Nissan has introduced the new mid-size crossover NX8, developed jointly with Dongfeng for the Chinese market. This model expands the budget N series, which already includes the N6 and N7 sedans. The car is offered with two types of powertrains: a fully electric (BEV) and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
Update: The new NX8 is already on sale in China. The starting prices turned out to be lower than expected. Nissan offers both a fully electric version and an extended-range version. This article has been updated with full information on prices, specifications, and new photos.
Design and Dimensions
The crossover’s exterior follows the same design language as the N-series sedans, with clean surfaces and a front end without a grille. LED daytime running lights stretch across the split headlights, and the OLED taillights are designed as a full-width strip at the rear. The car’s overall proportions are classic for an SUV, with flush door handles and pronounced shoulder lines.
The NX8 is 4870 mm long, 1920 mm wide, and 1680 mm high. The wheelbase is 2917 mm. This makes it 222 mm longer than the Nissan Rogue (X-Trail) and 152 mm shorter than the Pathfinder. At the same time, its wheelbase is 17 mm longer than the Pathfinder’s, which should provide slightly more interior space.
Technological Interior
The interior features two 15.6-inch infotainment displays on the dashboard, separate from the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The entire system runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset. The top trim adds a 63-inch augmented reality head-up display and a 25-speaker audio system.
Other interior features include AI Zero Gravity Seats 2.0 with massage, heating, and ventilation functions, contactless air flow control, a built-in refrigerator, and Motion Sickness Prevention 3.0 technology. The five-seat cabin can be transformed into a comfortable sofa or bed by fully reclining the front seatbacks. Additionally, there is extra storage space under the trunk floor, and electric versions also have a “frunk” (front trunk).
Regarding safety, the crossover is equipped with up to 29 sensors, including a roof-mounted lidar. This hardware supports an advanced driver-assistance system based on Momenta’s developments, which promises a high level of autonomous capabilities.
Powertrains
The Nissan NX8 is available with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain and a fully electric (BEV) powertrain. Both variants use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells from CATL.
The EREV version combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine-generator with a single electric motor producing 335 hp. The electric-only range is 310 km, and the total range (including fuel) is 1450 km according to the CLTC measurement cycle.
The fully electric versions (BEV) develop 288 or 335 hp. The range is estimated at 580 km and 650 km respectively under the CLTC cycle. These figures on paper surpass the 303 miles (approximately 488 km) of the Nissan Leaf as rated by the EPA, although it should be noted that CLTC results are typically 20-30% higher than EPA equivalents, so the real-world range will likely be closer. The larger 81 kWh battery supports ultra-fast charging of up to 463 kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes.
Prices and Markets
Nissan initially launched the NX8 in the Chinese market, but, like the N6 and N7 sedans, the model is expected to be exported to other countries. The question of whether these will include Western markets such as Europe or Australia remains open for now.
In its home market, prices for the crossover start from 149,900 yuan and go up to 199,900 yuan (approximately $21,900 – $29,200 USD) depending on the powertrain and trim level. This roughly corresponds to the price of the older Kicks Play model in the USA ($21,520), which remains Nissan’s most affordable model there, and is still lower than the new Kicks ($22,430). It is also significantly cheaper than the new Leaf EV, which starts at $29,990 in America.
These figures reflect launch-period introductory prices, while the standard prices are set at 159,900 – 209,900 yuan ($23,400 – $30,700 USD). Even so, the China-market model remains significantly cheaper than the Nissan Rogue, which starts at $29,490 in the USA.
Nissan NX8 Price Table
Trim / Drivetrain Type / Starting Price / USD Equivalent
NX8 150 Pro / EREV / ¥149,900 / $21,900
NX8 150 Max / EREV / ¥159,900 / $23,400
NX8 310 Max / EREV / ¥169,900 / $24,900
NX8 580 Pro / BEV / ¥149,900 / $21,900
NX8 580 Max / BEV / ¥159,900 / $23,400
NX8 650 Max / BEV / ¥174,900 / $25,600
NX8 Master Edition / BEV / ¥199,900 / $29,200
The arrival of the NX8 clearly demonstrates Nissan’s strategy of creating separate, more affordable car lineups for key markets such as China. The use of modern battery technologies like LFP cells and partnerships with local manufacturers allows for competitive pricing without sacrificing technology. The impressive claimed specifications, especially the range of the extended-range version, show how rapidly the electric vehicle segment is developing in China. The success of this model in the domestic market will likely be a decisive factor in the decision to export it, which could force Western competitors to once again reconsider their pricing policies in the electric SUV segment.