The new Nissan NX8 is not what we expect from the Japanese brand’s electric cars.
Firstly, it’s not a Japanese product – it’s a product of the brand’s partnership with Dongfeng in China. It will also be built there, meaning it could be cheaper than other electric vehicles from the brand.
And the approach is also a bit more “mainstream” – in a very “Chinese EV” way. It’s nothing like the Ariya and nothing like the Leaf, and that could be an advantage for him.
I was able to spend a very short time in the NX8 during a Nissan event in Japan, ahead of its expected launch in Australia late next year – read on to find out more.
Note: This review contains primarily marketing images as access to images from the first ride was limited.
How much does the Nissan NX8 cost?
This car isn’t even officially confirmed for the Australian market yet – although it will most likely be here by the end of 2027.
Price and feature levels are expected to be high, which will likely rival the likes of the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y, not to mention the stacked Mazda CX-6e.
Nissan will be looking to steal sales from rivals in the electric SUV space, so an attractive starting price – under $60,000 – is almost certain.
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What does the Nissan NX8 look like inside?
I literally had less than 20 minutes with the NX8, so this may be more of a quick overview of the cabin than a deep dive – but I’ll tell you what, it definitely left an impression.
The interior design is not what I would describe unknown for an electric SUV from China, with a Hyundai Elexio-like dual-screen panel in the center and passenger sections, two-tone trim and some eye-catching trim.
But I was impressed by the cream, gray and rose gold trim, not to mention the rib-like contours of the door panels and the quality of materials throughout the interior. Honestly, it feels bolder than an Ariya, more extreme than an X-Trail and, more importantly, it makes you feel like you’re sitting in something special.
The seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable, and although I didn’t have a chance to try out the seemingly AI-powered system that can specifically adjust the seat to your body’s size, shape, contour and comfort requirements, it was still comfortable and comfortable. There is also a large glass roof and fortunately it is equipped with an electrically extendable sunshade.
Storage space is well organized throughout, with adjustable cupholders between the front seats; a large storage space below the bridge-like center console; large bottle holders in the doors; And under the center armrest is the fridge/freezer compartment, which can keep your meat pie warm or your Eskimo Pie cold, with temperature settings between -6°C and +55°C.
The glaring absence from the cabin is one of the buttons you might have been hoping for. There are touch controls for the climate system – no buttons or dials – and even the airflow direction is adjusted on the screen. However, there are buttons on the doors – they work automatically, so you don’t have to push the door out, and you can also close them yourself if you want.
The backseat experience is on another level. It’s worth noting that this is quite a bit larger than an
The seat is also opulently equipped, with electric tilt adjustment, a massage function that relieves tension in the back, and external seat heating and ventilation. The requisite bottle and cup holders are present and present, not to mention USB-C charging ports, directional rear vents, storage compartments and a fold-out table behind the passenger.
The boot is another roomy spot with a huge 773 liters of cargo volume and underfloor storage for cables and a tire repair kit. Since the NX8 EV is rear-wheel drive, there is a “frunk” or “front trunk” under the hood that provides an additional 95 liters of storage space.
| Dimensions | Nissan NX8 |
|---|---|
| length | 4870mm |
| Width | 2917mm |
| Height | 1920mm |
| wheelbase | 1680mm |
| Loading capacity | 773L – Boots 95L – trunk |
What’s under the hood?
The Nissan NX8 is available with range extender drives (REEV) and battery electric drives (BEV). While we are likely to prioritize electric vehicles, a two-pronged approach cannot yet be ruled out.
| Specifications | NX8 BEV | NX8 REV |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single engine electric | Single-engine range extender hybrid |
| battery | 81 kWh LFP | 43.2 kWh LFP |
| Performance | 250kW | 195kW |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Drive type | RWD | RWD |
| Claimed area– CLTC | 630km | 310km |
| Max. DC charging rate | 463kW | 270kW |
These charging rates are huge as the CATL battery allows for fast charging at 5°C. There are currently no electric vehicle chargers in Australia offering 463kW of power, but some brands will soon offer ultra charging solutions.
How does the Nissan NX8 drive?
Based on our brief driving experience, the signs are good – but this was also a limited test, with just one lap at the Grandrive test facility outside Tokyo.
Despite a few slower corners, a few bumps and bumps on the surface, it seemed like the NX8 didn’t stray too far from the expected approach in Chinese-built EV SUVs, which emphasizes comfort more than anything else.
That’s true for both the occupants – thanks to the electronic adaptive damper system, which includes an anti-motion sickness system designed to reduce “head toss” and body wobble when the vehicle changes direction or accelerates quickly – and the driver, with smooth and light steering that probably doesn’t offer the directness and joy of the more enthusiastic drivers in this segment.
In this regard, it doesn’t feel as lightning-fast as other electric cars in this class, probably because it doesn’t have the same power and torque as some of the benchmarks.
However, my impression was that, like the Ariya, it was measured by its acceleration and in Sport mode and with a firmer footing it still responded gracefully.
There’s also the requisite regenerative braking system with multiple settings, although I didn’t get much chance to play with it, nor were the actual brakes particularly in demand on my very short trip around the track.
It may have been a short experience, but it seems like this example will take its place well among the electric vehicles in Australia.
What do you get?
Australian specifications are not confirmed, but here are some of the highlights of the model I tested in Japan.
Equipment highlights of the 2026 Nissan NX8:
- LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Configurable light signatures
- 20 inch alloy wheels,
- Automatic doors – open/close
- Electric tailgate
- “AI Zero Gravity Seat 2.0” including 25 massage and support airbags
- “Technology to Prevent Motion Sickness 3.0”
- Front seat heating, ventilation, massage
- Rear seat heating, ventilation, massage
- Electric front seat adjustment
- Electric reclining of the rear seats
- Onboard fridge/freezer – -6°C to 55°C
- Two 15.6-inch displays
- 10.25-inch instrument cluster
- 63-inch AR head-up display with blind spot monitor projection
- Qualcomm 8295P chip
- 25 speaker audio system – 2000W power
- AI-powered voice interaction in four zones
Exact details about a possible Australian version of the NX8 have yet to be confirmed, although it’s highly unlikely we’ll get the configurable exterior lighting system offered in China.
Australian Design Rules (ADRs) mean there are strict lighting requirements and the customizable LED signatures offered in the NX8 would likely not meet these rules.
Is the Nissan NX8 safe?
See that little dent on the roof? This is the LiDAR system, which is highly advanced and, according to Nissan, offers “Level 2++” autonomy.
But like the lights, the LiDAR probably won’t be part of the package we get in Australia due to ADRs.
However, you can rely on a range of active safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking with vehicle, obstacle, pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection; Not to mention the adaptive cruise control with intelligent assistance, capable of adhering to speed limits and handling most strenuous tasks on the way to the highway, such as stopping, starting and steering (to a certain extent).
There is a rich mix of cameras around the vehicle and a great surround view monitor. Self-parking technology with “full scenario” capability is also present.
There’s also an absolutely brilliant head-up display that not only shows your speed information and directions, but can also display a blind spot camera view in your line of sight – similar to the Kia and Hyundai’s blind spot display monitor, but projected onto the windshield rather than the driver information display.
How much does the Nissan NX8 cost to run?
Those details are still a ways off, but looking at Nissan’s current ownership program, it could be a very attractive prospect indeed.
The brand comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty as standard in Australia. However, if you avail the warranty through the company’s dealer network, it can be extended to 10 years or 300,000 kilometers – whichever comes first.
The battery warranty is expected to meet market standards of at least eight years and 160,000 km, with a 70 or 75 percent health guarantee.
Nissan Australia also offers up to 10 years or 300,000km of roadside assistance for customers who have their car serviced by the brand. As for maintenance: If we go by the Ariya EV, 12 months and 20,000 km seem likely for the specified intervals.
Daily Sparkz’s view of the Nissan NX8
The NX8 is crucial, Nissan needs it – but the big question might be whether “end 2027” will be to late.
This part of the market moves faster than any other – that’s the reality – and the NX8 could be an absolutely crucial part of the brand’s renaissance in our market… if it comes to market soon enough.
Let us know in the comments if you think the Nissan NX8 would be a good fit for Australia.
Click on the images to go to the full gallery
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