The Nissan President: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation

Nissan

Since its inception in 1973, the Nissan President has stood as a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence, representing the pinnacle of Nissan’s luxury sedan lineup. Designed primarily for corporate executives, political figures, and high-profile clients, the President (and its predecessors, the Cima and Cima President) has evolved into a sophisticated vehicle that blends opulence, technology, and refined engineering. This article delves into the history, generations, models, and future of the Nissan President, while exploring its significance in the global luxury car market.

A Lineage Rooted in Prestige

The President traces its origins to Nissan’s premium luxury sedans of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the Cedric and Gloria. These models were revered in Japan for their reliability and comfort, but Nissan sought to create an even more exclusive offering. The first President, introduced in 1973, was directly derived from the fifth-generation Cedric/Gloria platforms. Marketed as “Nissan’s luxury flagship,” it set the tone for a vehicle that would prioritize passenger comfort, advanced engineering, and a commanding presence.

The President’s nickname, “Chauffeur’s Dream,” stems from its rear-seat-focused driving experience and the inclusion of a “chauffeur’s door” (a conventional-side door on the right for easier ingress/egress by backseat occupants). Its name also reflects its target demographic: elite individuals who demanded a vehicle as prestigious as their status. Today, the President remains a rarity in global markets, with the majority of sales concentrated in Japan, though select international buyers can import these vehicles through private channels.

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Generations and Evolution

The President has undergone 13 major design overhauls, each reflecting Nissan’s response to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market conditions. Below is a breakdown of key generations, their production years, and notable features:

1st Generation (1973–1977)

  • Platform: Based on the Cedric/Gloria G30 series.
  • Engines: 2.8L inline-six (2L turbocharged diesel in some markets).
  • Trims: Standard, E-Spec, and the top-tier LS (Luxe Spec), which offered leather seats, wood trim, and climate control.
  • Features: Early adoption of power-adjustable rear seats and advanced audio systems for the era.

This first-generation President established the foundation for the model’s reputation, albeit with conservative styling. Its success in Japan spurred further refinements in subsequent generations.

2nd Generation (1977–1981)

  • Platforms: Cedric G32/34 and Gloria G32.
  • Engines: 3.0L V6 introduced in 1979, offering improved performance over the inline-six.
  • Trims: President 3000 (base), President 3000 LS, and the sportier President 3000 GT.
  • Features: Optional sunroofs, improved suspension systems, and enhanced insulation for noise reduction.

The 1980s saw the President embrace a more modern aesthetic and engineering, aligning with the growing demand for V6 engines.

3rd Generation (1981–1984)

  • Platforms: Cedric G35 and Gloria G35.
  • Engines: 3.0L and 4.0L V8s (only in Japan).
  • Trims: President 3000, President 4000, and the Executive model, tailored for business leaders.
  • Features: The Executive model introduced heated rear seats, a full-size trunk, and dual-zone climate control.

This era marked a shift toward V8 powertrains, catering to the elite who demanded unshakable performance and comfort.

4th Generation (1984–1987)

  • Platforms: Cedric G36, with a more aerodynamic design.
  • Engines: 2.8L inline-six (diesel), 3.0L V6, and 3.3L turbocharged V6 for performance-oriented buyers.
  • Trims: President 3000, 4000, and the top-tier President Executive, which became a favorite among industry leaders.
  • Features: Early adoption of computerized climate control, luxury interior finishes, and a focus on ergonomic rear seating.

The 1980s also saw the President gain limited international attention, with a few examples exported to the U.S. and Europe under the “Cima” name.

5th Generation (1987–1991)

  • Platforms: Cedric G37, featuring an independent rear suspension system.
  • Engines: 3.0L V6 turbocharged, producing 210 horsepower.
  • Trims: President 3000, 3300, and the Executive model with panoramic sunroof.
  • Features: Introduction of active suspension systems and improved isolation from road vibrations.

This generation emphasized dynamic performance while maintaining the luxury expected of a flagship sedan.

6th Generation (1991–1996)

  • Platforms: Cedric G38, with a longer (5,200mm) wheelbase.
  • Engines: 3.0L V6 (base), 3.3L turbocharged V6, and a hybrid diesel-electric option in Japan.
  • Trims: President 3000, 3300, and the President Executive, which offered a rear-seat entertainment system.
  • Features: Nissan’s first integrated CD-based navigation system and a fully electric side door for the chauffeur.

The 1990s brought a more conservative, boxy design, but the interior became a hallmark of opulence, with materials rivaling European competitors.

7th Generation (1996–2000)

  • Platforms: Cedric G40, with a focus on weight reduction and aerodynamics.
  • Engines: 3.0L VQ V6 (268 horsepower) and 3.3L turbo V6.
  • Trims: President 3000 GT (sportier), President 3300 SE, and the Executive model aimed at politicians and executives.
  • Features: Adoption of Nissan’s ProPILOT pre-cruise control system and a redesigned dashboard with driver-oriented controls.

This generation marked a shift toward performance-oriented engineering, with the VQ engine becoming a legend in the automotive world.

8th Generation (2000–2004)

  • Platforms: Cedric G41, with a sleek, modern exterior.
  • Engines: 4.0L V8 (312 horsepower) and 3.5L V6 options.
  • Trims: President 4000, 4000 SE, and the Executive model with rear-seat massage and ventilation.
  • Features: Leather-wrapped dashboard, dual-screen infotainment, and advanced anti-lock braking systems.

The 2000s saw the President compete with global luxury sedans, offering V8 power and cutting-edge tech.

9th Generation (2004–2008)

  • Platforms: Cedric G42, with a more upscale and European-inspired design.
  • Engines: 3.5L V6 (306 horsepower) and 4.0L V8.
  • Trims: President 3500, 3500 SE, Executive, and the President Hybrid (a diesel-electric system).
  • Features: Rear-seat autonomous driver’s seat, ambient lighting, and satellite-linked navigation.

The President Hybrid debuted in 2007, making it one of Japan’s first luxury hybrid sedans.

10th Generation (2008–2012)

  • Platforms: Cedric G43, with a focus on driver assistance technologies.
  • Engines: 3.5L V6 (306 horsepower) and 4.0L V8.
  • Trims: President 3500, 3500 SE, and the Executive model with a full LCD rear-seat entertainment system.
  • Features: Nissan’s first semi-autonomous ProPILOT system, which offered lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.

This generation aligned with the rise of driverless technologies, emphasizing comfort and convenience for passengers.

11th Generation (2012–2017)

  • Platforms: Cedric G44, featuring a more sloped roofline and modern aesthetics.
  • Engines: 3.5L V6 (306 horsepower) and 4.0L V8 (325 horsepower).
  • Trims: President 3500, 3500 SE, and Executive, featuring biometric authentication for rear-seat access.
  • Features: Rear-seat autonomous driving controls, 4K-grade interior materials, and advanced safety systems.

The 2010s marked the President’s peak in terms of technological sophistication, with biometric and autonomous features.

12th Generation (2017–2023)

  • Platforms: New Premium Mid-size Platform (N-PMM), emphasizing rigidity and noise insulation.
  • Engines: 3.5L V6 (306 horsepower) and 4.0L V8 (325 horsepower).
  • Trims: President 3500, 3500 SE, 3500 SE Premium, and Executive. The Executive model added a 20.3-inch panoramic sunroof and massaging rear seats.
  • Features: Nissan’s e-Pedal driving system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 12th generation focused on digital integration and global connectivity, though the President remained exclusive to Japanese markets.

13th Generation (2023–Present)

  • Platforms: Latest evolution of the N-PMM platform.
  • Engines: 3.5L V6 (306 horsepower) and 4.0L V8 (325 horsepower).
  • Trims: President 3500, 3500 SE, 3500 SE Premium, and Executive. The Executive now includes a 22-speaker Bose Panaray audio system and carbon fiber-reinforced dash panels.
  • Features: Nissan ProPILOT 2.0 with improved object recognition, 5G connectivity, and augmented reality navigation for rear-seat passengers.

The 13th generation cements the President as a tech-forward luxury icon, though V8 engines are expected to phase out in favor of electrified variants.

A Future Powered by Innovation

Despite its storied legacy, the President faces an uncertain future in an industry rapidly shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs. Nissan’s recent commitment to electrification, outlined in Nissan Next, suggests that the President may eventually transition to hybrid or fully electric powertrains. The 2023 model’s 4.0L V8, though revered for its performance, is a temporary holdover in an era where combustion engines are becoming obsolete.

Nissan has not announced concrete plans to replace the President, but the 2024 introduction of the Nissa Z model line (a rebranding of the Electrié) hints at a potential shift in branding. However, the President’s exclusivity and engineering heritage make it a candidate for preservation as a niche, high-end model. Competitors like the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class now offer EV and plug-in hybrid options, signaling a market in transition that Nissan must navigate.

The President’s future may also depend on its role as a symbol of corporate prestige. In Japan, it remains a status vehicle, with companies and government agencies maintaining fleets. In global markets, its role as a rare luxury artifact ensures its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.

Relevance in a Competitive Landscape

While the President has historically competed with the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Japan, its global reach is limited. Approximately 95% of Presidents are sold in Japan, where the brand enjoys a loyal customer base. Its focus on rear-seat luxury, paired with technologies like autonomous driving and massaging seats, continues to appeal to professionals who value comfort over performance.

However, the rise of EVs and SUVs has challenged the President’s relevance. According to Nissan sales data, the President accounts for less than 1% of global luxury sedan sales, a stark contrast to its European rivals. To remain viable, Nissan may pivot the President into an EV flagship or reposition it as a heritage model.


The Nissan President is more than a car—it is a testament to Japanese automotive engineering and a symbol of corporate prestige. From its 1973 debut to the 13th-generation model of 2023, the President has continually adapted to the needs of its elite clientele, offering cutting-edge comfort and technology. While the luxury sedan segment faces decline, the President’s unique heritage and niche appeal ensure its place in automotive history. Whether it transitions to electrification or remains a gas-powered icon, the President will always embody the pinnacle of Nissan’s luxury ambitions. For those who seek a blend of tradition, opulence, and innovation, the Nissan President remains an enduring legend on the road.

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