Nissan Brings Back the Primera: Iconic Model Goes Electric. Nissan has officially announced the return of the Primera—now a large electric sedan based on the Chinese Nissan N7. The new model debuted in Manila and could reach Europe. Read on for details.
Nissan has announced the return of the legendary Primera model, nearly two decades after its withdrawal from the market. However, this is no longer the classic petrol or diesel family car, but a fully electric sedan based on the Chinese Nissan N7. The premiere took place at the Manila Auto Show, where the company unveiled several new electrified models at once.
The first generation of the Nissan Primera appeared in 1990 and quickly became iconic for the European market. Over three generations, the model was offered in various body styles—from the classic sedan to the wagon—and also competed in motorsport. Production ended in 2007, and since then, the Primera name has remained a part of the brand's history.
Now Nissan is bringing back the brand, but in a completely new format. The electric Primera is built on the Nissan N7 platform, developed in partnership with China's Dongfeng. The dimensions are impressive: almost 5 meters in length, with a 2.91-meter wheelbase, promising a spacious interior. Under the hood is an electric motor producing 215 hp and 305 Nm of torque, powered by a 60 kWh battery. The claimed range is up to 500 km on the Chinese cycle, which is generally more optimistic than the European WLTP standard.
Visually, the new model is almost indistinguishable from its Chinese counterpart: a dynamic fastback silhouette, hidden door handles, and a LED strip on the front. According to Nissan representatives, the launch of the Primera is part of the 'Export from China' strategy, within which Chinese-developed vehicles will enter global markets. China is becoming not only an innovation hub for the brand but also a key production site.
Nissan has not yet revealed either the price or the exact launch dates. It is only known that the electric Primera will appear in Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East, and possibly Europe. The full technical specifications are promised to be published later. The company is also considering exporting other models, such as the Navara Pro PHEV, which is based on the Chinese Frontier Pro PHEV.
The trend of reviving iconic models in a new electric format is becoming notable across the automotive industry. Previously, similar steps were taken by Renault with the 5 E-Tech and 4 E-Tech, Citroën with the 2CV, and Mitsubishi with the Montero. However, not all brands are rushing to launch: for example, Volkswagen recently postponed the release of the electric Golf, more about which can be found in the article on the delay of the new Golf version.
The return of the Nissan Primera in an electric version could become an important step for the Japanese brand amid growing competition and the accelerating electrification of the global market. Interest in the new model is expected to be high not only in Asia, but also in Europe, where the Primera name is well known among car enthusiasts.
