Nissan Expands N Series With Camouflaged SUV Prototype Developed With Dongfeng
Nissan’s ongoing partnership with Dongfeng is reshaping its electric future in China, and the company isn’t slowing down. After the success of the Nissan N7 sedan, which recently became the country’s best-selling foreign-brand EV, and the upcoming N6 plug-in hybrid sedan, it looks like the N series lineup is about to welcome a new member: a midsize electrified SUV.
Camouflaged Prototypes Spotted in China
Spy shots circulating on Chinese social media have revealed camouflaged prototypes of what appears to be the next Nissan N SUV, possibly to be named the N8. Two test vehicles were seen wrapped in heavy camouflage, lacking any Nissan emblems but showcasing a production-ready silhouette.
The design hints at a bold evolution for Nissan’s SUV lineup:
- Split LED headlights and a closed-off grille, reminiscent of the Nissan N6 sedan.
- Flush door handles and frameless windows for a sleek, aerodynamic look.
- A roof-mounted LiDAR unit and camera-based sensors, confirming advanced driver assistance features.
- Temporary rear lights that will likely give way to a full-width LED taillight bar in the final production model.
While the prototypes appear to be two-row SUVs, they are expected to differ from the three-row Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008, though a mechanical connection between the two remains highly likely.
Ties to Dongfeng’s eπ 008
The resemblance to the Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008 has sparked speculation about shared underpinnings. Dongfeng’s SUV measures 5,002 mm in length with a 3,025 mm wheelbase, though Nissan’s prototypes appear slightly more compact.
The Dongfeng model is offered in two electrified configurations:
- Battery Electric (BEV): Equipped with an 82.3 kWh battery pack, capable of up to 620 km (385 miles) of range.
- Extended-Range Electric (EREV): Delivers a combined range of 1,220 km (758 miles) with a zero-emission range of 202 km (126 miles).
If Nissan leverages this technology, the new SUV could become one of the most versatile and competitive options in China’s fast-growing EV market.
The Future of Nissan’s N Series
The upcoming SUV may adopt the N8 nameplate, though Nissan has also filed trademarks for N9 and N10, suggesting that an even larger SUV could follow. With prototypes already showing near-production bodywork, a Chinese market debut may be only months away, pending official filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Whether Nissan decides to keep this new SUV exclusive to China or launch it globally remains unclear. However, its arrival marks an important step in Nissan’s expansion of the N Series, moving beyond sedans and into SUVs to capture new audiences in the EV era.
