The All-New Nissan Serena e-POWER sets a new benchmark for what a mainstream MPV can be The Nissan Serena has long been a familiar and trusted sight on Malaysian roads. For decades, it has carved out a loyal following among families seeking a spacious, practical and fuss-free people mover that prioritises comfort and usability above
The All-New Nissan Serena e-POWER sets a new benchmark for what a mainstream MPV can be
The Nissan Serena has long been a familiar and trusted sight on Malaysian roads. For decades, it has carved out a loyal following among families seeking a spacious, practical and fuss-free people mover that prioritises comfort and usability above all else.
Now in its sixth generation, the All-New Nissan Serena C28 arrives at a pivotal moment for the MPV segment, as buyers increasingly demand greater refinement, better efficiency and modern technology without sacrificing everyday practicality.
With the introduction of Nissan’s second-generation e-POWER hybrid system, the Serena C28 represents the most significant step forward in the model’s history. This is not merely a cosmetic refresh or incremental update.
Instead, Nissan has re-engineered the Serena to deliver an experience that blends EV-like smoothness with the convenience of a conventional petrol vehicle, while addressing long-standing MPV pain points such as noise, ride comfort and passenger motion sickness.
A Familiar Shape, Sharpened with Modern Design
At first glance, the Serena C28 remains instantly recognisable. Nissan has wisely retained the boxy MPV silhouette that has defined the Serena since its early generations, ensuring excellent interior space and upright seating for all three rows. However, closer inspection reveals a noticeably more modern and polished design.
The front end is dominated by Nissan’s latest V-Motion grille, now wider and integrated seamlessly with slim LED headlamps. Horizontal slats stretch across the fascia, creating a cohesive and more premium appearance. Vertical air inserts on either side of the front bumper are not merely decorative; Nissan claims they help smooth airflow and reduce body movement, contributing to improved passenger comfort.
From the side, the Serena’s tall glasshouse and stepped window line remain intact, preserving excellent outward visibility. Slimmer pillars and a lower window sill ensure that even third-row passengers are not left feeling claustrophobic. New 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels add a touch of visual flair without compromising ride comfort.
At the rear, the redesign is subtle but effective. Vertical LED taillights with boomerang-shaped light signatures frame the tailgate, while a clean bumper design and discreet e-POWER badging reinforce the Serena’s new electrified identity. The split tailgate opening, a Serena hallmark, remains, adding everyday convenience when loading cargo in tight spaces.
Dimensions That Prioritise Usability
Dimensionally, the Serena C28 measures 4,765 mm long, 1,715 mm wide and 1,870 mm tall, riding on a 2,870 mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing C27, it is slightly taller, a change that benefits headroom and ease of entry without compromising cabin space.
In real-world terms, the Serena still feels compact enough to manoeuvre in urban environments while offering the interior volume expected of a full-fledged family MPV.
A Cabin Built Around Comfort and Flexibility
Step inside, and it becomes immediately clear that Nissan has invested heavily in improving perceived quality and technology. The dashboard adopts a cleaner, more horizontal layout, anchored by dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the digital instrument cluster and another for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, eliminating cable clutter.
The button-style electronic gear selector frees up centre console space, while a dedicated climate control panel ensures essential functions remain easy to access while driving. Materials are noticeably improved, with black Nappa combination leather upholstery lending a more upmarket feel.
True to its MPV roots, the Serena excels in flexibility. The three-row cabin offers up to 13 seating configurations, allowing owners to prioritise passenger space, cargo capacity or a balance of both. A walk-through layout between the front seats improves accessibility, while the second row features captain’s chairs that can slide and recline independently.
Rear passengers are well catered for, with a 14-inch fold-down entertainment screen, individual air-conditioning vents for each row, fold-out tray tables with cup holders, and USB charging ports throughout the cabin. Hands-free dual power sliding doors further enhance everyday convenience, especially when juggling children or groceries.
While the absence of powered front seats or a powered tailgate may surprise some buyers at this price point, the Serena counters with thoughtful, family-oriented touches that matter more in daily use.
e-POWER: Electrified Driving Without the Hassle
The headline feature of the Serena C28 is its second-generation e-POWER hybrid system. Unlike conventional hybrids, the Serena is driven exclusively by an electric motor, delivering instant torque and seamless acceleration similar to a battery electric vehicle. The difference is that there is no need to plug in.
Power comes from a 163PS, 315Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, while a 1.4-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine acts purely as a generator. Equipped with Nissan’s Mirror Bore Coating technology, the engine operates at optimal efficiency to charge a 1.769 kWh lithium-ion battery or supply electricity directly to the motor when required.
The result is an EV-like driving experience without range anxiety. Nissan claims fuel consumption of 18.5 km per litre under the NEDC cycle, translating to a potential driving range of up to 1,000km on a full tank.
In urban driving, the Serena feels remarkably smooth and refined. At low speeds, the engine remains largely dormant, allowing the MPV to glide through traffic in near silence. The e-Pedal mode enables near single-pedal driving, making stop-and-go traffic far less tiring.
Confident on the Highway, Comfortable for Passengers
On the open road, the Serena e-POWER continues to impress. During highway cruising, the petrol engine engages more frequently but does so smoothly and unobtrusively. Even when climbing steep gradients such as the KL–Karak Expressway, the Serena maintains steady progress without feeling strained, and no battery overheating issues were encountered.
Ride comfort has been a major focus for this generation. Nissan has introduced a newly developed SUV-based front suspension, upgraded electric power steering, improved brake control and extensive sound insulation throughout the cabin. An acoustic windscreen further reduces wind noise at speed.
These changes combine to deliver a noticeably calmer driving experience compared to the previous S-Hybrid model. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are well controlled, and the Serena feels more composed over uneven surfaces. Anti-motion sickness technologies, including aerodynamic tweaks and refined chassis tuning, make a tangible difference, particularly for rear passengers.
That said, physics cannot be entirely ignored. The Serena’s tall, boxy shape means it still feels unsettled during aggressive high-speed cornering. Driven sensibly, however, it remains stable and reassuring, especially on long highway stretches where it settles into a relaxed, comfortable cruise.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is another area where the Serena C28 makes meaningful strides. The MPV is equipped with Nissan’s ProPILOT suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning.
These systems work seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue, particularly during long-distance journeys or congested urban commutes. A 360-degree Around View Monitor further aids parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces, enhancing overall confidence behind the wheel.
A Strong Value Proposition
Set to launch in Malaysia in March 2026, the All-New Nissan Serena e-POWER is expected to be priced between RM160,000 and RM180,000. This positions it as one of the most affordable new MPVs with dual sliding doors and an electrified powertrain, especially when compared to similarly sized rivals that are either not officially sold locally or rely on more conventional drivetrain layouts.
Early interest has been encouraging, with around 400 bookings recorded ahead of its official launch. That figure suggests strong confidence in Nissan’s latest approach to the family MPV formula.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Serena C28 e-POWER is not trying to be a luxury MPV, nor does it pretend to be a sporty one. Instead, it focuses squarely on what matters most to families: comfort, efficiency, space and ease of use. By combining EV-like driving refinement with the practicality of a petrol-powered generator, Nissan has created an MPV that feels thoroughly modern without demanding lifestyle compromises.
For families seeking a quiet, comfortable and highly usable people mover that embraces electrification in a sensible, user-friendly way, the All-New Nissan Serena e-POWER makes a compelling case and sets a new benchmark for what a mainstream MPV can be.
Motor: Single, front-mounted electric motor
Power: 163 PS
Torque: 315 Nm
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Hybrid system: Nissan e-POWER (engine as generator only)
Petrol engine: 1.4-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated (generator-only)
Battery: 1.77 kWh lithium-ion
Estimated driving range: Up to 1,000 km
Price as tested: Estimated between RM160,000 and RM180,000