What Do the Latest Spy Shots Reveal About Nissan’s New Electrified SUV?
If you’ve been following the electric vehicle scene in China, you’ve probably noticed Nissan’s rapid-fire moves lately. The latest buzz? Fresh spy shots snapped in China hint that Nissan, working hand-in-glove with Dongfeng, is cooking up a brand-new electrified SUV. And it’s not just a facelift of an existing model—this one seems to be a whole new chapter for Nissan’s N series.
Let’s get into what the camera caught. The prototypes are heavily camouflaged, as you’d expect, but a few details peek through. Up front, split LED headlights and a closed-off grille echo the design language of the N6 sedan. No badges yet, but the bodywork looks sharp and modern, with flush door handles and frameless windows adding a premium touch. There’s even a roof-mounted LiDAR unit and side-mounted camera sensors, signaling a focus on advanced driver-assistance tech.
At the back, temporary taillights are in play for now, but rumor has it the final version will sport a full-width LED light bar—a trend that’s sweeping the industry. All in all, the SUV’s silhouette is classic but with enough futuristic cues to stand out in a crowded market.
How Does This Model Fit Into Nissan’s Growing N Series?
Nissan’s partnership with Dongfeng has been a game-changer, especially in China’s hyper-competitive EV market. The N7 sedan recently shot to the top as the best-selling foreign-brand EV in the country, and the N6 plug-in hybrid sedan is waiting in the wings for its debut. Now, this new SUV—possibly called the N8—looks set to join the lineup.
What’s interesting is that this SUV doesn’t seem to borrow from Nissan’s global SUV nameplates like the Rogue or X-Trail. Instead, it’s being developed as a distinct member of the N series, tailored for Chinese tastes and possibly global export down the line. Nissan has even trademarked N9 and N10, hinting at a broader family of electrified vehicles in the pipeline.
What Can We Infer About Size, Seating, and Powertrain Options?
Let’s talk numbers. The Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008, which some say shares DNA with the new Nissan SUV, measures just under five meters long and offers a three-row, six-seat layout. The camouflaged Nissan prototypes, however, appear to be a bit shorter between the axles and likely stick to a two-row configuration—think midsize, not full-size.
On the powertrain front, Dongfeng’s eπ 008 comes in both fully electric and range-extender versions. The BEV packs an 82.3 kWh battery, good for up to 620 km (about 385 miles) on a single charge, according to China’s CLTC cycle. The range-extender variant boasts a combined range of 1,220 km (758 miles), with 202 km (126 miles) of pure electric driving. If Nissan’s new SUV borrows these underpinnings, buyers could see similar flexibility—either a pure EV or a range-extended option for those with range anxiety.
How Soon Could We See This SUV on the Road?
Judging by the production-ready look of these prototypes, Nissan isn’t just testing the waters. Industry insiders suggest a market launch in China could happen within months, not years. Additional details are likely to emerge through regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology—a common source of early specs for new models.
Whether this SUV will remain exclusive to China or join Nissan’s global export lineup is still up in the air. But considering the N7’s upcoming international rollout, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the N8 (or whatever it’s ultimately called) make its way to other markets, especially as Nissan looks to strengthen its EV presence worldwide.
Why Is Nissan’s China Strategy Worth Watching?
Nissan’s aggressive push in China isn’t just about chasing sales numbers. It’s a strategic move to stay relevant in the world’s largest EV market, where domestic brands have been eating up market share. By partnering with Dongfeng and developing models tailored to local preferences, Nissan is sidestepping the one-size-fits-all approach that’s tripped up other foreign automakers.
The N series is proof of this shift—vehicles designed from the ground up for Chinese consumers, with the potential to adapt for global tastes. It’s a smart play, especially as electrification accelerates and customer expectations evolve.
The big takeaway? Nissan’s electrified SUV push in China isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Keep an eye on this space—the next wave of EVs is shaping up to be anything but predictable.