Nissan expands in China

Nissan has revealed its all-new Frontier Pro ute, which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), at Shanghai Auto Show 2025.

Alongside the Dongfeng Nissan N7, the pick-up represents the second of nine new-energy vehicles the marque plans to launch in China by mid-2027.

The five-seat Frontier Pro, which is slated to go on sale in China later this year, features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine and a transmission-mounted, high-output electric motor.

Combined, the system delivers more than 300kW of power and up to 800Nm of torque, and is targeted to deliver up to 135km of EV-only range on the New European Driving Cycle.

All models feature a five-link rear suspension and intelligent all-wheel drive, which automatically controls torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Off-road capability is supported by the availability of an electromechanical rear differential lock. Four drive modes – hybrid, pure electric, performance and snow – allow the driver to tailor their experience to the conditions and preferences.

The Frontier Pro, pictured above, has been styled around the concept of “rugged tech” with a modern exterior that complements its spacious interior.

Up front, the Nissan logo is illuminated in white to signify its electrified capability. Parallel to the hood line, five LED light elements, spaced apart, accentuate its width.

The design team was inspired by the distinctive three-slot opening in the hood of the 1980s D21 hardbody pick-up. In creating the lighting signature, they leveraged LEDs to reimagine this design, while all variants ride on standard 18-inch alloys with 265/65R18 tyres.

The cabin is spacious with a standard panoramic roof, 10-inch LCD instrument panel and 14.6-inch infotainment screen. Front-seat heating, ventilation and seat-back massage are available.

To support “active lifestyles”, the Frontier Pro includes features such as roof rails and an electronic retractable cover for the cargo area.

Owners can charge household devices using a vehicle-to-load port, which leverages the plug-in hybrid battery to supply up to 6kW of power.

Co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan, the PHEV will be made and go on sale in China before the end of this year. It will also be exported outside of China with recipient markets subject of a future announcement.

All-new Dongfeng Nissan N7

Five months after making its debut, the Dongfeng Nissan N7 goes on sale in China this month. The all-electric sedan has a co-efficient of drag of just 0.208, and intelligent technology to deliver “stress-free driving and onboard comfort”.

Two lithium-ion phosphate battery options are available. Rated at 58kWh and 73kWh, both feature a 400-volt architecture. 

All variants of the N7, pictured below, are front-wheel drive and feature a single electric motor with output ranging from 160kW to 200kW. On all models, maximum torque is 305Nm.

Owners can recharge the battery from 10-80 per cent in 19 minutes and replenish the state of charge from 30-80 per cent in as little as 14 minutes.

Range extends from a minimum of 510km for variants equipped with the 58kWh battery, up to 635km for variants with the 73kWh battery, on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. All models feature MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. 

In partnership with Momenta, a provider of autonomous driving technology in China, the N7 includes an advanced end-to-end driver-assist system called “navigate on autopilot”.

On the highway, the system can seamlessly handle complex manoeuvres, such as merging and overtaking. In urban settings, it executes lane changes and navigates turning situations. 

It also responds when other vehicles unexpectedly merge into its lane. An automated parking function handles scenarios like angled and narrow parking spaces.

The N7’s interior leverages technology to create a “homely atmosphere for families”. Front-row occupants can indulge in “zero pressure” seating with an AI-based adaptive-posture system, which adjusts the seat based on input from 49 sensors. 

The seats also feature 12-point massage functionality and, for drivers, a pneumatic cushion mechanism offers up to 60mm extension to boost leg comfort and support.

The 15.6-inch central infotainment screen renders content in 2.5K resolution. Aided by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, those onboard benefit from “seamless” entertainment and connectivity as well as DeepSeek-R1 AI integration. Responsive interactivity comes courtesy of 32GB memory and 256GB storage space.

Nissan’s V-Motion design signature is expressed at the front along with 710 high-power LEDs. On the side, frameless doors and flush handles support a modern aesthetic. At the rear, 882 OLEDs are installed in the full-width light bar.

The EV is equipped with wheels up to 19 inches in size and is available in six exterior colours that can be paired with two interior options.