Nissan has introduced custom versions of the new Elgrand in Japan. The Autech trim combines a sporty exterior appearance with a premium interior. It is joined by the Autech Line, VIP, and Step Type versions.
A New Take on the Flagship Minivan
The new Nissan Elgrand has not even reached Japanese showrooms yet, but the company’s Motorsports and Customizing division is already showcasing its work. The Autech treatment positions the flagship minivan as a more mature and designer alternative to what the Nismo division will later offer.
Autech acts as Nissan’s in-house premium sub-brand, taking standard models and reworking them with unique body kits, improved interior materials, and optional chassis tuning. The Elgrand now joins the Note, Leaf, Serena, and X-Trail in the Japanese Autech catalog, becoming the flagship of the lineup.
Autech Design and Features
Visually, the Elgrand Autech receives a unique radiator grille pattern and a silver splitter with integrated LEDs emitting blue light. These are paired with silver mirror caps and matching extensions for the side skirts and rear bumper. The minivan is finished in the proprietary Deep Ocean Blue shade and sits on dark-metallic 18-inch alloy wheels.
Nissan Elgrand Autech
Inside, the Autech treatment is more luxurious. The cabin is upholstered in black Nappa leather with blue quilting and stitching. Dual 14.3-inch displays handle the infotainment system and instrumentation, while the second row gets captain’s chairs with deployable footrests.
Nissan has not released any technical details, so it remains unclear whether Autech engineers gave the Elgrand a unique suspension setup alongside the visual updates.
Other Versions: Autech Line, VIP, and Step Type
In addition to the full Autech model, the lineup includes the Autech Line, which is more of an exterior appearance package. It gets the same metallic splitter and mirror caps, as well as a dark-metallic gray color for the radiator grille and alloy wheels.
Another option is the Elgrand VIP, intended for those who prefer to be chauffeured. It has a subdued exterior design, better suited for private transfer. The dark interior includes black Nappa leather upholstery with a different pattern, as well as 15.6-inch entertainment screens for rear passengers and reading lamps.
Nissan Elgrand Autech Line
Finally, the company also introduced an illuminated side step (Step Type) that extends when the door opens, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. It will likely be offered as an optional accessory for the entire Elgrand lineup.
Fourth Generation and Market
The fourth-generation Nissan Elgrand (E53) brings conceptual design cues and a high-tech cabin to compete with the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. Focused on comfort, the minivan is equipped with the latest e-Power hybrid powertrain with a self-charging function, which uses the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive electric system. Its launch on the Japanese market is scheduled for mid-July 2026.
Nissan Elgrand VIP and Stepstyle
Thus, Nissan is demonstrating a wide range of options for the new Elgrand, from the sporty Autech to the luxurious VIP, which will allow it to meet various customer needs. Special attention is paid to interior details and convenience, which is key for this segment. The market launch is planned for summer 2026, and the competition with the Toyota Alphard promises to be intense, as both manufacturers offer a high level of comfort and technology.