The seventh-generation Nissan Patrol is here, and it's the most powerful one yet

Anyone up for conquering some dunes and kicking up tonnes of dust in something that’s not a Toyota Land Cruiser? The seventh-generation Nissan Patrol seems to tick a few boxes, not least because it’s the most powerful version of the off-road leviathan yet.

Gone is the V8, and in steps a twin-turbo V6 that sends 431bhp and 516lb ft to each corner through a nine-speed auto box. That’s a seven per cent increase for the latter and a massive 25 for the former. Or, if that seems a little too feisty for you, Nissan will still offer a naturally aspirated V6 with 312bhp and 285 torques. Don’t be boring though, yeah?

There’s a dynamic suspension with e-technology that’ll do magic tricks with the settings to improve control when you’re giving it some during a, er, patrol. You’ll also get air suspension as standard, and as many as six driving modes to work alongside its new transfer mode interlock system, which essentially chooses your modes for you more efficiently.

The new-look cabin features quilted leather seats that are part-inspired by traditional Japanese woodwork and offer massage functionality and eight-way adjustment. Combined with the new double bubble panoramic sunroof, 28.6in horizontal 'Monolith' infotainment system (blimey, that’s big) and the 14.3in driving display, it looks more welcoming than a steak house after a HIIT workout.

There’s also a 12-speaker audio kit and 64-colourway mood lighting in case you need further convincing, and a funky new Biometric Cooling air con that detects when you’re getting a bit too sweaty and adjusts the airflow accordingly.

Nissan also says the new Patrol has an extra 30 per cent more space than the previous car, which culminates in a further nine litres of storage space throughout. As if this thing needed more room.

The tech’s also seen a revamp and is now led by Nissan’s Google-driven Connect 2.0 software. You’ll use it to access and toggle many things, such as the ProPilot safety suite which features a new ‘Invisible Hood View’ setting that gives drivers a clear view of what’s going on beneath the car for tricky off-road situations. That adds to the range of standard protection measures, including emergency braking, lane departure warning and so on.

Let’s briefly touch on the design, since it’s about as long as yer average housing estate, and therefore the proportions of a proper Patrol. A few striking new cues have also been brought to the fold, including a more pronounced V-motion grille and two C-shaped light clusters per corner, while the rear gets a full-length light bar.

The side profile looks similar to the Kia EV9, particularly with that arrow straight roofline continuing beyond the boot lid, and those huge 22in wheels keeping it upright. It’s got a bit of presence, we think.

The new Patrol will go on sale in select Middle Eastern regions from November of this year at an as-yet undisclosed price, before making its way to other corners of the world. Just not the British corner, sadly.

How long before someone sticks a modified GT-R sixer in there to create SandZilla?