Nissan Elgrand

The Nissan Elgrand (Japanese: 日産・エルグランド, Hepburn: Nissan Erugurando) is a minivan manufactured by Nissan Shatai for Nissan since 1997, available in three generations, with model codes E50 (1997–2002), E51 (2002–2010), and E52 (2010–present). The E50 Elgrand was also configured and produced as a light commercial vehicle from 1998 to 2017.
The Elgrand's main competitors are the Toyota Alphard, the Toyota Vellfire, and the Honda Odyssey.
The first generation of the Nissan Elgrand was produced from May 1997 to May 2002, with commercial versions remaining in production until December 2017. Various engine combinations were available including the petrol VG33E, VQ35DE and diesel QD32ETi and ZD30DDTi. The E50 had a 4 speed automatic transmission and came in either 2- or 4-wheel drive. The Caravan Elgrand was exclusive to Nissan Store, while the Homy Elgrand was exclusive to Japanese Nissan Prince Store dealerships. The Elgrand assumed the Caravan Coach's passenger carrying duties with a luxury enhancement. The top trim level equipment packages were installed with internet enabled satellite navigation called CarWings.
The E50 version of the Elgrand came in several trim levels including: V, VG, X, XL, Highway Star, Rider, and S Edition.
From 1997 to 2002, the E50 Elgrand was rebadged and sold by Isuzu as the Fargo Filly in the Japanese market.
On April 4, 2013, two Fargo Filly vans were subjected to recalls due to issues regarding the durability of the battery cable's plastic band, which causes it to touch the exhaust tube when it breaks to potentially cause a short circuit. On February 19, 2016, 15 Fargo Filly vans made between January 1999 and December 2001 were subjected to recalls due to engine issues that prevent the driver from starting it.
In May 1998, the second generation Nissan Paramedic ambulance was introduced on the E50 Elgrand chassis. To facilitate ambulance use, the body of the E50 Paramedic from the B pillar rearward was carried over from the Paramedic II, a high-roof ambulance version of the E24 Caravan, to increase interior space in the rear of the ambulance. The E50 Paramedic was facelifted in 2006 and remained in production until December 2017, when it was replaced by a third generation based on the E26 NV350 Caravan.
The E50 Paramedic was also marketed by Isuzu as the Super Medic II until 2002.
On April 4, 2013, 12 Fargo Filly vans were subjected to recalls due to issues regarding the durability of the battery cable's plastic band is not durable, which causes it to touch the exhaust tube when it breaks to potentially cause a short circuit. On February 19, 2016, 15 Super Medic II vans made between January 1999 and December 2001 were subjected to recalls due to engine issues that prevent the driver from starting it.
Between 2000 and 2011, a 10-passenger commercial van based on the E50 Paramedic was offered under the Elgrand Jumbo Taxi nameplate.
The second generation E51 Elgrand was launched in May 2002 and primarily competes with the Toyota Alphard and Honda Elysion. The Jumbo Taxi and Paramedic did not move to the new platform, instead remaining on the previous E50 chassis. The E51 Elgrand is quite different from its predecessor, now equipped with power sliding doors, turn signal repeaters built into the side mirrors, a rear roof spoiler, and 16- (XL) or 17-inch (HWS) aluminum alloy wheels. The new front fascia, with a chromed grille, gives the Elgrand a sportier look. The E51 was only available through Nissan dealerships in Japan, with limited exports to Hong Kong and Brunei. The E51 is a popular grey import vehicle in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
The E51 Elgrand uses either the 2.5l or 3.5l V6 VQ-series engine combined with a five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shift for better response. Additional transmission controls include Power and Snow settings, as well as a four-wheel drive option. It employs a multilink rear suspension with ventilated disc brakes all around.
Interior features include captain-style seats, an eight-speaker sound system with an optional nine-speaker system by Bose Corp., and a TV/DVD player with a 9-inch (230 mm) screen. The Elgrand is also equipped with an eight-inch (203mm) LCD monitor in the dashboard for the Carwings Vehicle Information System (also known as VIS). Optional extras include heated front seats, power curtains and finer levels of interior trim, such as woodgrain trim panels and a woodgrain steering wheel. The interior seating arrangement can be configured for dining by adjusting the front captain-style seats facing the back, and folding the second row of seats flat onto the seat cushions.
Like most newer models produced by Nissan, the Elgrand comes with the "Keyless-go" feature for enhanced user convenience. Higher spec Elgrands like the Highway Star, Rider, X, and XL versions come with an internal GPS system dedicated for use in Japan. An optional GPS system for Hong Kong and Guangdong Province in China was available. The GPS system was not a satellite-based system, but a disc-operated CarWings system that played off a concealed DVD player via tracking the position of the vehicle via wheel sensors, against an inputted start and end position of a journey with high accuracy. CD Discs were only ever created for Japan and direct export countries.
But alongside this was the innovation of reversing camera with turning guidance lines, lane control and assisted braking. In 2008 this was upadted to a four-view camera technology that provided an aerial all-round view when reversing. Other innovations including voice-activated controls, BOSE Audio or 5.1 channel surround sound audio systems, auto voice-activated phone calls, and a satellite controlled clock.
Options included cruise control, a multi-deck CD-player and BOSE all round 9-peaker stereo, as well as a TV set in the rear with a 7" LCD screen. There were also several windshield options available, ranging from a standard type through to a water repellent, laser-etched, tinted screen. The water repellent screens have a holographic sticker to identify this additional option.
The model specifications were V, VG, X, and X. Later releases added the Highway Star and Rider versions. The bottom specification model was the V, whereas the top specification vehicle was the XL, with full leather interior. The 2006 refresh saw the discontinuation of the VG model.
The Rider had two variations including an Autech Tuned Nismo version.
JDM models went on sale on 21 May 2002. Early Nissan Elgrand models include XL, X, VG (4/5-doors), V, and Highway Star. Early Elgrand Enchant models included VG, V, and Highway Star. All model ranges can be configured with a removable second-row seat or Step Type.
This was the top of the range model, with many additional options fitted as standard. It came with a full leather 7-seat interior, 8 speaker sound system, which included Sony MiniDISC, keyless entry, Carwings, reversing camera, two TV screens, folding wing mirrors and heated driver and passenger seats.
Out of the complete range of Elgrand, this was also very heavy at 2.2 tons. Rider versions being the lightest version as it was originally conceived as a sports model, so had a lot of the additional features removed in view of reducing the weight/power ratio for the vehicle.
The Rider was a version of the Elgrand VG 5-door with front bumper, billet grille, front fog lamp, side sill protector, rear under protector, rear upper combination lamp (clear type), rear winker finisher, clear side turn lamp, front heat cutting glass (with top shade), seat floor (in leather), door trim floor, third seat armrest, leather-wrapped stone texture 4-spoke steering wheel, leather-wrapped stone texture instrument shift knob, stone texture finisher, Rider sound system (MD/CD integrated AM/FM electronic tuner radio, 6 speakers and subwoofer), 17-inch aluminum road wheels, 215/60R17 tires, large-diameter sports muffler by Fujitsubo, low-height suspension, and the choice of 3 body colours; white pearl (3-coat pearl #QX1), diamond silver metallic (#KY0), black (#KH3; Rider), as well as ecru (S) interior colour.
JDM models went on sale on 2 October 2002.
It is a version of Elgrand XL 4-seat with leather-wrapped rear seat with centre armrest, electric slide step, trunk board with partition board, second seat long slide rail, rear-seat reading lamp with room lamp, rear-seat audio system (VHS+CD+DVD), electric ottoman, rear-seat audio speaker (6 speakers), electric outlet (AC100V, 100W), front cabinet, floor carpet, drawn-out table, black body colour.
JDM models went on sale on 19 December 2002.
VG version L and Highway Star version L are versions of the Nissan Elgrand VG and Highway Star, respectively, commemorating the sale of 250,000 units of the Nissan Elgrand in Japan since May 1997. Changes include a Carwings DVD TV/navigation system, 2 Intelligent Keys (driver side, passenger side, back door sensor), rear-view camera with car width and distance display (colour), Elgrand super sound system and 6 speakers (MD/CD integrated AM/FM electronic tuner radio, 160W, MD/CD autochanger connection), steering wheel controls for the audio, voice command, and hands-free phone, choice of 3 body colours: Champagne silver titan metallic, white pearl (3-coat pearl), black/sparkling silver metallic in VG version L; white pearl (3-coat pearl), sword metal metallic, diamond silver metallic in Highway Star version L.
JDM models went on sale between 24 December 2002 and 31 March 2003.
Change to Elgrand Highway Star include fully plated front grille, chrome colour coat aluminum road wheel, fog lamp surround in body colour, black steering wheel, suede tone cross-section seat floor Jacquard material in black, shift knob leather section in black, instrument panel centre cluster control panel in dark grey. New options include driver seat auto slide door for an intelligent key model, leather or Supplier (from Elgrand X)-upholstered seat.
The Elgrand Enchant takes 8-passenger versions of the Elgrand V, VG, Highway Star, and X, and adds a mobility access seat in the second row.
JDM models went on sale on 27 August 2003.
The Autech Rider S is a version of the 8-passenger Elgrand Rider with black floor, warm grey interior, antibacterial leather-wrapped 4-spoke sport steering wheel, antibacterial leather-wrapped titanium tone shift knob, titanium tone power window switch finisher, CD integrated AM/FM electronic tuner radio (120W, MD/CD autochanger support), and the choice of 3 body colours: White pearl (3-coat pearl #QX1), diamond silver metallic (#KY0), black (#KH3) (Rider exclusive), and a warm gray (W) interior colour.
JDM models went on sale on 22 October 2003.
JDM models went on sale on 25 August 2004. Early updated models include VG (8-passenger), X (8-passenger), XL (7-passenger), and Highway Star (8-passenger). Early Autech Elgrand Rider models include Rider (8-passenger) and Rider S (8-passenger). Early Autech Elgrand Enchante models include VG (7-passenger), X (7-passenger), and Highway Star (7-passenger). Elgrand models with the VQ25DE engine were introduced at the end of 2004. Early Elgrand models with VQ25DE engine (on sale in 2004-12-22 in Japan) included V (8-seat), Highway Star (8-seat).
The updated Elgrand Enchante was unveiled at the 2004 Tokyo Motor Show.
The Nissan Forum is a concept vehicle based on the E51 Nissan Elgrand, developed by Nissan Design America. It features trackless sliding side doors, hidden sunshades in SkyView moonroof panels, LED lights front and rear, soft-edged side outside mirrors, wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires, a wide rear hatch, dual exhaust outlets, dual climate controls, Bluetooth wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. It also has a console-mounted microwave, vertical wave pattern carpeting, "Turntable" seating, a Bose media system, and Around View Monitor. The design of the Forum would be later used on the R42H Nissan Quest, the North American counterpart of the succeeding E52 Elgrand.
The concept was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The third generation E52 Elgrand, which ditched the previous generations' rear-wheel drive layout, shares a platform with the North American fourth generation R42H Quest.
The first revision of the Elgrand E52 was released in Japan on 18 August 2010. It was manufactured from August 2010 to January 2014. Across this time period there were six trim levels available. All models were available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations with a continuously variable transmission being the only transmission option. A 250 prefix to the trim level represented a 2.5 litre inline-4 engine with 170 hp (QR25DE) while a 350 prefix to the trim level represented a 3.5 litre V6 engine with 280 hp (VQ35DE). Some models were available in both engine options while others were only available with one.
Speaking of the 2014 Quest's small overlap front crash test, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety executive vice president Dave Zuby described it was one of the worst crash tests we've ever seen. He speculated that a person experiencing this would be lucky to ever walk normally again.
The Enchant, a version of the Elgrand with a mobility access seat in the second row, was available in the 250/350 Highway Star and the 250 XG.
In Japan, the Elgrand is one level below Nissan's largest van, called the Nissan Caravan which has been in production since the 1960s.
The E52 went on sale in Hong Kong on 20 October 2010 as a 2011 model year vehicle. Early models included Elgrand 350 Highway Star Premium. Elgrand Highway Star AVM and Elgrand Highway Star Dynamic with VQ35DE engine went on sale on 15 February 2012. ELGRAND 250 was added on 17 January 2013.
Changes to the Elgrand for 2011 include:
Urban Chrome is a version of the 250 Highway Star and 350 Highway Star with dark chrome grille, dark chrome fog lamp finisher, front protector, graphite-finish 18-inch aluminium wheels, clear rear combination lamp, LED high-mount strap lamp (clear type), and power sliding doors on the 250 Highway Star (standard on regular 350 Highway Star versions).
The 2011 update went on sale on 11 November 2011.
After the Nissan President VIP executive limousine was discontinued, the Elgrand VIP was introduced. Intended for senior executive transport, the design is based on the concept of an office that runs for executives. In addition, individual orders such as changing the rear seats to two or seating capacity of four, are also available. In September 2011, a 2-row version (4-seater) was added to the existing 3-row version (7-seater).
Changes to the Elgrand for 2012 include:
These models went on sale on 22 November 2012.
Changes to the 2014 Elgrand include:
The Autech Elgrand Rider is a version of the 350 Highway Star (FWD/AWD) and 250 XG (FWD/AWD) with front bumper, front grille, headlight finisher, rear bumper, emblem (Rider/AUTECH), 18-inch glossy aluminum wheels, lowered suspension, sport exhaust, seat upholstery (black leather; black cloth for 2.5-litre engine model), door trim at front and rear doors, finisher in mokume-gane pattern, and a choice of 3 body colours (brilliant white pearl 3-coat pearl (#QAB), phantom black pearl (#GAE), brilliant silver metallic (#K23)). Autech options include large roof spoiler and exclusive seat upholstery in premium white leather (3.5-litre engine model only). Autech dealer options include an exclusive front protector and exclusive front protector decal.
The facelift was unveiled at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show (2013), followed by 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon (Rider High Performance Spec Black Line).
JDM models of the facelifted Elgrand went on sale on 15 January 2014. Early Nissan Elgrand models include 250 XG (8 passenger), 250 Highway Star (7/8 passenger), 250 Highway Star Premium (8 passenger), 350 Highway Star (7/8 passenger), and 350 Highway Star Premium (7 passenger).
JDM models of the facelifted Autech Elgrand went on sale on 20 January 2014. Early Autech Rider (Black Line) models include 250 XG (FWD/AWD), 350 Highway Star (FWD/AWD), while early Autech High Performance Spec (Black Line) models include 350 Highway Star (FWD). Early facelifted Autech Enchant models include 250 XG (FWD/AWD), 250 Highway Star (FWD/AWD), 350 Highway Star (FWD/AWD). Early facelifted Autech VIP 2 and VIP 3 models include 350 Highway Star (FWD/AWD).
The E52 Elgrand now faces serious competition with the third generation Toyota Alphard and sister model, the second generation Toyota Vellfire which launched on 26 January 2015. Both Alphard and Vellfire are hard traditional competitors of the Elgrand.
The Elgrand received its second facelift on 12 October 2020.
The Hyper Tourer Concept was showcased on 23 November 2023, which was reported to preview the next-generation Elgrand.
There is a strong grey import market emerging for Elgrands in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and previously the Philippines. Growth in these markets is mainly driven by car enthusiasts, or an unfilled need for a seven- or eight- passenger vehicle in that market. In the Philippines, first generation models were converted to left-hand drive and sold before the ban of JDM vehicles.
In Hong Kong, E50 and E51 was imported in limited numbers, while the E52 is currently mass-imported. Both generations are sold officially by Nissan dealers.
In the United Kingdom, most Elgrands are imported for resale through specialist Japanese car import agents or dealerships. There is also a growing market in self-importing Elgrands by either purchasing directly through Japanese car auctions or online dealers.
In Australia, Elgrands are popular imports and are imported from Japanese import agents and special dealerships.
In Indonesia, the third-generation Elgrand was launched at the beginning of 2011. The Elgrand for that market is equipped with the 3.5L V6 petrol engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder model was released in September 2012.