Edaran Tan Chong Motor has introduced the all-new Nissan Serena e-POWER in Malaysia, marking the arrival of the sixth-generation MPV with Nissan’s electrified drive system.
Priced from RM154,800 to RM179,800 (OTR without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia), the new Serena is offered in five variants: X, X-PLUS, Highway Star, Premium Highway Star and Shiro Premium Highway Star.
The headline change is under the bonnet. The Serena is now driven entirely by an electric motor — while retaining a petrol engine.
Unlike conventional hybrids, the Serena e-POWER uses its petrol engine solely as a generator. The wheels are powered only by an electric motor producing 163PS and 315Nm. The 1.4-litre HR14DDe engine charges a 1.77kWh lithium-ion battery and supplies electricity directly to the motor when required.
The result is EV-like acceleration and smoothness without external charging. There is no plug-in function and no range anxiety. Nissan claims fuel consumption of 18.5km/L (NEDC), with a theoretical driving range of up to 1,000km on a full tank.
Three drive modes — Standard, Sport and Eco — tailor throttle response and efficiency. The e-Pedal Step function allows one-pedal-style driving in traffic, increasing regenerative braking and reducing brake pedal use in urban conditions.
For Malaysian families not ready for full EV ownership, e-POWER offers electrified driving characteristics with conventional refuelling convenience.
Because the wheels are motor-driven, mechanical noise is reduced. Nissan has reinforced cabin insulation across the floor, dashboard and doors, and fitted an acoustic windscreen to suppress wind and road noise.
Beyond sound insulation, Nissan specifically engineered the new Serena to reduce motion sickness — a common complaint in MPVs. A redesigned front suspension, stiffer steering system and recalibrated braking aim to minimise body roll and abrupt pitch changes.
Aerodynamic optimisation, including air curtains and reshaped body surfaces, improves stability in crosswinds while reducing drag. First- and second-row seats on the other hand, incorporate Zero Gravity design principles to enhance posture support and reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Exterior
The new Serena adopts Nissan’s latest V-Motion grille design, flanked by triple-projector LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. A sculpted front bumper integrates air curtains to improve airflow and stability.
A strong shoulder line and the signature stepped window profile remain, but slimmer pillars and large glass areas improve outward visibility for all three rows. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LED tail lamps are linked by a chrome strip bearing the Serena nameplate.
Interior
The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays on higher variants — one for instrumentation and one for infotainment. Entry variants receive a smaller digital cluster and 9-inch infotainment system, while upper trims offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A new touch-sensitive climate control panel with rotary dials replaces conventional buttons, while the electronic shift selector is operated via tactile push buttons. The steering wheel features a flat-bottom design on higher variants.
Practicality remains central. The Serena offers 13 seating configurations, cabin walk-through access, two-way long-sliding second-row captain seats and dual back-door functionality. Hands-free power sliding doors are standard, with dual power sliding doors from the X-PLUS variant upwards.
Storage solutions include up to 15 cupholders, multiple USB ports across all rows, fold-out tray tables, seat hooks and a wireless charging pad. Higher trims add Nappa leather upholstery, a 14-inch roof-mounted monitor and upgraded audio systems.
ProPILOT Debuts in Malaysia
The Serena e-POWER introduces Nissan ProPILOT to the Malaysian market for the first time. The system combines Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention to reduce driver workload on highways.
Standard safety systems include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Driver Alertness. Higher variants add Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
Six airbags and ISOFIX mounts on the second row reinforce the Serena’s family-oriented safety credentials.
Variants and Pricing
The five-variant line-up allows buyers to select based on equipment and budget:
- X – RM154,800
- X-PLUS – RM159,800
- Highway Star – RM169,800
- Premium Highway Star – RM174,800
- Shiro Premium Highway Star – RM179,800
The range is covered by a 5-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000km warranty for e-POWER components, including the high-voltage battery, motor, inverter and control unit.
Last but not least, early buyers receive a RM5,000 rebate and a complimentary accessories package valued at RM8,000.
