Nissan has dropped a massive announcement as part of its long-term vision, alongside the debut of several new models, including the all-new X-Trail, Juke EV, and Xterra, along with a sneak peek of the new Nissan Skyline. Perhaps more significant for the local market, however, is the news that three models originally developed for Mainland China are now earmarked for ASEAN.
These models are the Nissan N7, NX8, and the Frontier Pro PHEV pickup truck. The first two models were co-developed with Dongfeng, while the latter is Nissan’s first PHEV model and originally debuted at last year’s Shanghai Auto Show, but Nissan has not provided a definitive timeline on when it will start exporting.
As the first model built on the Nissan and Dongfeng modular architecture developed specifically for EVs, the Nissan N7 is a substantial sedan. It measures 4,930 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,487 mm tall, with a 2,915 mm wheelbase. For context, this is slightly larger than a BYD Seal but is smaller than the BMW i5.
Visually, the N7 adopts a design language that many Chinese marques are currently chasing. It features a sleek silhouette defined by a digitised V-Motion grille that has been reimagined as a minimalist, tech-forward light signature. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency is more than just aesthetic, as the Nissan N7 boasts a drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd.
Five variants of the Nissan N7 are available in China. According to CarNewsChina, the range starts with a 58 kWh LFP battery, which juices a front-mounted traction motor producing 217 hp (160 kW) and 305 Nm. This enables a range of 540 km on the optimistic CLTC test cycle.
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The second variant features a larger 73 kWh battery and a more powerful motor, making 272 hp (200 kW), with torque figures remaining unchanged. This variant handles 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and offers a range of 625 km (CLTC). Both variants support ‘3C’ fast charging, allowing a 30–80% recharge in 14 minutes or a 10–80% top-up in 19 minutes.
Stepping inside, the N7 discards traditional Nissan minimalism for Chinese-market tech excess. It features a 15.6-inch 2.5K touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, and boasts what Nissan calls “AI zero-pressure” seats, which supposedly use dozens of sensors to adjust your posture automatically.
The Nissan NX8 serves as the N7’s larger SUV sibling, sitting on a slightly longer 2,917 mm wheelbase. The pure EV range features either a 73 kWh or an 81 kWh battery, with the latter utilising an 800-volt platform and ‘5C’ fast charging to reach an 80% charge in just 12 minutes. The top-spec EV motor produces 340 hp (250 kW) and 310 Nm, enabling 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a range of 650 km (CLTC).
Alternatively, the EREV variant of the Nissan NX8 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine as a generator paired with a 265 hp (195 kW) traction motor, delivering a combined CLTC range of up to 1,450 km.
Inside, it is even more screen-heavy, featuring dual 15.6-inch displays for both the driver and passenger, plus a massive 63-inch AR-HUD that likely covers most of the windscreen.
Finally, there is the Frontier Pro PHEV. At its heart is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 143 hp (105 kW) and 220 Nm, paired with a high-output traction motor making 212 hp (156 kW) and 350 Nm. Together, the system delivers a combined output of over 408 hp (300 kW) and 800 Nm. It features a 33 kWh ternary lithium battery, allowing for a pure EV range of up to 135 km (NEDC).
As a dedicated pickup, the Frontier Pro includes an electromechanical rear differential lock and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system with 4High and 4Low settings. Drivers can choose between four distinct modes, including Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow. To support its “Rugged Tech” positioning, it also features a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and an interior equipped with a 14.6-inch touchscreen and 12-speaker JBL sound system.
With these three models now earmarked for ASEAN, their arrival on Malaysian shores remains to be seen. This strategic pivot suggests that Nissan is leveraging its Chinese joint-venture resources to bolster its regional lineup amidst a broader global restructuring. If these models make it to local showrooms, they will represent a significant shift in Nissan’s product strategy for the region.
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