Nissan unveils two PHEV concepts in Beijing, including a 4×4 Toyota Prado rival already under study for Australia
Nissan has revealed two new plug-in hybrid SUV concepts at the Beijing Motor Show, signalling a potential expansion of its electrified line-up with models that could be relevant for Australia.
The concepts, both developed by the Dongfeng-Nissan joint venture in China, include the Terrano PHEV Concept – an off-road-focused SUV that revives a name previously used in Australia – and the Urban SUV PHEV Concept aimed at the high-volume mid-sized SUV segment.
Nissan has indicated both vehicles are expected to be revealed in production form within the next 12 months, with additional new-energy vehicles also planned for the Chinese market by the 2027 fiscal year.
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Of the two, only the Terrano PHEV has so far been confirmed as a potential export candidate. It draws on a heritage badge used locally on a family SUV sold between the late 1990s and mid-2000s, but is now positioned as a more rugged, electrified off-roader that could rival the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.
While no technical specifications have been confirmed, the Terrano is expected to share its underlying architecture with other Dongfeng-Nissan electrified products, notably the 300kW Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute that is earmarked for Australia by early 2027.
The Urban SUV PHEV Concept, meanwhile, appears targeted at the mid-sized SUV segment and would likely compete with models such as the BYD Sealion 6.
Nissan says its design takes influence from the larger NX8 SUV recently launched in China, as well as future SUV models in its global pipeline.
Nissan Australia has already indicated it is increasing its focus on sourcing vehicles from its Chinese joint venture as part of a broader effort to strengthen its local product offering.
The company has previously suggested it could introduce multiple SUVs from the partnership, reflecting the importance of the segment in the Australian market.
Commenting on the Terrano concept, a Nissan Australia spokesperson said it highlights the brand’s continued push into electrification and confirmed the production version is intended for export to selected global markets.
“While we have nothing to announce for Australia at this stage, we see strong potential for an advanced hybrid of this nature and will be assessing the business case,” the spokesperson said.
The company added it would also consider the Urban SUV PHEV if it were made available for export, although no decisions have been made at this stage.
