanConnect EV system (no-charge subscription required), also standard on SV and SL grades, allows remote connection to the vehicle, providing monitoring of battery state-of-charge, start charging event control and turning on the heating and air conditioning system prior to entering the vehicle. The 2016 model also offers three new premium-look exterior colors: Forged Bronze, Coulis Red and Deep Blue Pearl (eight colors total).
While all of that admittedly sounds pretty good, I do have to wonder how these model years will come across in late 2016 once the 200-mile Chevy Bolt starts hitting the US market. Considering that the pricing is expected to be similar, the disparity in range is likely to seem pretty jarring.