In January 2025, the Dongfeng Nissan Z9, a new off-road vehicle, was launched by Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. Marketed as a “Tough New Player,” the Z9 represents a strategic shift for ZNA towards off-road vehicles, electrification, and the global market. The Z9 is the first model built on the manufacturer’s new “Global Multi-Terrain Off-Road platform,” designed to deliver power, security, comfort, and technology.

Global Ambitions Drive Z9 Growth

the Z9 is the result of three years of work by a large R&D team. It is central to the joint strategy of Nissan and Dongfeng, offering a premium pickup for both the Chinese domestic market and international customers. The vehicle, measuring 5520 mm long, 1960 mm wide, and 1950 mm high, aims to compete at the high end of its segment. The platform supports internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. Currently available in a diesel version, a hybrid variant is expected soon.

The vehicle’s stability is 25%better than the previous generation, even with high-speed avoidance maneuvers.

Design and Off-Road Capabilities

The Z9 features the new “Z-Vision” design language, characterized by Z-shaped headlights, an Armor Shield grille, blade-shaped decorations, and an upward-curved rear. The interior blends futuristic and minimalist styles with a “mecha” mood,featuring a panoramic roof and digital interface.

Technically, the Z9 is designed for challenging fieldwork, offering a 36° front and 37° rear field angle, 270 mm ground clearance, 900 mm wading depth, and 100% climbing capacity. Borgwarner’s smart divider provides up to three times the torque reinforcement, and front, rear, and central differential locks help navigate arduous terrain.

Performance and Comfort

The Z9 is powered by a 140 kW engine (Renault-Nissan Alliance M9T) that delivers 500 nm of torque. With the ZF 8AT automatic transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a full load, which is beneficial for field maneuvers. The chassis features a double cross-leaf front suspension and a rigid rear axle. Vehicle stability is reportedly 25% better than the previous generation, even during high-speed avoidance maneuvers.

The interior includes the new EEA 3.0 architecture, providing 28 clever driving support systems with L2+ level self-management. It also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep the vehicle software current.

Safety and Production Standards

The Z9’s structural frame is made of 97% high-strength steel, with 70% of the body also using high-strength steel. the torsional stiffness is 4000 nm/° (frame) and 20,000 nm/° (body). The platform is produced on a flexible production line that can manufacture a new vehicle every two minutes. Quality control involves more than 1600 points, based on Nissan’s Aves standards.

The Z9, a product of Dongfeng and nissan, is intended to mark a new era for Chinese pickup trucks.ZNA aims to become a global player in the off-road vehicle market, with the Z9 as its first major step.