by Presentation of the New Crossover
Nissan has introduced a new midsize SUV, developed in partnership with Dongfeng in China. This is the latest addition to the growing, budget-friendly N series. The model, named NX8, joins the existing N6 and N7 sedans and will be offered with a choice of electrified powertrains.
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Exterior Design
The SUV’s design follows the same styling language as its sedan siblings, with clean surfaces and a grille-less front end. LED daytime running lights run through the split headlights and flow over the front fenders, while OLED taillights stretch across the entire rear. The overall shape approaches classic SUV proportions, emphasized by flush door handles and pronounced shoulder lines.
Vehicle Dimensions
The NX8 is 4870 mm long, 1920 mm wide, and 1680 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2917 mm. This makes it 222 mm longer than the Nissan Rogue (X-Trail) and 152 mm shorter than the Pathfinder. Interestingly, its wheelbase is 17 mm longer than the Pathfinder’s, which should provide slightly better interior space.
Images show a sensor suite including a lidar on the roof, hinting at advanced driver-assistance technologies. Nissan has not yet revealed the interior, but it is expected to mirror the cabin layout of the N6 and N7, likely with a large touchscreen and soft-touch materials throughout. The company states the NX8 will offer a spacious five-seat configuration.
Powertrains
Nissan has confirmed that the NX8 will be classified as an NEV (New Energy Vehicle), and its specifications were recently published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
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Fully electric variants will be available either with a single 288 hp motor or a more powerful 335 hp version. A plug-in hybrid or range-extender version will also be offered, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 146 hp with a 262 hp electric motor.
All variants will use the latest generation of lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs from CATL. Range figures and battery capacities have not yet been disclosed, but the batteries are reported to support ultra-fast charging.
Market Launch Plans
The Nissan NX8 is scheduled to launch on the Chinese market in the first half of 2026, with prices to be announced closer to that date. Like the N6 and N7 sedans, this SUV is reportedly set to be exported to other markets soon.
Nissan plans to launch the NX8 in China in the first half of 2026, and prices will be confirmed closer to its market debut. Like the N6 and N7 sedans, the NX8 is expected to be exported to additional markets after the initial launch. However, the question of whether these will include Western regions like Europe or Australia remains open.
As for pricing, official figures will have to wait, but judging by the N6 and N7, they are likely to remain in a very competitive range. For example, the N7 costs from 119,900 to 149,900 yuan, which is approximately $17,000 to $21,200 at the current exchange rate.
The arrival of the NX8 clearly demonstrates Nissan’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the key Chinese EV market with affordable models. The partnership with Dongfeng allows for rapid adaptation to local preferences and requirements. The success of the N series could be a crucial step for the manufacturer in competing with Chinese EV brands that dominate the affordable electric car segment. Technologies from CATL and the focus on cabin space make the NX8 an interesting proposition, whose success will largely depend on the final price and range specifications.
