One has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the other is powered by a turbo 2.0-liter engine
While much of the world has shifted its attention to crossovers and SUVs, China remains loyal to the classic three-box silhouette. That enduring preference has led automakers like Nissan to invest further in a segment many elsewhere have already written off.
Nissan has answered that call with two fresh additions to its Chinese lineup, both developed through its partnership with Dongfeng. One of them will look particularly familiar to North American buyers.
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The newcomers are the plug-in hybrid N6 and a comprehensively refreshed Teana, a nameplate American buyers know as the Altima, though we’re stuck with the pre-facelift version. Both models debuted at a brand event celebrating Nissan’s growth in China, though images and specifications had already surfaced ahead of time.
Each is scheduled to arrive at Chinese dealerships before the end of the year, with pricing to follow closer to launch.
Starting with the N6, this marks Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid sedan. Its angular exterior shares design DNA with the fully electric N7, yet the N6 is a touch smaller at 4,831 mm (190.1 inches) in length and riding on a 2,815 mm (110.8-inch) wheelbase.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with a single electric motor, delivering a combined output of 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). The system draws energy from a 21.1 kWh LFP battery pack, which Nissan claims is the largest in its class.
China Gets a Facelifted Altima
Moving on to the facelifted Teana, it serves as the Chinese sibling of the Altima and adopts a similar update to the recently introduced Sentra. The front and rear ends of the 4,920 mm (193.7 inches) sedan have been redesigned, while the rest of the bodywork carries over from the current model.
More: Nissan Gave The Sentra 2026 Looks But Left The Power In 2016
The same applies to the non-electrified turbo 2.0-liter powertrain, producing 240 hp (179 kW / 243 PS). Inside, updates include Huawei’s HarmonySpace 5.0 smart cockpit system and a new audio setup, modernizing the cabin without straying from its familiar formula.
Beyond the N6 and Teana, Nissan’s Chinese lineup also includes the electric N7 and the Sylphy (Sentra) sedans. In contrast, the U.S. range is down to three traditional four-doors, the Versa, Sentra, and Altima, with the Versa set to retire at the end of the year and the Altima’s fate still uncertain.
Meanwhile, markets such as Europe and Australia have all but shifted to SUVs and crossovers.
Exports on the Horizon
Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa explained the thinking behind introducing new models during the ongoing Re:Nissan restructuring phase, and hinted at future exports of Chinese-built products:
Nissan executive Ivan Espinosa framed the new sedans as part of the company’s wider ‘Re:Nissan’ restructuring plan, and hinted at future exports of Chinese-built products to other markets.
“With our Re:Nissan restructuring plan, we are redefining the value Nissan delivers,” he said. “Nissan is driving this transformation vigorously in the Chinese market, which leads the global automotive industry in speed, technological advancement and customer insights,”
According to Espinosa, China will remain a “key pillar” in Nissan’s global operations, serving as base for “the development of NEV vehicles and future exports”.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio