The sleek, camouflaged silhouette cutting through Chinese test roads isn’t just another crossover; it’s a glimpse into Nissan’s ambitious electric future. Fresh spy shots have revealed a new, all-electric SUV developed in partnership with Dongfeng, potentially badged as the Nissan N8 Electric SUV, signaling a major expansion of the brand’s N-series lineup beyond its successful sedans.

First Look at the Nissan-Dongfeng Electric SUV Prototype

Shared widely across Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, the images show two development prototypes cloaked in full-body camouflage. Despite the wrap, key design elements are visible, drawing a clear lineage to Nissan’s new electric family. The front end features a split LED headlight design and a completely sealed-off grille, a signature look first seen on the upcoming Nissan N6 plug-in hybrid sedan. The profile is clean, aided by modern features like flush-mounted door handles and frameless windows, suggesting a premium positioning.

Crucially, the prototypes are outfitted with advanced hardware for the modern era, including a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and side cameras, indicating a high level of expected driver-assistance technology. As noted by the Chinese automotive account Sugar Design, while the vehicle shares some conceptual DNA with the Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008, its body panels and greenhouse structure appear unique, pointing to a distinct model developed under the joint Nissan-Dongfeng venture.

Potential Specs and Powertrain Options for the New Model

While Nissan has not released official details, the partnership with Dongfeng provides strong clues about the potential underpinnings and performance of this new SUV. If it leverages technology from the Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008, as industry analysts suggest, buyers could have two efficient powertrain choices.

Full Electric (BEV): A version powered by a large 82.3 kWh battery pack, potentially offering a competitive range of up to 620 km (385 miles) on a single charge.
Range Extender (EREV): An option employing a small gasoline engine solely to charge the battery, eliminating range anxiety. This setup could deliver a phenomenal combined range of over 1,220 km (758 miles), with a substantial 202 km (126 miles) of pure electric driving.

The prototype appears to be a two-row midsize SUV, differentiating it from the three-row Dongfeng 008. This strategic positioning would allow it to compete in one of the world’s most popular and lucrative vehicle segments with a compelling blend of zero-emission capability and practical range.

The Strategic Importance of the N-Series Lineup

This new SUV, likely to be called the N8 based on Nissan’s trademark filings, is not an isolated project. It represents the next logical step in the automaker’s strategy to regain relevance in the critical Chinese market through its N-series models. This strategy is already proving successful; the all-electric Nissan N7 sedan, also born from the Dongfeng partnership, quietly became the top-selling foreign-brand EV in China in recent months, according to sales data from JATO Dynamics.

The expansion into SUVs is a calculated move to capitalize on this momentum. By offering a high-tech, electrified SUV, Nissan can leverage the established credibility of the N7 and the soon-to-launch N6 sedan to capture a wider audience. The company has also secured trademarks for N9 and N10, hinting at a comprehensive family of electrified vehicles designed for global competitiveness, starting in the world’s largest auto market.

The arrival of a new Nissan N8 Electric SUV, developed with Dongfeng, underscores a pivotal shift towards electrification and local partnerships. This model represents more than just a new vehicle; it is a crucial pillar in Nissan’s strategy to compete with both domestic Chinese brands and global giants in the high-stakes electric era. Keep an eye on filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for official confirmation and detailed specifications in the coming months.

Must Know

What is the Nissan N8?
The Nissan N8 is the rumored name for a new, camouflaged electric SUV spotted testing in China. It is being developed through Nissan’s partnership with Dongfeng Motor and is expected to be the next model in the expanding N-series family of electrified vehicles.

What powertrains will the new Nissan electric SUV have?
While unconfirmed, it is highly likely the SUV will offer a choice between a full battery-electric (BEV) powertrain and a range-extender (EREV) system, similar to the related Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008. This would provide options for maximum electric range or minimal range anxiety.

When will the Nissan N8 be released?
Based on the production-ready state of the prototypes, a market launch in China could occur within the next several months. An announcement or unveiling is likely before the end of the year.

Will the Nissan N8 SUV be sold outside of China?
This remains unconfirmed. While the N7 sedan is planned for global markets, Nissan has not announced if this new SUV will follow the same path. Its initial launch and development focus are squarely on the Chinese market.

How does this new SUV relate to the Nissan N7?
It is part of the same N-series family developed with Dongfeng. The N7 is an all-electric sedan that has seen significant sales success in China, and this new SUV aims to expand that winning formula into a more popular body style.