Dongfeng Nissan, the joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group, unveiled its first all-electric model under a new energy platform, the Nissan N7, at the Guangzhou Auto Show thats happening this week.
The N7, according to Nissan, is not the final production name, but the final version of which aims to redefine the standards for passenger cars in China - a market where Nissan has struggled to keep pace in.
The N7, just like most EVs in China, showcases a modern design centred around aerodynamic efficiency and Nissan's classic V-Motion styling. The N7 measures 4,930 MM long with a 2,915 MM wheelbase, 1,895 MM wide and 1,487 MM tall. Notably, this sleek sedan’s design boasts a "golden ratio" stance of 0.618.
Key design features include frameless doors minus the triangular windows and flush door handles, a drag coefficient ratio of 0.208 cD, 710 piece high-power LED front lights and 882 OLED taillight cluster. Nissan claims this cohesive lighting design offers a unique interactive lighting system that connects the front and rear designs seamlessly.
On board, the N7 adopts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip with 32GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Nissan also claims that the N7 will feature the industry's first Adaptive Posture AI Algorithm, which uses continuous learning and over-the-air (OTA) updates to adjust the driver’s seating position dynamically.
Furthermore, its AI zero-pressure cloud blanket seats, which utilise 49 sensors to detect changes in body pressure, provide real-time adjustments to seatback, lumbar, and leg support for optimal comfort.
Meanwhile, on the tech front, the N7 features an advanced driver-assist system developed in collaboration with Momenta, a leader in autonomous driving technology. The system includes high-speed pilot NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) and a city memory pilot NOA tailored for daily commuting.
While it is unclear if this represents full urban autonomy, the system supports end-to-end navigation and comprehensive auto-parking capabilities.
Despite its seemingly impressive specifications, the N7 will face stiff competition in a market dominated by local Chinese automakers. Dongfeng Nissan describes the N7 as an EV that will set a “new benchmark” for Chinese families, but success will depend on its ability to deliver value and innovation comparable to other domestic heavy hitters such as BYD, XPeng, Zeekr and NIO.
As Nissan seeks to revitalise its fortunes in China, this unveiling and retail pricing when the production model is launched will signal an important step for Dongfeng Nissan as it embraces the transition to electrification in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.