Nissan QASHQAI MY26 Goes Full e-POWER with Aussie-Made Tech

QASHQAI MY26: Nissan’s Hybrid Reinvention Goes much-improved, All-In on e-POWER

Nissan’s QASHQAI is done with half-measures. From 2026, the popular compact SUV will arrive in Australia with a single powertrain option: e-POWER. No plug-in hybrids. No dual offerings. Just one “electrified” system that delivers the smoothness of an EV with the convenience of petrol—and it’s all powered by Australian-made tech. The “electrified” moniker shouldn’t be taken to mean EV, electric vehicle, or BEV, this SUV still has a petrol engine.

Nissan says this isn’t a facelift, but a full-blown identity shift. The MY26 QASHQAI will be the first in its class to go e-POWER-only in Australia, reflecting what Nissan calls “clear customer preference” for the EV-like driving experience without the faff of charging cables and range anxiety.

Warwick Daly, Nissan Australia’s Deputy Director of Product & Retail Campaigns, didn’t mince words: “Australian drivers have spoken clearly through their purchasing decisions.” And apparently, they’ve asked for refinement, responsiveness, and a driving experience that feels electric—without the plug. Also, Nissan’s EVs have been very slow sellers because they fall far short of the Chinese opposition.

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ABOVE: Nissan QASHQAI MY26 Goes Full e-POWER

What Is e-POWER, and Why Should You Care?

Let’s cut through the jargon. e-POWER is Nissan’s answer to the hybrid dilemma. It’s not a traditional hybrid where the petrol engine and electric motor take turns powering the wheels. In e-POWER, the wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor. The petrol engine? It’s just there to generate electricity.

That means:

No gear changes
No power lag
Instant acceleration
Regenerative braking
Refuel at any servo in under five minutes

It’s electric driving without the infrastructure guilt trip. And for MY26, Nissan’s upgraded e-POWER system is quieter, thriftier, and punchier than ever. There is still the environment issue to consider in anything that burns bits of old dinosaur as propellant.

European Figures, Aussie Ambitions

While final Australian specs are still under wraps, Nissan’s European data paints a promising picture:

Fuel economy: 4.5L/100km (WLTP) (much less than when e-Power first launched)
CO₂ emissions: Down 12% to 102g/km
Cabin noise: Reduced by 5.6dB—think library, not freeway
Sport Mode: Now with an extra 10kW for sharper response
Range: Up to 1200km on a single tank

It’s not just about numbers—it’s about feel. The new QASHQAI promises a drive that’s smoother, quieter, and more refined than its predecessor. And unlike EVs, there’s no need to plan your life around charging stations, and although PHEVs offer EV-only range, it is small. The trade-off is purchase price VS environment.

Made in Dandenong, Driving the World

Here’s where the plot thickens. The MY26 QASHQAI’s revolutionary X-in-1 powertrain isn’t just a global innovation—it’s an Australian one. Engineered, prototyped, and manufactured at Nissan Casting Australia Plant in Dandenong South, these components are the beating heart of every new QASHQAI e-POWER worldwide.

That means every MY26 QASHQAI carries a piece of Australian ingenuity under the bonnet. It’s not just a badge—it’s a kangaroo-stamped declaration of local excellence. Jobs, expertise, and national pride, all bundled into a hybrid system that’s quietly rewriting the rules for buyers not ready to go pure EV.

Launch Timeline and What Comes Next

The all e-POWER QASHQAI range will launch in Australia in the first half of 2026. Pricing, trim levels, and final specs will be announced closer to launch—but the direction is set. Nissan’s hybrid reinvention is here, and it’s not asking for permission. Like all Japanese carmakers, Nissan has hung its hat on the hybrid hook for better or for worse. For now, Chinese electric carmakers are flying past, with Japan being seemingly oblivious.

For now, expect a full lineup built around e-POWER, with no plug-in distractions. It’s a bold move, but one that aligns with shifting consumer tastes and Nissan’s global electrification strategy.

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