Blending modern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power makes an immediate statement with its sculpted design, striking grille and slim LED headlights.
It’s the new range topping offering in the six-strong Qashqai fleet from Nissan and features variant specific 20-inch alloy wheels, surrounded by colour-matched fenders, with rear privacy glass, and a rear roof spoiler.
The gloss black side window surrounds, mirror caps and mouldings add to this sleek look, while body-coloured door handles maintain its sophisticated look. Generously wide-opening doors ensure easy access to both the first and second row.
Inside, the N-Design gets a refined and heated Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, complemented by a spacious cabin with excellent legroom for rear passengers. A large panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade enhances the airy feel but doesn’t open.
Practical storage solutions include driver and passenger seat back pockets, bottle holders integrated into the front and rear doors, and a centre console with tray insert. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding configuration.
The luggage space lighting enhances visibility, and the rear cargo area offers 404-litres with seats upright, expanding to 1,328-litres when folded down. Multiple luggage hooks secure loads and a 12V power socket in both the dashboard and boot add convenience.
The Qashqai N-Design comes standard with Black Monoform seats featuring Alcantara and quilted synthetic leather seat fronts. The comfortable driver seat is 8-way electrically adjustable (with memory and lumbar support).
The front passenger seat gets 6-way manual adjustability with lumbar support. Both are heated. This writer found the driving position, when adjusted to his frame, was perfect for longer trips.
To add some sophistication, customisable ambient lighting creates a stylish atmosphere, complemented by a 10.8-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Infotainment comes from a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ radio, all pumped through a 6-speaker sound system. The latter is a bit of a let down when compared to rivals.
There are two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the rear, as well as wireless charging. There are three ISOFIX anchor points in the second row. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a reduction drive and lithium-ion battery.
The latter delivers power to an electric motor, with the e-Power package delivering a combined 140kW and 330Nm. Fuel efficiency is a claimed 4.8-litres/100km against a real world result of 5.6-litres/100km. Still decent, certainly.
It should get the compact SUV to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds according to Nissan, and its energetic performance in our hands points to that being quite likely. On the road, the drive modes and well-executed e-pedal system deliver smooth control.
“B” mode providing effective regenerative braking. Basically you push the accelerator to go and take it off to slow down. Just like the old dodgem cars at Luna Park. Not everyone loves it, but we did. An EV-only mode is available for a whisper quiet drive.
When the battery runs low, the motor operates at high revs, sometimes feeling out of sync with the vehicle’s speed, which takes some getting used to, as does the e-Power shifter setup. Handling is predictable and the ride comfortable, and un-complicated.
Secure is the word that sums it up best. The same can be said of the Qashqai N-Design’s safety and driver assistance features, including an intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection, traffic sign recognition and an active speed limiter.
All of these worked really well, unlike the intelligent front emergency braking system, which definitely needs some tweaking after getting a little over excited. You do get a 5-star ANCAP safety rated vehicle though.
The latest edition of this popular SUV is available in a variety of colours, including Fuji Sunset, Magnetic Blue, Deep Ocean, Pearl White, and Ceramic Grey, all paired with a sleek black roof.
Like all new Nissans, the Qashqai is backed by a 10-year or 300,000km warranty when serviced by the brand, along with up to 10-years roadside assist and a 5-year fixed price servicing plan (that includes three free services).
Priced at $59,920 drive away, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power offers a compelling blend of style, technology, performance, and reliability, positioning itself as a standout choice in its segment.
You can find out more on the Nissan Australia website or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Nissan Australia for independent review purposes. Images supplied.
