Dongfeng-Nissan has released official images of its upcoming NX8 sport utility vehicle for the Chinese market, offering a detailed first look at the joint venture’s latest locally developed model as it advances regulatory approval in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
The NX8 recently appeared in a vehicle approval catalogue published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), clearing a key regulatory step ahead of its commercial launch. The model becomes the third vehicle in Dongfeng Nissan’s N-series lineup following the N7 battery-electric sedan and the N6 plug-in hybrid sedan, reinforcing Nissan Motor’s push to rebuild its China portfolio around locally engineered new energy vehicles.
The newly released images show the NX8 with a closed front grille featuring an illuminated Nissan badge, full-width black light bars, frameless doors and flush door handles, giving the SUV a sleek and modern appearance. Built on a Dongfeng-developed platform, the NX8 is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV tailored specifically for domestic consumers.
According to the regulatory filing, the NX8 measures 4,870 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,917 mm. Curb weight ranges between 2,045 kg and 2,245 kg depending on configuration, while the top listed speed is 180 km/h.
Dongfeng-Nissan will offer the NX8 in both battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range electric (EREV) configurations to address different buyer preferences within China’s fast-growing electrified SUV segment. The EREV variant pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine rated at 109 kW with an electric motor delivering peak output of 195 kW.
The fully electric version will be offered with a single motor producing either 215 kW or 250 kW. Battery packs for both variants use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells supplied by CATL, while some EREV configurations also use LFP packs from BYD’s FinDreams unit. The NX8 is built on an 800-volt high-voltage platform supporting charging rates of up to 5C.
Dongfeng-Nissan has confirmed that the NX8 will make its official debut in the first half of next year, with industry observers expecting a potential public unveiling at the Beijing auto show in late April 2026. The model is scheduled to enter China’s new energy vehicle market in the first quarter of 2026.
The NX8 follows a series of aggressive product and pricing moves by the joint venture. The N7 pure-electric sedan launched in April with a starting price of 119,900 yuan ($16,960), undercutting several rivals in the segment. In December, Dongfeng-Nissan further intensified its price-led strategy with the introduction of the N6 hybrid sedan at a limited-time starting price of 91,900 yuan, signaling a sharper focus on volume growth amid intensifying competition from domestic EV manufacturers.