Nissan's SUV bets on ultra-fast charging, 650 km range and LiDAR system to curb competition in China
The Dongfeng Nissan joint venture presented on Tuesday (14) the NX8, its new mid-size SUV focused on the electrified vehicle segment. The model arrives in the Chinese market with an important technological asset: it is the first SUV from a foreign brand to combine an 800 V high-voltage platform with 5C ultra-fast charging batteries.
Scheduled to debut in the first half of this year, the NX8 tries to reposition the Japanese brand in a niche dominated by local automakers. With a length of 4.87 meters and a generous wheelbase of 2.91 meters, the vehicle bets on interior space and a robust autonomous driving package, anchored by LiDAR sensors and assisted navigation for both highways and urban perimeters.
Under the hood, Nissan’s strategy is divided into two fronts: the purely electric version uses CATL battery cells and delivers up to 335 hp, with a range that can reach 650 km in the Chinese cycle. The variant with range extender (EREV) combines a 1.5 turbo engine with a 241 hp electric powertrain, ensuring up to 185 km of pure electric range before activating the combustion engine.
Aesthetically, the SUV reinterprets the manufacturer’s “V-Motion” visual identity. The front features 2.4-meter continuous headlights and an illuminated logo, while the rear adopts a panel with 2,064 LED units, allowing for customizable light signatures. Inside, the minimalist cabin prioritizes digitalization, with a layout of dual screens that cater to the driver and passenger, as well as a head-up display.
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Dongfeng Nissan’s move signals a direct response to the technological acceleration of the Asian market, where charging speed and the integration of intelligent software have become decisive buying factors.
