A regulatory filing image of the Dongfeng Nissan NX7.
- The NX7 is 4,785 mm long with a 2,815 mm wheelbase, making it smaller than the NX8 extended-range SUV.
- The model carries a 40.9 kWh CATL battery and offers an optional roof-mounted LiDAR.
Dongfeng Nissan, Nissan Motor’s joint venture in China, has filed its NX7 with local regulators, paving the way for the launch of the fourth model in its N series.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released its latest batch of new vehicles set to be allowed for sale on Friday, with the NX7 appearing on the list as a plug-in hybrid SUV (sport utility vehicle).
That comes just two days after Dongfeng Nissan began teasing the model with official images, a sign that the launch timeline is accelerating.
The NX7 is 4,785 mm long, 1,920 mm or 1,932 mm wide and 1,660 mm or 1,665 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, according to the filing.
By comparison, the NX8 extended-range SUV launched in April is 4,870 mm long with a 2,917 mm wheelbase. The NX7 is noticeably more compact.
The new model seats five, has a top speed of 180 km/h and a curb weight of 1,915 kg to 2,000 kg.
The NX7 is powered by a 1.5-liter engine codenamed NR15, with a displacement of 1,497 ml and output of 73 kW. Its drive motor has a peak output of 170 kW.
The energy storage device is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, with cells produced by a joint venture between CATL (HKEX: 3750) and China FAW.
The battery pack has a capacity of 40.95 kWh and can provide an all-electric range of 220 or 225 kilometers, according to the filing information.
Promotional material released by Dongfeng Nissan after the filing was published said the NX7 carries a 40.9 kWh CATL battery that can cover a week of daily commuting.
The model comes with two tire options, 235/60 R18 and 235/55 R19, along with three wheel designs.
The NX7 offers an optional roof-mounted LiDAR, fender cameras, rear spoiler cameras, a sunroof and roof rails, as well as different wheel styles and a two-tone roof.
Dongfeng Nissan said the model will feature urban NOA (navigate on autopilot).
The NX8 is priced from 159,900 yuan ($23,549) to 209,900 yuan, with a limited-time starting price of 149,900 yuan. The NX7 is expected to be priced below that range.
The N series currently comprises the all-electric N7 sedan, the plug-in hybrid N6 sedan and the NX8 SUV.
The series had retail sales of 9,316 units in June, up 50.53% year-on-year, according to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data compiled by CnEVPost.
The N series sold 33,590 units at retail in the first half of the year. Cumulative sales have reached 86,359 units since deliveries began in April last year.
The Dongfeng Nissan NX7 features a new front-end design and roof-mounted LiDAR and will be positioned below the NX8.
($1 = 6.7904 yuan)
