Nissan has unveiled the seventh generation of the venerable Patrol, the company’s big and iconic 4WD that has been around in one form or another since the 1950s.
Revealed at an event in Abu Dhabi, the new model is a banger. It looks big and powerful and luxurious, and is indeed all those things. In fact, Nissan says that thanks to the new 3.5-litre V6 twin turbo engine that sits under that commanding exterior, the new, top-variant Patrol is the most powerful to date. That engine delivers 317kW and 700Nm and achieves, the company says, a 7 per cent increase in power, a 25 per cent increase in torque, and enhances fuel efficiency by 24 per cent, over the outgoing V8 engine. Power is sent to the wheels via a 9-speed auto transmission.
While this monster twin-turbo is the big boy of the powertrain options, there is a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine option, producing 236kW and 386Nm of torque.
Nissan says enhancements to the new V6 twin-turbo motor include improved throttle response, high combustion efficiency to maximise power output, and mirror bore coating to enhance thermal efficiency. The high heat-resistant turbocharger maintains peak performance under demanding conditions, while the scavenger oil pump ensures consistent lubrication on slopes and inclines.
Also featured on the new Patrol is a new adaptive air suspension system available as standard, and drivers can continue to tailor their drive via a selection of six drive modes – standard, sand, rock, mud, eco and sport. Introduced here also is a 4WD transfer mode interlock system, a first for Nissan, which offers ‘intuitive handling across various terrains, allowing drivers to seamlessly switch between modes.’
Underlying all this is a range of advanced chassis systems and electronic aids, including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Inside, the new Patrol brings a premium luxury touch. The interior features quilted leather seats that have massage functionality and eight-way adjustment. There’s a standard panoramic sunroof and second-row seats are equipped with ‘NASA-inspired spinal support technology.’ Additionally, there’s a horizontal ‘Piano Button’ E-shifter for gear selection introduced for the first time in the Patrol.
There’s a 28.6-inch horizontal Monolith display, featuring twin 14.3-inch displays that provide navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information. Rear-seat passengers get dual 12.8-inch screens. There’s also a 64-colour ambient lighting system in the cabin along with a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio system.
A particular high-tech feature available in select grades is Biometric Cooling technology which Nissan says uses a built-in infrared sensor to detect the body temperature of front and second row passengers, and automatically adjusts
air flow settings for cooling.
Nissan says the new Patrol offers up to 30 per cent more room compared to previous models, as well as a combined 9-litre storage across the glove and console box.
Technology includes built-in Google and NissanConnect 2.0 that integrates navigation, security and entertainment into a unified platform. A MyNISSAN app serves as a central hub for remote access and personalisation.
There’s a head-up display and Nissan’s ProPILOT technology makes its debut in the new Patrol too. Also here is Panorama View, featuring ‘Ultra-Wide View’ and ‘Invisible Hood View’, with Invisible-to-Visible technology projecting real-time images of obstacles and navigation cues on the horizontal monolith screen. The Ultra-Wide View expands the field of vision to 170 degrees, while the Invisible Hood provides a clear view of the area directly beneath the vehicle.
The Patrol is also equipped with a 3D Around View Monitor which offers a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Additional safety features include the Smart Rear View Mirror and Rear Zoom View, as well as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.
The new body structure, constructed with increased use of high-strength steel, improves frontal crash and pedestrian protection and there are seven airbags as well as knee airbags designed to enhance the driver’s safety.
There’s also an updated power lift gate, as well as USB Type-C ports in every row and a wireless phone charger pad in the front centre console.
Reports suggest that the new Nissan Patrol will be available to order in Australia from late 2026. Pricing and specifications for the local market are to come.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2024)
19 September 2024