In December last year, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) previewed the sixth-generation (C28) Nissan Serena, which is set to go on sale as a locally-assembled (CKD) model in the first quarter of 2026. At the time, we were only allowed to show the exterior of the redesigned MPV as well as talk about the e-Power hybrid powertrain it will come with.
Now, we can reveal a lot more of the C28 Serena, with the only missing piece of the puzzle being the price. For context, the C27 Serena facelift is offered in Highway Star and Premium Highway Star Package trims priced at RM149,888 and RM163,888 respectively.
Starting with the interior, the new Serena gets a modernised dashboard that features a pair of 12.3-inch displays, one acting as the digital instrument cluster and the other being a touchscreen for the Nissan Connect infotainment system. The latter comes with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while rear passengers get to enjoy a ceiling-mounted 14-inch entertainment monitor.
Below the central touchscreen is a volume knob followed by a large panel, which houses controls for the dual-zone climate system and push-button-style electronic gear selector. In the previous model, there was a gear lever in this area that partially obstructed a storage cubby behind it. With the reorganisation, that cubby is now placed further down and made larger to accommodate a wireless charging pad.
Another exposed storage cubby that is carried over is located just above the glove box, while the covered one that was previously on the top dash in the C27 is now more neatly integrated. There are also cupholders ahead of the corner air vents, which should prove to be practical along with the many other compartments throughout the interior.
Another welcomed feature is an electronic parking brake that replaces the foot-operated system and this includes an auto hold function as well – the controls are to the left of the steering column. Other convenience features include tray tables for on the back of the front seats for second-row passengers, while access to the third row is made easy thanks to a switch for the power-sliding rear doors and dedicated pedal to slide the second-row seats forward.
The Serena has a 2-2-3 seat layout, with zero gravity-inspired seats fitted to the first and second rows (latter has ISOFIX child seat anchors). There is a passthrough to third row that has 50:50 split-folding seats (no ISOFIX; middle seatbelt) that can also be unlatched and hooked to the sides if you need more cargo space. ETCM is touting no less than 13 seat configurations and that all passengers will have access to at least one USB-C port for charging devices.
On the powertrain, the e-Power system features a HR14DDe 1.4 litre naturally-aspirated inline-three petrol engine making 98 PS and 123 Nm torque, which acts exclusively as a generator for a 1.77-kWh lithium-ion battery located under the floor between the front seats.
The battery powers an electric motor rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 315 Nm of torque that drives the front wheels exclusively. There is no mechanical link between the engine and wheels, so there’s no need for a transmission, which some may view as a blessing. Fuel economy is listed at 18.5 km per liter following the NEDC standard.
Drivers will have Eco, Standard and Sport drive modes to cycle through, each affecting the level of regenerative braking you get. For more intense regen, you can engage B mode in the gear selector (the default is D), or put the car in e-Pedal mode for the strongest regen (one-pedal driving).
ETCM is also keen to highlight measures taken to reduce motion sickness, which include smoothing the air flow at the front of the Serena via air curtains in the corners of the bumper. Additionally, the MPV features newly developed front suspension that is claimed to be SUV-based and includes a 20% more rigid stabiliser to suppress body roll and lateral motion.
Drivers will also need to correct their steering less by 23% compared to the C27 when navigating corners as a result of increased suspension member rigidity (+50%) as well as higher rigidity and friction control (+40%) in the electric power steering system.
On the braking front, optimised control over first-stage deceleration reduces pitch movement when you’re off the gas, allowing for gentler vehicle posture. The brake booster characteristics have also been tuned to reduce motion sickness so that the deceleration change is gentle during brake operation.
Other measures involve the zero gravity-inspired seats, with the ones at the front sporting longer cushions than in the C27 to increase contact area for the better support. The bucket-type seat structure also maintains body posture to reduce unwanted movement, which lowers fatigue. NVH is also a cause of fatigue, so improved insulation and the adoption of acoustic glass help in this regard.
In terms of kit, the Serena e-Power will come standard with a suite of driver assistance systems. These include functions such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and an around view monitor.
Nissan’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving suite is also standard and is comprised of adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist as well as blind spot intervention, the last of which gently applies steering or brake assist when attempting to make a lane change while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
The Serena e-Power is introduced to us in a sole Premium Highway Star variant that comes with everything that has been mentioned so far. On top of that, you get tri-beam LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, black Nappa leather upholstery, keyless entry and start with walk-away auto lock, six airbags and 16-inch wheels with 205/65 profile tyres.
You get four exterior colour schemes to choose from, with the monotone option being Diamond Black. For two-tone options, they are Turquoise Blue, Brilliant White and Dark Metal Grey, all with a black roof. A five-year, 100,000-km vehicle warranty comes standard, while the e-Power components (motor, battery, energy management) are covered for eight years or 160,000 km.
Lastly, dimensions. The C28 Serena measures 4,765 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, 1,870 mm tall and has wheelbase of 2,870 mm. By comparison, the outgoing C28 is 4,790 mm long (likely due to its protruding face), 1,740 mm wide, 1,865 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 2,860 mm. We’ve covered the C28’s styling in our initial preview, but in the time since, the MPV has already received a facelift – which look is more pleasing to you?
Once again, the C28 Serena e-Power is set to go on sale in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2026. Given what you know about it now, are you looking forward to the MPV’s launch? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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Its a 7 seater with 2-2-3 layout per pictures?
My mistake. It’s a seven-seater (2-2-3).
6 seater 2,2,2 ..check headrest
it is interesting to know a 98PS ICE can power and sustain 163PS electric motor. obviously this car can’t sustain 163PS of motor power for very long. So i assume when vehicle in motion, the motor power needed to sustain a cruising speed must be less than 98PS… learnt something new here.
btw at 18.5km/litre is good for such large vehicle
inferior nijhonjin tech comes with tiny battery compared to superior cpc hybrids. 18.5km/litre is mediocre compared to emas7 hybrid.
Bummer, no more dashboard storage for driver & passenger.
good price, its by far the cheaapest sliding door 7 seat MPV . sure will sell like hot cakes thanks to tan chong geneosiry and goodwill.
Is that a manual driver seat?
One of the main reason I own a C26 is because I preferred an MPV with at least 2-3-2 seat configuration. C26 has an extra seat to make it into 2-3-3. It’s missing in C27. I really hope that Tan Chong can bring that config back into C28.
as C26 owner, me too, really hope can have the same 2-3-3 in this
i hv been waiting for the launch of c28 with 8 seater, unfortunately they bring in 7 seater!? I dont need a boss seat in the middle, it isnt vellfire or alphard..i want a practical ppl carrier. y TC dont understand the local need??
No paddle shifters, no electric seats, no 3-zone climate, 3rd row seats don’t fold under the floor, no power tailgate, no ambient lighting, no sunroof or panoramic roof, no remote engine start, tiny 16″ wheels, no self parking….. this C28 is bare-bones. Nissan already going to go bankrupt and still can offer sub-par features.
Tiny battery some more..
Is that enough for sustained long distance at hiway speed