Nissan’s China-only NX7 SUV will be a cheaper, smaller sibling to the $22K NX8

Dongfeng Nissan has lifted the curtain on the upcoming NX7 SUV for the Chinese market, a compact electrified model positioned below the larger NX8.

The new SUV borrows an evolved styling language and the brand’s latest tech, with the first teaser focusing on its front end.

The headline feature is a fresh take on split LED headlights, flanking a grille-less nose that carries an illuminated Nissan badge.

The daytime running lights abandon the full-width LED bar seen on the NX8, while the lower clusters adopt a simpler shape.

A roof-mounted LiDAR unit and mirror-mounted sensors hint at a sophisticated ADAS suite, while a sculpted hood and sleek roof rails add to the SUV’s modern look.

The NX7 is expected to slot in size-wise between the 183-inch (4,648 mm) Rogue/X-Trail and the 191.7-inch (4,870 mm) NX8.

Under the skin, the NX7 will likely ride on Dongfeng-Nissan’s local Tianyan NEV architecture, which already underpins the N6 and N7 sedans and the NX8 SUV.

The NX8 is available with electric and range-extender powertrains with a FWD layout and CATL-sourced lithium-iron phosphate batteries.

Dongfeng Nissan has not confirmed a debut date, only stating that the NX7 is “coming soon.” Pricing remains undisclosed, but the SUV is expected to undercut the NX8’s ¥149,900 ($22,200) starting price.

The automaker has also not confirmed whether the NX7 will remain exclusive to China or eventually join other locally built models in export markets.