Nissan Serena e-Power RM175k – Is It The Ideal Family MPV?

The Nissan Serena e-Power is a locally assembled (CKD) C-segment multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by Nissan, marketed in Malaysia through its long-standing local distributor network. Designed as a practical seven-seater family vehicle, it solves the challenge of high fuel consumption and urban manoeuvrability for multi-generational Malaysian families navigating dense city centres like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Key Facts

**The Nissan Serena e-Power Premium Highway Star is priced at RM175,000 in Malaysia, featuring a 163 PS series-hybrid setup with a 1.4-litre generator engine.**

How Does the Nissan Serena e-Power Series-Hybrid System Work?

The Nissan Serena e-Power operates purely on electric propulsion via a front-mounted motor producing 163 PS and 315 Nm of torque. Its onboard 1.4-litre three-cylinder petrol engine has no mechanical connection to the wheels and functions solely as a generator to recharge the compact 1.77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Because there is no physical link between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the driven wheels, the C28 Serena delivers instant torque and silent progress characteristic of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Nissan tuned the engine's speed to rise and fall proportionally with throttle input to prevent the drone commonly associated with conventional hybrid engines holding fixed RPMs.

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With no connection between the ICE and the wheels, the Serena e-Power drives just like an EV – smooth, silent, instant torque – although like the Kicks e-Power, the engine’s revs do rise and fall to match your throttle position.

Drive modes include Eco, Standard, and Sport, alongside selectable regenerative braking profiles via B mode and e-Pedal mode. While e-Pedal increases deceleration when lifting off the throttle, drivers must still manually depress the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to an absolute standstill. **Unlike conventional mild hybrids, the Serena e-Power delivers 100% electric motor drive to the front wheels with 315 Nm of instant torque.**

What Are the Key Differences Between the C28 Serena and the Older C27 S-Hybrid?

The C28 Nissan Serena e-Power replaces the C27 generation's 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid S-Hybrid engine with a dedicated 1.4-litre three-cylinder generator and electric motor. This shift down to a 1.4-litre displacement substantially reduces annual road tax costs under Malaysia's engine displacement-based road tax structure.

Beyond the powertrain shift, the C28 chassis adopts an SUV-based front suspension architecture, an electric power steering system engineered with greater rigidity, and an anti-roll stabiliser that is 20% stiffer than before. These engineering updates diminish body roll during highway transitions and multi-storey car park manoeuvres across Malaysian condominiums.

**The transition from a 2.0-litre S-Hybrid to a 1.4-litre series-hybrid gives the C28 Nissan Serena a more road tax-friendly profile alongside 315 Nm of electric motor torque.**

How It Compares for Malaysian Users

For Malaysian suburban households frequently travelling with elderly relatives and young children, interior accessibility and cabin materials are critical buying factors. The Serena e-Power features a 2-2-3 seating configuration with individual second-row captain chairs, allowing a central walk-through path to the third row without detaching child seats installed via Isofix points.

In tight Malaysian parking spaces, such as basement car parks in high-density condominiums or shopping malls, the dual-opening split tailgate allows access to the luggage compartment by opening just the rear glass section when wall clearance is limited. Hands-free dual power sliding doors enable side access via foot sensors under the sills.

While the top-tier Shiro variant at RM180,000 adds a power tailgate, its white upholstery poses maintenance challenges for families dealing with tropical rain, dirt, or spills. Consequently, the RM175,000 Premium Highway Star offers a more durable black Nappa leather interior for daily local use. **The C28 Serena's 2-2-3 layout provides independent access to the third row without removing child safety seats from the middle row.**

Common Questions

Does the Serena e-Power require an external EV charging wallbox or plug?

No external charging is required. The Serena e-Power cannot be plugged into a 240V household socket or public EV charger, as its 1.77 kWh battery is replenished exclusively by the onboard 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Can the Nissan Serena e-Power come to a complete stop using e-Pedal?

No, the e-Pedal system does not support true one-pedal driving to a halt. While it increases regenerative deceleration when easing off the accelerator, the driver must physically apply the foot brake to achieve a complete stop.

What is the price difference between the Serena e-Power variants in Malaysia?

The Nissan Serena e-Power lineup starts from RM155,000 across five variants, with the mid-high Premium Highway Star priced at RM175,000 and the range-topping Shiro variant reaching RM180,000.

Sources and Methodology

This technical summary is synthesised directly from automotive performance and specification data reported by Paul Tan's Automotive News regarding the local launch and gallery review of the C28 Nissan Serena e-Power Premium Highway Star in Malaysia. All vehicle specifications, pricing figures (in RM), output ratings, and dimensional characteristics reflect verified local distributor specifications for locally assembled (CKD) units. This article was last updated on 5 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Paul Tan's Automotive News.