Nissan Elgrand

Nissan’s Elgrand Gracia at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 The Tokyo Auto Salon, an annual January event, is a mecca for car enthusiasts worldwide. From cutting-edge manufacturer prototypes to jaw-dropping custom creations by tuning shops, the event is a celebration of automotive ingenuity. But what truly sets this event apart is its ability to shine a…

The Nissan 2nd generation “Elgrand” remains an iconic minivan that set the standards for luxury and comfort, challenging the Toyota “Alphard” for its popularity. While the current model may not match the Alphard in terms of sales, the 2nd generation “Elgrand” released in 2002 was a true contender, boasting an interior that was nothing short of spectacular.

At its core, the 2nd generation Elgrand was designed as a high-end minivan, aiming to offer a space that exuded dreams, relaxation, and excitement. Stepping inside the Elgrand was akin to entering a cozy living room, with an abundance of luxurious features. The interior was adorned with wood grain decorations and plated parts, creating an ambiance of opulence.

One standout feature was the unique display arrangement in the center of the instrument panel. Seamlessly integrated with the round, oblong meter panel, the display could be adjusted back and forth to minimize glare and ensure optimal visibility, particularly when driving in bright sunlight.

The versatility of the second multi-center seat was another aspect that set the Elgrand apart. It allowed for various seat arrangements, making it convenient for passengers to move between the second and third rows. Transforming the second row into captain’s seats was effortless, and the seat’s backrest could fold forward to create an armrest with a built-in drink holder. Moreover, a large storage box under the cushion added practicality, accommodating items like game consoles and personal belongings.

Family trips became even more enjoyable as the second-row seats could be rotated to face the third-row seats, fostering a fun and interactive atmosphere within the vehicle. Nissan continued to innovate, introducing the groundbreaking “Around View Monitor” in the 2007 minor model update, making parking and maneuvering the Elgrand a breeze.

As a testament to its dedication to luxury, Nissan released several special specification models, showcasing premium materials and sophisticated features like genuine leather seats, elegant instrument panels, and electric curtains.

Under the hood, the 2nd generation Elgrand stayed true to its roots, maintaining the rear-wheel-drive (FR) configuration introduced in the first generation. Some variants also offered the option of a 4WD system. Engine options included a 2.5-liter and a powerful 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, emphasizing not only luxurious interior comfort but also delivering an enjoyable and sporty driving experience.

The combination of a luxurious interior and a focus on sporty performance endeared the 2nd generation Elgrand to a devoted fan base. While the current model might not be the top seller, its legacy lives on, and it continues to be remembered as a pioneer in the luxury minivan genre.

In conclusion, the 2nd generation Nissan “Elgrand” has left an indelible mark on the automotive world with its incredible interior, offering a serene and lavish space that rivaled the best in the segment. Its innovative features, versatility, and sporty driving dynamics have solidified its place in the hearts of Elgrand enthusiasts, ensuring its status as a timeless classic in the realm of luxury minivans.

The luxury minivan segment is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with new models being introduced by top automakers. Lexus recently unveiled the second generation of its flagship minivan, the “LM,” in Japan, while Toyota’s “Alphard/Vellfire” underwent a complete redesign. In this competitive landscape, Nissan’s top-end minivan, the “Elgrand,” now in its 13th year since its debut, offers surprisingly affordable options.

The first Elgrand was launched in 1997, pioneering the concept of luxury minivans with its robust exterior, spacious and opulent interior, and powerful performance. The current third-generation model, fully remodeled in August 2010, retained the dignified design and driving prowess while introducing a low-center-of-gravity platform and transitioning from a rear-wheel drive (FR) layout to front-wheel drive (FF). The height of the Elgrand was reduced to 1,815 mm, significantly improving steering stability compared to its predecessors. The powertrain options include a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, a robust 3.5-liter engine generating a maximum output of 280 horsepower and a torque of 344 Nm, and a 5.0-liter V-type 6-cylinder engine. All variants come paired with a CVT transmission.

Over the years, the Elgrand has undergone multiple updates, including a significant facelift in 2014. The exterior now showcases a distinct grille design with a checkered pattern and offers two options: black chrome and satin chrome, depending on the trim level. The headlights feature signature LED position lamps, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. Furthermore, Nissan has made substantial advancements in its driver assistance systems since the initial launch. All Elgrand models come standard with intelligent cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, rear and side collision prevention, and sign detection functions.

Currently, the Elgrand lineup consists only of the “Highway Star” grade, which comes equipped with aero parts. There is no basic grade available without these aerodynamic enhancements. Nissan also offers specialized versions of the Elgrand, such as the “Elgrand AUTECH” developed by Nissan Motorsport & Customize (NMC), which focuses on custom parts for Nissan vehicles. Additionally, a 4-seater model called the “VIP” caters to the demand for enhanced rear seat equipment and chauffeur-driven experiences.

Interestingly, the Elgrand offers surprisingly affordable options within the luxury minivan segment. The “250Highway STAR S” 2WD model is the cheapest variant, priced at 4,038,100 yen (tax included), with both 7-seater and 8-seater options available at the same price point. While this grade omits certain functional equipment such as the driver’s side power sliding door, automatic back door, and front power seat, and uses Neo Sophie/Jacquard fabric material instead of genuine leather for the seat fabric, it still offers standard features like the passenger seat ottoman, folding function, captain seat with ottoman (for 7-seater models), and advanced driving support functions.

Compared to its main rival, the new Alphard, which is expected to cost around 5.4 million yen, and the luxury minivan LM, which is anticipated to have an even higher price tag, the Elgrand remains relatively affordable. It is worth noting that the “e-POWER Highway Star V” grade of Nissan’s recently released “Serena” minivan, priced at 3,686,100 yen, is not far off from the Elgrand’s price range, with a difference of only about 400,000 yen.

However, the absence of hybrid options like the Serena’s e-POWER system and the Alphard/Vellfire’s HEV models could be seen as a drawback for the Elgrand. Moreover, with the introduction of new competitors like the reintroduced “Odyssey” model, the Elgrand might face challenges in maintaining its position in the luxury minivan market. While the Elgrand’s relatively affordable pricing for a top-end minivan attracts customers, considering its 13-year run, it may be time for Nissan to unveil the next generation of this “original luxury minivan.