Nissan has an emerging hit on its hands
Nissan launched its $17,000 N7 electric sedan in China on April 28, and the model has already received over 20,000 orders. In May, Nissan delivered 3,034 N7s in China, while the Mazda EZ-6, a competing electric sedan starting at $19,600, sold 1,821 units. Nissan confirmed that the N7 will expand to global markets, but hasn’t yet specified which countries. While the N7 and the EZ-6 didn’t sell as many units in May as models like Toyota’s new bZ3X electric SUV, the two vehicles are helping deliver the value that Chinese consumers are looking for in an electric sedan, and Nissan has Mazda beat beyond price.
Both models are comparable in size, with the N7 measuring 194 inches in length and 74.6 inches in width, and the EZ-6 measuring 193.7 inches in length and 74.6 inches in width. The N7 offers two motor options with 215 and 268 horsepower, respectively, while the EZ-6’s electric powertrain delivers 258 horsepower. An EZ-6 gets you from 0-62 MPH in 6.2 seconds, and the 268-horsepower N7 isn’t far behind at 6.9 seconds. While Mazda offers an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) EZ-6 that’s fundamentally an electric car, this version also features a 1.5-liter gas engine used as a battery recharging generator, so we’ll focus on the EV version.
The N7 rounds out its value with solid range, tech, and trunk space
Regarding range, the N7’s two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery options—58 kWh and 73 kWh—yield 335 miles and 388 miles of range, respectively. Mazda’s fully electric EZ-6 offers a 373-mile range. You’ll pay $19,200 to $20,800 for a 73 kWh N7 in China, placing it neck and neck with the EZ-6 in terms of pricing. Those prioritizing charging speed will favor the N7, which charges from 10% to 80% in 19 minutes, three minutes faster than the EZ-6. Inside, Nissan’s N7 contains a 15.6-inch center console display, while the EX-6 features a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. You’ll also get more trunk space within an N7 at 17.8 cu ft compared to this Mazda’s 12.3 cu ft.
The EX-6 offers a bit more curb appeal than the N7 with a sportier look, but the N7’s exterior seems to mirror the modern, minimalist EV design sentiment that consumers are after from brands like Tesla. While Nissan hasn’t yet confirmed which markets the N7 will first expand to, Japan and Australia are rumored to be frontrunners, according to Carscoops. Other possibilities include Malaysia and limited European markets. In 45 days, Nissan has moved 10,000 N7 units, indicating promising growth from May’s 3,034 deliveries.
Final thoughts
Nissan has historically experienced struggles in the Chinese and American EV markets, so the N7’s early momentum is a bigger win for the automaker than it may seem. Drivers in the U.S. can also look forward to Nissan’s redesigned Leaf SUV that’s debuting in the fall. The 2026 Leaf is expected to cost more than the N7, with an unconfirmed starting price in the mid-$30,000s, but it remains more accessible than many electric SUVs in its class.
