The crowd of invitees that queued up at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi for the global premiere of the new generation Nissan Patrol would put a South Indian superstar movie release to shame. No wonder they call this automotive icon of adventure and luxury the ‘hero of all terrain’. The new Nissan Patrol, or Y63 as enthusiasts will go on to call it, offers brand new engines, increased capability and elevated luxury. Read on…
Nissan Patrol Y63 is here. The telegraphic brief would be thus: It offers two V6 engine options and does away with the fabled V8, yet emerges way more powerful and fuel efficient than ever. The introduction of premium features like Biometric cooling and quilted-style leather seats underline the luxurious edge that once made the not-so-cheaply priced Patrol a value-for-money proposition in the large SUV segment. Adventurers can count on camera technologies in the Y63, like ‘invisible hood view’ and ‘intersection assist view’, to breathe easy from atop high dunes or at intersections. Families can enjoy the thoughtful practicality of a more spacious cabin and flexible storage options with second row seats that can be folded without removing the child seat for third row access. And those who buy the Nissan Patrol just for the majestic command it offers on the road can revel in steering around easily with the newly introduced Electronic Power Steering (EPS) while techies will proudly point out the new 28.6 inch wide dual screen on the dashboard. And there is more, so enthusiasts and buyers, read on…
Climbing higher, more effortlessly
While the sixth generation Y61 Nissan Patrol went on to be a timeless adventurer, it is a territory marked exclusively by off-road enthusiasts. The Y62, on the other hand, has been playing a double role – one as a trusted adventurer than can climb and bash challenging dunes and a premium SUV that compelled millionaires to question the real need to pay more for a luxury badge. So, the challenge faced by the creators of this new generation were multifarious – one, not to shake the trust of Middle East’s off-roading enthusiasts who have called this icon their very own. Two, pamper the ego of those luxury-mongers who would never take the Patrol into its natural habitat, being more than happy with their commanding position on Sheikh Zayed Road, having the right of way in the fast lane, even without asking. Three, please the unlikely Patrol fan zone of soccer moms who drive this gigantic SUV because it “is easy to manoeuvre” and they “feel safe and confident”.
The event was graced by Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President of Global Design and Ivan Espinosa, Chief Planning Officer who fielded questions at the round table. My questions were about precisely how the new Y63 managed to please the above audience and not upset the ‘Patrol-heads.’
Two new engines
The Y63 Nissan Patrol offers two engine options to compensate for the disappearance of the V8, which spelt immaculate confidence with 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Both the new engines are more powerful than their respective predecessors by a long throw. They are both mated to a 9-speed transmission seen in the Pathfinder, instead of the previous 7-speed gearbox.
The new 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 offers 316 hp (41 hp more than the previous V6) and 386 Nm of torque while the new 3.5 L V6 twin turbo option offers 425 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This translates to a 7% increase in power and a 25% boost in torque while improving fuel efficiency by 24% to 10.1 km per litre. And so, the double fuel tank has been replaced by a large 97.6 L single tank but thanks to the better fuel economy figures, the distance covered per tank won’t be compromised, as per Nissan. The real proof would come from testing out these developments personally on our terrains to make sure they actually live up in daily life.
When at the Round Table, I pointed out that the climbing power of the outgoing V8 was a huge draw for off-roaders, the officials unofficially cited stats from their dune testing of Y63. While Y62 had earlier achieved a 75 m climb, 5 meters more than its ‘rival’, it seems the new Y63 touched 110 m! (The Big Red, Liwa, Fossil Rock… here comes the son of the desert!)
The new V6 twin turbo is engineered for quicker throttle response, high combustion efficiency for maximum output and mirror bore coating for increased thermal efficiency. The turbo charger has a high heat resistance and maintains peak performance in tough conditions while the scavenger oil pump ensures consistent lubrication on slopes. Too technical and boring? How about this? Even when the Patrol is tackling an incline of 48º sideways, keeping your occupants shrieking as though in a roller coaster, the oil trickles down and doesn’t let the turbo go dry!
For more captivating adventures
Nissan Patrol Y63 comes with an Adaptive air suspension system as standard, which allows the vehicle to raise and lower itself up to 7 cm, allowing better accessibility across terrains and bringing the vehicle closer to the ground for greater stability on highways. When parked, it allows for children and older folk to step out and climb on more easily. Likewise, one doesn’t have to raise heavy bags much to load them into the boot. Besides, the new e-damper technology adjusts damper settings relative to driving conditions for greater comfort and control.
Nissan Patrol seventh generation has six distinct drive modes – standard, sand, rock, mud, eco and sport. It also comes with a 4WD transfer mode interlock system (a first for Nissan) that makes for a more intuitive handling across different terrains. Available 22-inch alloy wheels add to the ground clearance – the Nissan Patrol Y63 is capable of wading through waters 700 mm deep.
Nissan Patrol is more than just macho. I know many lady drivers who are absolutely comfortable behind the steering wheel of a Patrol, despite its mammoth presence and power. The easy manoeuvring and confidence that they love can now be boosted by the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) introduced in the Patrol (it was hydraulic so far!).
A question off-roaders are bound to ask: Can the traction control and electronic management be turned off? When the switch to sand mode happens, most interferences are shut down but some minimum support is retained for safety.
Design and looks
Nissan Patrol is an icon with a signature presence – must have been an exciting challenge and a nightmare at once for the design team. So, it still looks unmistakably Patrol but is now closer to the rest of the Nissan SUV family, especially the Pathfinder, in appearance. So, die-hard fans could argue that it moved one step away from the Patrol and two steps closer to Nissan.
The new Patrol is 3.5 mm longer but retains the same wheelbase. Nissan’s signature V-motion grille gets two transverse chrome strips across it. On its either side, the C-shaped headlamps have now doubled, featuring Adaptive Driving Beam technology for optimal visibility adjustment at all times. In the rear a full-width light bar and thickly set taillamps on its either side are the most striking features. Nissan has chosen to mark the exterior with several chrome strips, which at some places could divide the floor – for instance the upturned lines on the C-pillar. The mammoth has a gross weight of 3.5 tons and can also tow as much.
The new Patrol comes in 7 striking colours and 4 elegant two-tone options, which make it look more stylish and more Pathfinder-like. As is custom with premium cars these days, there is a puddle lamp which lights up as the driver approaches the vehicle with the key fob. Interestingly, it illuminates a motif featuring the Nissan Patrol silhouette in the desert along with the text ‘Since 1951’ signifying the year of the first Patrol. The manufacturer’s Press Release connects this welcoming warmth to the Japanese principle of omotenashi, or thoughtful hospitality.
Elevated interiors
The Y63 is a 5.3 m long 3-row 8-seater with class-leading space and comfort in the second and third row seats. The front seats come with massage function and can be eight-way adjusted. The quilted leather seats add to the luxurious get up of the interiors, with detailing inspired by the traditional Japanese wood craft, Kumiko. The first and second-row seats are designed with NASA-inspired spinal support technology to ensure optimal posture and minimal fatigue.
The second row ‘EZ flex’ seats can be folded flat or tumbled up for storage flexibility. Folding it can grant easy access to the third row, without even removing the child seat (as in the Pathfinder). The third row can be folded up and down automatically through a touch function on the monolith screen. The new Patrol offers up to 30% more cargo space compared with the outgoing model along with 9 L of cabin storage between the glove box and the console box.
The new Nissan Patrol comes with a panoramic sunroof as standard and a 64-color ambient lighting system with customizable live backgrounds.
Pleasing the luxury seekers
For the first time in its segment, Nissan Patrol brings Biometric Cooling technology in select grades. A built-in infrared sensor reads the body temperature of front and mid row passengers, automatically adjusting the airflow settings. to match the ‘hottest” person in the cabin. For example, when you step into the rear cabin from a walk in the afternoon sun, the cabin senses it and rear AC vents blow stronger to cool you down– up to 50% more quickly!
The Y63 is built on an all-new frame. Its improved rigidity and resistance (dynamic torsional rigidity) reduces vehicle vibration. Acoustic glass with sound damping for noise isolation, together with the choice of superior materials, improves cabin quietness – a mark of luxury cars.
The acoustics also got better. The Patrol now features a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System with DynamicAudioReveal™. This technology ensures consistent clarity and depth by adjusting audio equalization based on environmental conditions, while DJX® 3D Surround envelops occupants in a rich, concert-like sound experience.
Impressive cabin technology
Nissan Patrol Y63 is rich in tech – both for driving assistance and for passenger comfort. On the dashboard extending halfway is a set of dual screens 14.3 inches each, together looking like one extra-wide black screen of 28.6”. Rear passengers get two 12.8 inch screens for streaming content or playing games by connecting devices through Miracast, HDMI or USB.
The new Patrol is the first vehicle in the region with NissanConnect 2.0 with Google built-in (that wakes up with a “Hey Google!” to carry out commands related to media, climate control and new destinations.) Likewise, MyNISSAN app makes it possible to remotely start the engine, adjust climate settings, lock or unlock doors, or even wipe personal data in case security is compromised.
Practical comfort tech: Power lift gate with hands-free opening, Anti-pinch technology, angle memory, USB Type-C ports in every row, Wireless charger pad
Tech that makes driving safe and effortless
Patrol is the newest Nissan to be equipped with ProPilot, that supports the driver through adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. It can also leverage navigation data to adjust vehicle speed for upcoming curves or interchanges.
The camera system has become useful in manifold ways. To begin with, the resolution and clarity has been upgraded. Panoramic view with technologies of ‘invisible hood view’ and “ultra wide view” make navigation through obstacles easier than ever. The invisible hood provides a clear view of the area beneath the vehicle for safer driving off-road and in parking lots. It gives a more accurate idea of where the wheels are and what is around them. Likwise, the ultra wide view with frontal intersection assist expands the field of vision to 170 degrees. It shows you what you cannot see on the road ahead as you pull out of a parking lot, straight on to the road. The camera on the grille seems to give a new level of confidence for dune-bashers by showing them what is downhill just when they are atop a dune, ready to cross over. The camera also offers 3D Around View Monitoring.
Other safety features: Smart Rear View Mirror with Rear Zoom View, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
The Y63 Nissan Patrol is built with generous use of high-strength steel and offers increased frontal crash and pedestrian protection. The new Patrol gets 7 airbags including knee protection airbag for the driver.
Nissan Patrol’s Middle East Odyssey takes a new turn
The global premiere being held in Abu Dhabi underscores how integral a market the Middle East is to Nissan Patrol’s success. In fact, capability and endurance testing seems to have taken place on our land and sand, for over 100,000 km, with an equivalent of 55,000 hours of engine testing, to tweak the braking and cooling systems. Unveiling the seventh generation Patrol, Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s President and Chief Executive Officer said: “The all-new Patrol also marks the first of five SUVs to be introduced in the Middle East as part of our global business plan, The Arc, underscoring Nissan’s commitment to customer needs and the region as a whole.”
New Y63 Nissan Patrol will be available from 1st of November 2024 and is open for booking now. The new Patrol is available as a 4WD and not as a 2WD but a City edition with lower bumpers is available apart from an Adventure-ready version. Price ranges from USD 65,000 – 105,000 (AED 238,550 – 385,350) and can vary across the GCC market.
