Nissan has debuted its challenger, the N7 electric sedan, at Auto Guangzhou, with plans to launch in China by 2025. This stylish model is the result of a partnership with Chinese automaker Dongfeng and will be manufactured locally for the Chinese market.
Nissan led the way with the Leaf over ten years ago but has since fallen behind in introducing new EVs compared to its competitors, choosing instead to concentrate on plug-in hybrids for the foreseeable future.
While Tesla maintains a stronghold on the mid-size electric sedan market in the US and Europe, things look different in China, where many Model 3 competitors are gaining traction. The N7 is ready to enter this competitive scene.
Built on a new modular platform through a Nissan-Dongfeng joint venture, the N7 takes cues from the April preview of the Epoch concept. Its dimensions are impressive: 194.0 inches long, eight inches longer than the Model 3, making it closer in size to the VW ID.7.
Aiming at the urban, tech-savvy audience, the N7 is packed with advanced features like "Navigate on Autopilot," similar to Tesla’s offerings. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, promising a sophisticated in-cabin experience.
Mirroring the front of the Nissan Ariya, the N7 features a chic wraparound taillight bar at the back. The pop-out door handles enhance its sleek and minimalist design.
Nissan remains tight-lipped about the N7's specifications, focusing right now on its design. As a key part of the Arc strategy unveiled in March, it is one of 30 planned global models by 2026, including 16 electrified options. However, Nissan's US strategy remains uncertain, prioritizing other models over electric sedans due to tariff issues and market focus differences.
Nissan's N7 is set to challenge the expanding electric sedan market in China with its state-of-the-art technology and striking design. While it won't arrive in the US soon, it signifies Nissan's deliberate, long-term approach to electrification, without fully committing to EVs.
