All-New Nissan Patrol: The Contemporary Scion of an Iconic Bloodline

The seventh-generation Nissan Patrol is the legendary SUV’s latest and most cutting-edge iteration, outfitted with state-of-the-art powertrains, tech, and features.

The Nissan Patrol has been roaming the Arabian dunes for over half a century now, with a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and the residents of the Middle East. Now, after almost fifteen years, we have witnessed the arrival of a new and redesigned Nissan Patrol iteration, code-named Y63. It was unveiled on the 3rd of September at an exclusive event conducted in Abu Dhabi. Although the exterior design of the new Patrol is reminiscent of a sleeker, more futuristic Y62 Patrol, there is more than what meets the eye.

The new flagship SUV is decked out with more advanced underpinnings and a duo of new and updated powertrains. Gone is the formidable V8 motor, which has been supplanted by a new, more potent 425-hp twin-turbocharged V6 motor capable of delivering a monumental torque output of 700 nm. The interior reveals a major overhaul, featuring massive touchscreens, and a segment-first biometric cooling feature that adjusts interior temperature according to body temperature. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg; keep reading to know more about the all-new flagbearer of Nissan SUVs, the titan of the desert — the new Nissan Patrol Y63.

A Classic-Contemporary Design Approach

Looking at the all-new Patrol from the outside, you see a design redolent of yet divergent from the outgoing Patrol. Redolent in the sense, the basic proportions remain visually the same, although the new Patrol has grown in size, and divergent as the design language now has a more modern flare to it. This change is most evident in the exterior lighting elements, such as the front LED DRLs and the very contemporary LED light bar at the rear end. Other than that, even while the design lines have changed noticeably, the Patrol DNA remains unadulterated and visually evident. You won’t be left wondering if Nissan introduced a new SUV as the all-new Patrol. Despite all its redesigned and updated elements, it is still unmistakably a Patrol. Nissan has nailed it on the design front, finding a balance between the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and “keep your finger on the pulse” principles. The Patrol is now up-to-date and cutting-edge, without losing its inherent, rugged character.

The front fascia is dominated and highlighted by the signature V-motion grille, which has grown in size and is now more flushed onto the SUV’s front-end. Enhancing this wider grille and completing the front-end design is a new set of double-C-shaped LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. These components are cohesively integrated, successfully creating a blend of modern and traditional elements, resulting in a bold and futuristic mien. Coming to the sides, the new Patrol has a more chiseled side profile with more perceptible body lines compared to the more bulbous side profile of the outgoing Patrol. This, combined with a rearward-sloping design, gives the new Patrol a more aggressive stance when looked at from the sides. Also, new is a set of optional massive 22-inch alloys, that look right in place and exceptionally proportionate in the now larger-than-ever Patrol.

Coming to the rear end, the most noticeable design element is the LED light bar that runs from side to side, connecting the new LED tail lamps. Prominent exterior elements at the rear have an incised finish to it, which deviates from the embossed design language of the outgoing Patrol. Overall, the new Y63 Patrol is a modern embodiment of the SUV, which I think flaunts sharper aesthetics compared to the regular Y62 Patrol while not being as aggressive as the Patrol NISMO. The Patrol indubitably continues to be a great-looking SUV that now boasts contemporary exterior elements, features, and styling.

Downsized And Enhanced: A Zealous New Twin-Turbo V6

The all-new Patrol is powered by a new range of V6 powertrains, a naturally aspirated base engine, and a high-end twin-turbo motor. The flagship motor is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, replacing the outgoing 400-hp 5.6-liter V8. Although 2 cylinders short, the addition of two turbos empowers this new powertrain to generate 425 horsepower and 700 NM, which is a 7% boost of power and a more significant 25% upsurge of torque. Nissan also claims a 24% increase in fuel efficiency, which we’ll have to test out to confirm.

The base motor, on the other hand, is essentially in the same ballpark as the outgoing 4.0-liter base V6 motor. This new 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 cranks out 316 horsepower and 386 NM of pulling power. While this is an increase of 41 horsepower, there also happens to be a loss of 8 NM in torque. Both these new engines come mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Armed For Both The Urban Jungle And Uncharted Terrain

The new Patrol has a 4-wheel-drivetrain, lockable rear differential, and offers six drive modes to choose from – Standard, Sand, Rock, Mud, Eco, and Sport. New to the off-roading frontier, is the 4WD transfer mode interlock system which allows seamless switching between the drive modes, promising enhanced off-roading prowess. The all-new Patrol sits on an all-around independent suspension as standard. Higher-end models are equipped with an adaptive air suspension setup, offering adjustable ride height and proprietary e-damper technology. The e-damper tech adjusts the damper settings according to the road and driving conditions. The adjustable ride height feature, on the other hand, adds to the convenience and livability factor, allowing easier ingress and egress of passengers and loading and unloading of luggage.

Brimming with Opulence

The Patrol is a status symbol that is often chosen by consumers who are more than capable of purchasing SUVs belonging to much higher price brackets. It is the vehicle of choice for many, regardless of not being the most sumptuous SUV offering in the market. Nissan has addressed this situation by treating customers with more and more luxury features in each generation of the Patrol. The new Y63 is the epitome of this process, as it has been bestowed with never-before-seen elements of extravagance. The cabin is roomy and airy, showcasing a standard panoramic sunroof up top. The redesigned front cabin is simpler compared to the outgoing generation, while also dexterously integrating modern features into it. For the first time, the Patrol now comes without a gear lever, which has been replaced with an e-shifter which Nissan calls the “Piano Button”. Everything including the screens, buttons, and other controls has been neatly laid out on the dashboard. I personally like this redesigned version of the dashboard and the perfect blend of high-tech screens with tactile physical buttons.

The cabin features quilted leather seats with detailing inspired by “Kumiko” — a traditional Japanese woodcraft technique of seamlessly assembling wooden pieces without the usage of nails. These seats are also 8-way power-adjustable, with a massage function. Additionally, the first and second-row seats are also equipped with a NASA-inspired spinal support technology, claimed to promote optimal posture and significantly reduce fatigue. Another new available feature is the new biometric cooling tech, integrated into the seats. With a built-in infrared sensor, this novel feature detects the body temperature of the occupants of the front and second-row passengers and adjusts the airflow settings accordingly.

The new frame of the Patrol is claimed to have improved torsional rigidity, resulting in lower vibration levels and hence, better ride quality. Nissan has also equipped the new Patrol with acoustic glass for better noise isolation, further contributing to a more serene travel experience. As for storage space, Nissan claims that the Y63 Patrol offers 30% more space for luggage, along with 9 liters of in-cabin storage space. On top of that, the third-row seats can be easily power-folded and returned using the touchscreen, providing flexible storage solutions. 

Massive Screens And A 3D Surround Sound

One of the areas where the Patrol took a massive leap is in technology. The Y63 Patrol is profusely equipped with infotainment tech of all sorts, including larger screens and a high-end audio system. The dashboard is dominated by a 28.6-inch horizontal display dubbed Monolith, comprising two 14.3-inch displays. This titanic infotainment screen comes with Google built-in, allowing easier interactions, both verbally and via touch. This major update makes fundamental functions, including real-time navigation, traffic updates, media, and temperature controls, exceptionally easy to access and adjust.

Also, since the new Patrol’s standard voice assistant is the Google Assistant, it can be confidently said that the hassle of making a proprietary voice assistant understand your command has been successfully overcome here. Google Built-In also means that you have direct access to the Google Play Store and its refined ecosystem of applications. The rear passengers are provided with 12.8-inch screens integrated behind the front seats, offering Miracast, HDMI, and USB input options.

The audio system has also received a significant upgrade. The higher-end models of the outgoing Nissan Patrol Y62 were appointed with a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system. In the all-new Patrol, this setup has been replaced with a new 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system precisely engineered for the new vehicle. Other connectivity features include USB Type-C ports in all three rows and a wireless charging pad in the center console.

Cutting Edge Safety Tech

Technological advancements and additions in the new Patrol aren’t limited to its infotainment setup. Nissan has made groundbreaking improvements on the safety front. The Y63 Patrol comes equipped with a host of active and passive safety features, ensuring a more secure travel experience. For starters, the frame of the new Patrol is constructed with increased use of high-strength steel, resulting in improved frontal crash protection.

On top of that, a comprehensive safety package comprising seven airbags, including knee airbags specifically designed to protect the driver, ensures excellent passive safety. Making complete use of the new and larger screens is a new set of driver-assistance features. While the 360-degree camera isn’t a praiseworthy feature by today’s standards, the new Panorama View feature, consisting of ‘UltraWide View’ and ‘Invisible Hood View’, is a notable addition. These offer enhanced visibility of the road in front and even under the vehicle, during challenging situations, such as when visibility is minimal or while venturing off the paved tarmac.

The Y63 Patrol is also the first vehicle to be endowed with Nissan’s new ProPILOT technology. This proprietary tech leverages navigation and utilizes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assistance to adjust vehicle speed while cornering and during interchanges.

Worthy Successor?

All in all, the new Patrol is an all-encompassing, thoroughly thought-through redesign, armed to the teeth with superlative hardware and software. It is powered by a brawny duo of V6 engines, vaunts a gracefully designed cabin with all sorts of modern luxury amenities, and comes plentifully appointed with cutting-edge infotainment and safety tech. Nissan managed to do all that without malforming the iconic DNA of the Patrol, but by enhancing it in the right manner.

Although I still adore the exterior design and the burly V8 motor of the last-gen Patrol NISMO, on all other fronts I would prefer the new flagbearer. I’m sure it will grow on me, and I look forward to the arrival of it donning a more belligerent NISMO attire. The all-new Y63 Nissan Patrol is available for booking across the Middle East, and as per Nissan, it will be available for direct purchase in the region starting November 1, 2024.