by Nissan revives the legendary Primera name for a new electric car
Almost 20 years after the last example disappeared from showrooms, Nissan has officially brought back the Primera name. However, it is no longer a family sedan with petrol engines, station wagons, or a racing heritage. Instead, the revived model is a fully electric sedan sourced from China and based on the locally produced N7.
The new Nissan Primera EV debuted at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), where it joined the launch of the X-Trail e-Power and previews of several future electrified models. Although Nissan’s press materials were scarce on technical details, the company confirmed that the Primera name will return as part of its expanding electric vehicle lineup.
For long-time Nissan enthusiasts, this name carries significant history. The original Primera debuted in 1990 and lasted three generations before production ended in 2007. It was sold as a sedan, liftback, and station wagon, and also earned a racing heritage through numerous titles in the British Touring Car Championship. In the US, it was known as the Infiniti G20 from 1990 to 2002.
The new Primera has little in common with its predecessor, except for the name on the boot. As we previously reported, it is based on the Chinese market Nissan N7, an electric sedan developed through Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng.
Measuring 194.1 inches (4930 mm) in length with a 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, the new Primera is actually larger than a Toyota Camry. Previously published Philippine certification documents showed specifications almost exactly matching the initial version of the N7, including a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW) and 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) of torque.
Technical specifications and design
Power is provided by a 60 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of approximately 311 miles (500 km). Visually, the car is almost unchanged from the N7. It features a fastback profile, controversial flush door handles, and wide LED lighting elements.
The classic petrol Primera was produced from 1990 to 2008.
The debut also marked the first major step in Nissan’s new “From China” export strategy. Company executives state that China will serve as both an innovation center and a manufacturing hub for future global products. Nissan has not yet announced a price or sales launch date, but the company says full specifications will be revealed closer to launch.
The Navara Pro PHEV was also presented at the Nissan stand at the Philippine International Motor Show.
It is clear that Nissan intends to sell its Chinese models far beyond China. The N7, now the Primera, has already been confirmed for Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and possibly Europe. The Navara Pro PHEV, shown in the Philippines, looks like another candidate for export, as it is based on the Chinese market Frontier Pro PHEV.
Chinese market Nissan N7.
This move marks a strategic shift for Nissan, which previously relied on its own global platforms. The company is now actively leveraging Chinese development and manufacturing capabilities to quickly bring affordable electric vehicles to market. Reviving the Primera name, albeit on a completely different vehicle, allows Nissan to capitalize on buyer nostalgia while positioning the new model as a modern and technologically advanced product. It also signals that the Chinese market is becoming not just a consumer, but also a key exporter of vehicles for global brands, which could change traditional supply chains in the automotive industry.
