Nissan’s Frontier Pro hybrid pickup may have been the centerpiece of its display at the Shanghai Auto Show, but it wasn’t the only electrified vehicle making headlines. Sharing the spotlight was the all-electric Nissan N7, a sleek and highly aerodynamic sedan developed in collaboration with Dongfeng, Nissan’s long-time Chinese joint venture partner. While earlier teaser images gave a basic glimpse of the car’s exterior, the full reveal at the event has shed much more light on both its design and technology features.
In contrast to the rugged, square-jawed design of the Frontier Pro—whose styling pays homage to the classic 1980s D21 Nissan truck—the N7 pursues aerodynamic excellence above all else. Its drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.208 ranks it among the most streamlined production vehicles currently available, narrowly trailing behind the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which boasts a Cd of 0.202. However, that commitment to airflow efficiency appears to come at a cost. The N7’s shape, while effective in reducing drag, results in a conservative and somewhat forgettable exterior aesthetic—a common trade-off in the world of low-drag EV design.
Until now, the interior of the N7 remained a mystery. Speculation pointed to either a large central tablet or a wide, dashboard-spanning display as the focal point—both common trends in modern EV interiors. The reveal confirmed a 15.6-inch 2.5K touchscreen dominating the center stack, paired with a second digital screen used as the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The cabin itself is clean and minimalistic, with a calming ambiance—but one potentially disrupted by the absence of traditional physical buttons. In fact, apart from a few controls on the steering wheel, nearly all functions appear to rely on touch input, which could challenge user convenience while driving.
Despite its understated powertrain, the N7 aims to deliver comfort and high-tech refinement. Nissan has equipped the front seats with what it calls “zero pressure” technology, supported by an AI-driven posture adjustment system. This system uses data from 49 embedded sensors to enhance driver and passenger comfort. Additional luxury touches include a 12-point massage function and even a mini-fridge beneath the center armrest, capable of chilling beverages to -6°C (21°F) or warming them to 55°C (131°F).
When it comes to performance, the N7 offers modest specifications by today’s EV standards. Rather than incorporating cutting-edge 800-volt charging technology, it retains a more conventional 400-volt system and provides two battery options—58 kWh and 73 kWh. Power output ranges from 215 to 268 horsepower, with the larger battery reportedly capable of delivering up to 635 kilometers of range based on China’s CLTC testing cycle. However, it’s worth noting that CLTC figures tend to be more optimistic than EPA ratings, meaning real-world range may be significantly lower.
As for availability, the N7 is designed and built exclusively for the Chinese market, and there are no current plans for a North American launch. Still, it reflects Nissan’s growing investment in electrification and its commitment to tailoring vehicles to specific regional markets. With a blend of sleek technology, practical range, and comfort-focused features, the N7 showcases Nissan’s attempt to stay competitive in China’s rapidly evolving EV landscape.