Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will launch the sixth-generation C28 Nissan Serena e-Power in Malaysia in early March 2026, with full specifications now revealed for the sole Premium Highway Star trim. Priced at an estimated $38,000-$43,000, this locally assembled seven-seater MPV has already secured 400 bookings, signaling strong demand for its series hybrid powertrain that pairs a 1.4L generator engine with a 163 PS electric motor.
Family buyers seeking efficient, tech-loaded people movers should note this model’s no-plug-in e-Power system, which claims 18.5 km/L fuel economy and up to 1,000 km range on a full tank, positioning it as Nissan’s second e-Power offering after the Kicks in Malaysia.
ETCM and Nissan’s MPV Legacy in Malaysia
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), Nissan’s Malaysian distributor, has a long history with the Serena nameplate, previously offering it with 2.0L petrol and S-Hybrid setups. The C28 marks a shift to full e-Power hybridization, ditching the S-Hybrid variant entirely as ETCM views e-Power as the superior evolution. Previewed in December 2025, production delays stemmed from CKD retooling at the Serendah plant to accommodate the new powertrain.
Nissan holds a solid position in Malaysia’s MPV segment, competing against Toyota Innova and Honda Stepwgn imports. With 400 pre-launch bookings reported by ETCM executive VP Christopher Tan, the Serena e-Power demonstrates robust interest despite no official pricing or variant confirmations yet. ETCM plans a full reveal at launch, potentially introducing more trims beyond the detailed Premium Highway Star.
Key Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | HR14DDe 1.4L 3-cyl petrol generator (98 PS/123 Nm); 1.77 kWh Li-ion battery; EM57 electric motor (163 PS/315 Nm, front-wheel drive) |
| Fuel Economy | 18.5 km/L (NEDC); up to 1,000 km range on 52L tank |
| Dimensions | Details not yet confirmed (Japanese C28: ~4,690 mm L x 1,695 mm W x 1,870 mm H) |
| Seating | 7-seater (2-2-3 layout); 13 configurations; zero-gravity front/second-row seats; USB-C ports for all |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch displays (digital cluster + NissanConnect with wireless AA/CP); rear 14-inch ceiling monitor |
| Safety/Assist | 6 airbags; ProPILOT (ACC, lane centering, blind spot intervention); FCW, AEB, BSW, RCTA, high beam assist, around view monitor |
| Exterior | Tri-beam LED headlights/DRLs/fog lamps; 16-inch wheels (205/65R16); colors: Diamond Black (mono), Turquoise Blue/Brilliant White/Dark Metal Grey (two-tone black roof) |
| Interior | Black Nappa leather; keyless entry/start; e-parking brake w/auto hold; power sliding doors; second-row tray tables |
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000 km vehicle; 8 years/160,000 km e-Power components |
| Price (est.) | $38,000-$43,000 (RM160k-RM180k) |
| Assembly | CKD in Serendah, Malaysia |
Powertrain and Efficiency Analysis
The e-Power system’s hallmark is its series hybrid setup: a 1.4L inline-three engine (98 PS/123 Nm) runs solely as a generator to charge the underfloor 1.77 kWh lithium-ion battery, which feeds a 163 PS (161 hp)/315 Nm electric motor directly driving the front wheels. No transmission links engine to wheels, enabling instant torque and modes like Eco, Standard, Sport, B-mode regen, and e-Pedal one-pedal driving.
Nissan claims 18.5 km/L (NEDC) efficiency, translating to roughly 1,000 km on the 52L tank—impressive for a seven-seater, though real-world Malaysian conditions (traffic, heat) may vary. Motion sickness mitigation includes front air curtains and SUV-like suspension with 20% stiffer stabilizers. Drive modes adjust regen braking, but exact WLTP figures remain undisclosed for local relevance.
Interior, Safety, and Practicality Breakdown
The cabin features dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and a 14-inch rear entertainment screen, paired with an electronic parking brake and auto hold. The 2-2-3 seating offers zero-gravity comfort in first/second rows (ISOFIX on second), 50:50 third-row folds, and 13 configurations with USB-C everywhere—ideal for families.
Safety is comprehensive: six airbags, around view monitor, and ProPILOT with adaptive cruise, lane centering, and blind spot intervention standard on Premium Highway Star. Power sliding doors and second-row pedals ease third-row access, while Nappa leather and tray tables add luxury. Unanswered: exact boot space with seats up/down, and third-row ISOFIX absence.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Power | Price (est. USD) | Key Edge | Serena Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Serena e-Power | 163 PS electric (1.4L hybrid) | $38k-$43k | e-Power efficiency, ProPILOT | – |
| Toyota Innova Zenix HEV | 186 PS hybrid | $40k-$45k | Series-parallel hybrid | Full electric drive, better warranty |
| Honda Stepwgn e: HEV (import) | 184 PS hybrid | $45k-$50k | Spacious, plugless hybrid | Locally assembled (lower price), 400 bookings |
| Perodua Alphard (budget alt.) | 2.5L hybrid | $35k-$40k | Affordable | Premium features, 7 seats w/flexibility |
The Serena undercuts imports like Stepwgn on price via CKD assembly while matching Innova’s hybrid efficiency with unique electric-only propulsion. Lacks Innova’s AWD but gains superior e-Power smoothness and longer powertrain warranty.
Verdict
The 2026 Nissan Serena e-Power Premium Highway Star sets a high bar for Malaysian MPVs at $38,000-$43,000, with its 163 PS electric drive, loaded safety suite, and 400 bookings proving appeal for tech-savvy families prioritizing efficiency over raw power. Ideal for urban commuters needing 7 seats, one-pedal driving, and ProPILOT aids, but wait for launch confirmation on variants, real-world range, and exact pricing—details not yet confirmed could shift value. ETCM’s e-Power push strengthens Nissan’s hybrid lineup, though rivals like Innova may edge in AWD or space metrics.
