The 2025 Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power represents the pinnacle of urban sophistication in the compact SUV segment, blending modern aesthetics with cutting-edge hybrid technology. As the flagship variant in Nissan’s refreshed Qashqai lineup, this model showcases how traditional automotive design can evolve to meet contemporary urban mobility demands while maintaining the practicality that made the Qashqai a global success story.
Since its introduction in 2006, the Qashqai has been a benchmark in the crossover segment, with over 350,000 units sold in its current third generation alone. The 2025 refresh brings significant updates that position this British-designed and built SUV at the forefront of hybrid innovation.
Bold Design Language Sets New Standards
Exterior Refinements
The N-Design variant makes an immediate statement with its sculpted design, striking grille and slim LED headlights, featuring variant-specific 20-inch alloy wheels surrounded by colour-matched fenders, rear privacy glass, and a rear roof spoiler. The front grille showcases a revised ‘Samurai-inspired’ design featuring a three-dimensional pattern with high-gloss black elements, while updated LED headlights incorporate a layered design with five small lenses.
The sophisticated aesthetic extends to practical details, with gloss black side window surrounds, mirror caps and mouldings adding to the sleek look, while body-coloured door handles maintain its sophisticated appearance. These design elements work together to create a vehicle that stands out in urban environments while maintaining the approachable character that has made the Qashqai so popular.
Urban-Focused Design Philosophy
Generously wide-opening doors ensure easy access to both the first and second row, addressing the practical needs of city dwellers who frequently navigate tight parking spaces and need convenient passenger access. The design philosophy clearly prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functional urban usability.
Revolutionary e-Power Technology
How e-Power Works
The enhanced e-Power drivetrain consists of an inline-three turbocharged engine with a variable compression ratio that is used exclusively as a generator, generating electricity to recharge the 1.8 kWh battery pack, feed the 140 kW (188 hp) electric motor, or both. This system is essentially a petrol-powered EV, categorized as a hybrid vehicle but offering a fundamentally different driving experience than traditional hybrids.
Performance and Efficiency
The system delivers energetic performance that should achieve 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds according to Nissan. The hybrid system provides power without pushing the needle on the decibel meter, with every now and then the petrol motor firing up to charge the battery, but the noise emitted is muted and inoffensive.
Driving Modes and Control
The drive modes and well-executed e-pedal system deliver smooth control, with ‘B’ mode providing effective regenerative braking – basically you push the accelerator to go and take it off to slow down. An EV-only mode is available for a whisper quiet drive. This intuitive control system makes the transition to hybrid driving seamless for traditional petrol car drivers.
Premium Interior Experience
Technology Integration
At the heart of the updates is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now standard across all grades and supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The N-Design trim includes a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. The system embraces ‘Google built-in’ technology, replacing Nissan’s own sat-nav with excellent Google Maps, while adding Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for easy and clever voice control.
Comfort and Materials
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. The N-Design package adds Alcantara inserts and Qashqai wording embroidered on the seatbacks, with new ambient lighting adding to the premium atmosphere.
Advanced Safety and Connectivity
Safety Technologies
The 2025 Nissan Qashqai retains its 5-star ANCAP safety rating, continuing to prioritize driver and passenger protection with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies. Safety and driver assistance features include an intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection, traffic sign recognition and active speed management systems.
Connected Car Services
A notable upgrade for 2025 is the introduction of Nissan Connected Car Services, debuting in the Qashqai range. This system allows drivers to monitor their vehicles remotely through a smartphone app, providing features such as trip history, vehicle health reports, and theft alerts.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Market Positioning
Priced at $59,920 drive away in Australia, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power offers a compelling blend of style, technology, performance, and reliability. In the UK market, prices start from £34,430 for the e-Power in Acenta Premium trim, with N-Design and Tekna trims commanding £39,620.
Warranty and Service
Nissan has introduced a service-activated 10-year, 300,000 km warranty for the 2025 Qashqai when serviced by authorized Nissan dealers, along with up to 10-years roadside assist and a 5-year fixed price servicing plan that includes three free services.
Competitive Landscape
The Qashqai e-Power competes with a huge number of family SUVs offering both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology, including the Renault Austral hybrid, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson HEVs, Ford Kuga HEV, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The N-Design is positioned at the top end of the segment alongside the Honda ZR-V e:HEV.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder (generator only) |
| Electric Motor | 140 kW (188 hp) |
| Battery | 1.8 kWh lithium-ion |
| 0-100km/h | 7.9 seconds |
| Fuel Consumption | Approximately 5.2L/100km |
| Wheels | 20-inch alloy (N-Design specific) |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in |
| Head-up Display | 10.8-inch (N-Design) |
| Warranty | 10 years/300,000km (with dealer servicing) |
The Verdict
The updated Qashqai successfully addresses previous shortcomings, modernizing both interior and exterior through design tweaks and a generous injection of fresh technology. The e-Power drivetrain represents one of the last ICE-involved powertrains before the transition to 100 percent electric, offering a practical stepping stone for drivers not yet ready for full electrification.
The N-Design e-Power variant successfully combines urban sophistication with practical functionality, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers who value both style and substance. The driving experience is refined, comfortable, and efficient, blending elements of EV-like responsiveness with the convenience of petrol refuelling.
For buyers seeking a premium compact SUV that offers advanced hybrid technology without the range anxiety of full electric vehicles, the 2025 Qashqai N-Design e-Power represents a compelling proposition that successfully bridges the gap between traditional and future mobility solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the e-Power system differ from traditional hybrids? A: Unlike traditional hybrids that switch between petrol and electric power, e-Power uses the petrol engine solely as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor driving the wheels.
Q: What is the fuel economy of the N-Design e-Power? A: Real-world testing suggests approximately 5.2L/100km, which is competitive but not quite matching Toyota hybrid efficiency levels.
Q: Is the N-Design variant worth the premium over other trim levels? A: The N-Design offers unique styling elements, premium materials, and exclusive e-Power technology, but costs the same as Tekna trim while offering different equipment focus.
