China new models May 2023: BYD Seagull, Baojun Yep and Cadillac GT4 appear

BYD Seagull

After detailing May 2023 Chinese wholesales, let’s now focus the new locally produced models for the month. This way you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the largest and most dynamic market in the world. This month we have no less than 10 new models hitting Chinese roads, 8 of them Chinese. To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 191 active Chinese Brands.

1. BYD Seagull (8,427 sales)

One of the most (if not the most) anticipated new vehicles to launch this year, the Seagull was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show last April. It is an electric sub-compact hatchback. At 3.78m long, the Seagull is the smallest BYD model to date, and its most affordable. It is the third in the Ocean line of models of the brand after the Seal and Dolphin. The Seagull comes in three variants: Vitality Edition, Freedom Edition and Flight Edition. All models are powered by a 74 hp synchronous motor with a top speed of 130 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration of an astounding 4.9 seconds. The Vitaly and Freedom versions have a 30 KWh battery with a range of 305 km while the Flight version has a 38 KWh battery for 405 km of range. Interestingly, it is predicted that the Seagull will get a sodium-ion battery option in the second half of 2023.

The interior features a bitonal design with a flowing dash and a 12.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The Seagull is priced from 73,800 to 89,800 yuan (9,450-11,500€ or US$10,400-12,600). In comparison, the BYD Dolphin is priced from 116,800 to 136,800 yuan. It will compete with the like of the Wuling Bingo (59,800-84,800 yuan), Geometry E (79,800-103,800 yuan) and Baojun Yep (79,800-89,800 yuan). BYD has dethroned Volkswagen to become the best-selling carmaker at home and virtually all its models are a success. The sky is the limit for the Seagull which could become the #1 car in China shortly. We’ll give it a conservative bar for success.

Bar for success: 20,000 monthly sales

Haval Xiaolong (top) and Xiaolong Max (bottom)

2. Haval Xiaolong (3,088 sales)

Haval has definitely ditched its numeric nomenclature, instead going for “real” product names. The Xiaolong and Xiaolong Max are compact and mid-size crossovers launched in March. The Xiaolong is powered with a PHEV 1.5L engine and front electric motor for 101 hp. The Xiaolong Max has a choice of two PHEV powertrains at 114 hp or 152 hp turbo 1.5L 4 cylinder engine and 4WD. The Xiaolong is 4.60m long while the Xiaolong Max is 4.785m long. Interior-wise, the Xiaolong features a dual screen design with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen. The Xiaolong Max interior has a bi-tone design with a digital tile going from side to side of the vehicle, split into three 12.3-inch screens: instrument panel, central control screen and passenger entertainment screen.

Haval Xiaolong interior (top) and Xiaolong max (bottom)

Priced from 159,800 to 179,800 yuan (20,500-23,000€ or US$22,400-25,200) the Xiaolong Max will enter an extremely competitive SUV field including the likes of the BYD Song Pro New Energy (135,800-165,800 yuan), the BYD Song Plus New Energy (154,800-219,900 yuan) and the IM L7 (138,700-173,700 yuan). Haval is in difficulty at the moment, with sales off -30.7% year-on-year to less than 165,000. Its star nameplate the H6 is down to less than 15,000 units in May so we’re not expecting miracles from the Xiaolong line.

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

3. Cao Cao 60 (3,078 sales)

Cao Cao is a new brand by Geely which already operates a ride-hailing service called Cao Cao Mobility. Cao Cao will focus on producing ride-hailing dedicated vehicles. The 60 is its first model, it is equipped by swappable batteries for a 415 km range and is manufactured by Maple. The car features a mysterious anti motion sickness technology as well as a digital screen for back passengers. The dashboard is simple and of average quality. The 60 is priced from 119,800 to 139,800 yuan (15,350-17,900€ or US$16,800-19,600). It competes with the likes of the Citroen e Elysee (129,800-139,800 yuan) and Geometry A (126,800-207,800 yuan) and Geely Emgrand New Energy (159,800-169,800 yuan). Its first month of sales is already impressive and we’re aiming at maintaining this level in the long term.

Bar for success: 3,000 monthly sales

4. Baojun Yep (729 sales)

Unveiled last February, the Baojun Yep is a tiny 3-door electric SUV with a very cool reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny. It is 3.38m long and weighs 1006 kg. The Yep (Chinese name Yueye) comes with a rear mounted single electric motor with 68 hp with a lithium iron phosphate battery. Top speed is 100 km/h. The rear exterior features a 300 by 256 mm LCD screen on the rear exterior used to display messages, emojis, pictures or animations to other drivers on the road, called Car-watch by Baojun.

The Yep is priced from 79,800 to 89,800 yuan (10,200-11,599€ or US$11,200-12,600) and does’t have any direct competitors. However it could potentially compete with the likes of the Wuling Bingo (59,800-84,800 yuan), Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (32,800-99,900 yuan), Wuling Kiwi EV (77,800-102,800) and BYD Seagull (73,800-89,800 yuan). Baojun sales are imploding at the moment at -92.6% and less than 5,000 units over the first 5 months of the year, so despite the obvious cool factor we are not expecting large volumes for the Yep.

Bar for success: 2,000 monthly sales

5. Zeekr X (349 sales)

Zeekr is a premium New Energy brand by Geely that has had a fantastic start in market, peaking at 11,337 sales in December with just one model at the time: the 001. In February the spectacular 009 MPV was added and registrations for the brand are up 117.7% year-to-date in 2023. Here comes the X, a BEV 4.45m long compact crossover unveiled in April 2023. It uses the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) BEV platform that also equips the Smart #1 and all other Zeekr models. The X is available in three versions equipped either with a single motor rear-wheel-drive or a dual motor all-wheel-drive. The battery is 66 kWh and delivers 512 or 560 km range depending on the motor. The single motor offers 272 hp and eclipses the 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds while the dual motor produces 422 hp and does the 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Inside, the X features a minimalistic dashboard with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel and a sliding 14.6-inch centre infotainment screen. The X is priced from 189,800 to 229,800 yuan (24,300-29,450€ or US$26,600-32,250). For comparison the Zeekr 001 is priced from 300,000 to 403,000 yuan. The X will compete with such models as the Smart #1 (179,000-279,000 yuan), the Smart #3 (209,900-289,900 yuan) and perhaps the Tesla Model 3 (231,900-331,900 yuan). Zeekr has announced the X will be introduced in Europe later in 2023. Given the tremendous performance of Zeekr since launch, we have high ambitions for the X.

6. JAC EV3  (348 sales)

We haven’t seen a JAC new launch in a while, simply because most of its range has been transitioned to the Sehol brand. This EV3 is a small 4.02m long EV hatchback with pop-out door handles. Its round look is inspired by the Mini. It is powered by a single motor and a lithium ion phosphate battery, with 95 hp for 405 km range and 136 hp for 505 km range. Top speed is 150 km/h. The EV3 is offered in four trims: Light, Air, Pro and Pro+.

The interior is bi-colour and features a very large floating central infotainment screen. Autonomous parking and driving as well as wireless charging are available. The EV3 is priced from 97,900 to 129,900 yuan (12,500-16,650€ or US$13,700-18,200). Some expect the EV3 will compete with the Wuling Bingo (59,800 to 84,800 yuan) but it will rather act as a premium Bingo as the two cars are priced very differently. The EV3 is closer to the BYD Dolphin (116,800-136,800 yuan), the Ora Good Cat (129,800-171,000 yuan) and to a lesser extent the BYD Seagull (73,800-89,800 yuan). Its bar for success remains modest.

Bar for success: 3,000 monthly sales

7. Cadillac GT4 (342 sales)

The Cadillac GT4 is a 4.63m long compact luxury coupe crossover manufactured by the SAIC-GM joint venture in Shandong and exclusive to China. It is targeted towards younger buyers and female customers. The GT4 has a curb weight of 1610 kg, is powered by a choice of two engines: a 204 hp 1.5L turbo or a 230 hp 2.0L turbo and is front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. Yes, you have read right, this is not a PHEV or BEV. How old fashioned of Cadillac! The GT4 however looks similar to the Lyriq SUV.

The interior is appropriately classy with a 33-inch 9K curved digital screen and premium materials. The GT4 is priced from 219,700 to 309,700 yuan (28,150-39,700€ or US$30,800-43,500). In comparison, the XT4 is available from 229,700 to 354,700 yuan, so very close. The GT4 is aimed at the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. The segment is generous in China so there is sales potential here. The Cadillac XT4 peaked at 6,718 sales in January 2021 and the XT6 at 10,460 in October 2018 so the precedents are strong.

Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales

8. BAW Jiabao (220 sales)

BAW or Beijing Auto Works is a standalone company based in Beijing that used to be a subsidiary of BAIC Group. It specialises in cutthroat priced vehicles. BAW launched the ultra-low cost Calorie pickup in November 2022. The range also includes the Yuanbao 2-door mini EV launched in 2022. Here comes the third model of the BAW range, the Jiabao 4-door mini EV. Despite an incredibly low price (see below), the dashboard of the Jiabao features a large digital tile as well as joyous touches of colour all through.

It is priced from 39,800 to 56,900 yuan (5,100-7,300€ or US$5,600-8,000) compared to 29,700-51,900 yuan for the Yuanbao. The Jiabao will compete with such nameplates as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (32,800-99,900 yuan), Chery QQ Ice Cream (35,900-57,500 yuan), Geely Panda mini (39,900-56,900 yuan) and Changan Lumin (49,900-69,900 yuan). The Yuanbao peaked at 3,650 sales for its launch month last September and reached 3,322 sales in October but has been below 1,000 ever since. We forecast discreet scores for the Jiabao.

Bar for success: 1,500 monthly sales

9. Shenlan S7 (3 sales)

Shenlan, in mandarin 深蓝, meaning “Deep Blue”, English name Deepal, is a New Energy brand by Changan launched in April 2022. It is a cooperation between Changan, Huawei and CATL. Its first vehicle was a sedan called SL03, available in BEV, EREV range-extender and FCEV variants. Its second model, this 4.75m long S7 mid-size crossover, is also based on the Changan EPA1 NEV platform and also offers BEV, EREV and FCEV versions. The BEV version is powered by a 160 kW motor eclipsing the 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and with ranges of 520 and 620 km. The EREV model is powered by a 150 kW motor and a 95 hp 1.5L engine with pure electric ranges of 121 and 200 km. The S7 features pop-out door handles and double-layer glass to reduce driving noise.

The interior is quite spectacular, with the passenger sun visor replaced by a 12.3-inch entertainment screen, controlled by voice or touch. Then there’s a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen that can be rotated left or right at a 15 degree angle. There is also a Head Up Display (HDU) with holographic reality system and 2D/3D dynamic information display. The seats are equipped with 16-way electric adjustment for the drive and 14-way for the passenger. The S7 is priced from 169,900 to 239,900 yuan (21,800-30,700€ or US$23,800-33,700) and will compete with the likes of the Leapmotor C11 (149,800-239,800 yuan), IM L7 (138,700-173,700 yuan) and BYD Song New Energy (154,800-219,900 yuan). The Shenlan SL03 peaked at 8,568 sales last March so we should expect a reasonable performance for the S7

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

Finally, the Mazda CX-50 also launched in May with 503 sales.