Dongfeng unveils its new NX8 electric SUV for the Chinese market

Dongfeng, together with Nissan the result of the joint venture between both companies, has just announced the new NX8. This mid-size SUV will reach the Chinese market in the first half of this year with fully electric and extended-range (EREV) powertrains.

With a length of 4.87 metres, a width of 1.92 metres and a height of 1.68 metres, and a wheelbase of 2.92 metres, the new NX8 sits in the mid-size SUV segment, though it is already bordering on the large one. It has five seats and ample luggage space, making it an alternative of particular interest for Chinese families with several children.

Aesthetically, it shares the design language of the N7 and the Dongfeng 007, with a clean front end, a long continuous front light bar, matrix headlights and retractable door handles. A style well adapted to Chinese tastes that departs noticeably from the designs of Nissan aimed at the Japanese market or other international markets such as Europe.

Among the fastest at the charging point

Focusing on its technical specifications, the fully electric version is based on a platform with an 800-volt architecture and features a battery pack with new-generation LFP cells supplied by CATL, which allows ultra-fast 5C charging. According to the manufacturer, a recharge can be completed in about 12 minutes.

Dongfeng has not yet revealed the exact capacity of the battery pack, nor the maximum charging power supported, but it promises CLTC ranges depending on the version of between 565 and 650 km. It also has a single electric motor with two power levels depending on the version, 215 and 250 kW, thus surpassing the 160 and 200 kW of the N7 saloon from the Chinese brand.

On the other hand, the EREV version combines a 1.5-litre turbo combustion engine, which acts as a generator, with a single electric motor. Dongfeng has not yet revealed more specific details, and more are expected to be disclosed later.

It lacks nothing

As for equipment, the Chinese manufacturer has integrated into the NX8 a LiDAR sensor located on the roof, thanks to which the vehicle is able to offer advanced intelligent driving functions, including NOA assistance on motorway and city roads, as well as autonomous parking in all kinds of scenarios.

Dongfeng is expected to reveal in the coming months all the details we still don’t know about this new electric SUV, including more information on the battery pack, supported charging power or the price list, just before its official debut on the Chinese market.