By The all-new Nissan NX8 SUV has been officially revealed in China, positioned as a Toyota Kluger–sized large SUV offering both fully electric and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrains.
Set for release in China in the second half of 2026, the NX8 becomes the third member of Nissan’s rapidly growing N Series lineup, joining the N6 hybrid sedan and N7 electric sedan introduced earlier this year. It follows the development of the Frontier Pro ute – a model created with Nissan’s joint-venture partner Dongfeng and slated for an Australian launch in 2027.
Full pricing and technical specifications for the NX8’s Chinese debut remain undisclosed. However, according to cars.news, early reports from CarNewsChina indicate that the N Series family could be exported to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with Australia listed as a possible destination.
Given the long-standing demand for SUVs in Australia, the NX8 stands out as a strong potential addition to Nissan’s local portfolio. If introduced, the electric NX8 could sit alongside – or even replace – the recently launched Nissan Ariya, whose delayed Australian arrival was driven by new emissions regulations.
Unlike Nissan’s current e-Power hybrid system found in the X-Trail and Qashqai, the NX8’s EREV variant features plug-in capability. It pairs a 109kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a 195kW electric motor, using a next-generation LFP ‘Yundun’ battery from CATL. Battery capacities and range figures are still to be revealed.
Built in partnership with Dongfeng, the 4870mm-long NX8 is slightly larger than the X-Trail and rides on a lengthy 2917mm wheelbase – even longer than the Pathfinder’s. Width and height come in at 1920mm and 1680mm respectively. Notably, it’s the first N Series model to use an 800V iteration of the Tianyan EV platform.
The pure electric NX8 will launch with two single-motor options producing either 215kW or 250kW. Both EV and EREV versions support 5C ultra-fast charging for significantly reduced recharge times.
Inside, the NX8 is expected to feature the HarmonyOS Cockpit – a 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by Huawei’s HarmonyOS system with integrated AI search capabilities. Advanced driver-assist technologies include LiDAR-based safety systems, autonomous parking, and NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) highway assist.
Nissan previously announced at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show that it will launch 10 new energy vehicles (NEVs) by mid-2027, expanding its NEV lineup from five to nine models. This rollout, according to cars.news, is part of the company’s strategy to regain ground in China, where its sales have dropped 5.4% year-on-year.
Global performance has also weakened, with sales down 8.8% in the UK and 10.7% in the US during the same period. The brand has slipped out of the world’s top ten best-selling automakers and is closing several factories amid financial challenges.
In Australia, Nissan’s year-to-date sales have fallen 18.7%, with only the low-volume Pathfinder showing growth. However, the recent debut of the new Navara – now twinned with the Mitsubishi Triton – may signal an upcoming resurgence ahead of the next-generation Patrol and Leaf.
The post 2026 Nissan NX8 SUV Unveiled as Electric Toyota Kluger Rival first appeared on Mediamark Digital.
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