China new models September 2024: Smart #5 and Onvo L60 land
It’s now time to study the latest launches on the Chinese market, based on wholesales. This month we have no less than 13 new models hitting Chinese roads, 11 of them Chinese. To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 189 active Chinese Brands.
1. Lynk & Co Z10 (2,810 sales)
The Lynk & Co Z10 is a 5.03m long all-electric sedan, the first by the brand, that will offer impressive range options of up to 806 kilometers, depending on the configuration. The Z10 is built on an 800V architecture, which enables rapid charging—adding up to 573 km of range in just 15 minutes. The car will be available in both single- and dual-motor versions, with battery capacities of either 71 kWh or 95 kWh. The performance-oriented dual-motor version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Inside, the Z10 combines luxury with technology, featuring a 15.4-inch infotainment display, premium seating materials, and advanced driver assistance systems powered by lidar and an Nvidia chip. It’s also built on Geely’s SEA platform, ensuring a solid foundation shared with other brands like Lotus and Volvo. The Z10 is priced from 186,800 to 318,800 yuan (24,200-41,300€ or US$26,200-44,750) and competes with the likes of the Xiaomi SU7 (215,900-299,900 yuan) and BYD Han (165,800-259,800 yuan). It received over 10,000 pre-orders in just 24 hours.
Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales
2. Jetour Shanhai L7 (2,658 sales)
Continuing the expansion of the Shanhai new energy sub-brand after the T2, L6 and L9, all launched in the past 12 motnths, the Jetour Shanhai L7 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that has entered the market at a competitive price as we’ll see below. The vehicle features a 1.5-liter 154 hp turbocharged engine paired with a 267 hp electric motor, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. It comes in both five- and seven-seater configurations, with slight size variations between the two models. The top trim offers an 5 L onboard refrigerator.
The L7’s interior features a dual-screen setup for both the 12.3 inch instrument cluster and 12.3 inch infotainment system, along with an additional screen for climate controls. The design focus includes advanced technology and a comfortable, modern aesthetic. The L7 is priced very competitively from 129,800 to 163,800 yuan (16,800-21,200€ or US$18,200-23,000) appealing to budget-conscious consumers in the growing hybrid SUV segment. Note the L7 is priced in the same range as the Shanhai L6 coupe SUV launched last month. It competes with such models as the Chery Fulwin T9 (129,900-169,900 yuan), Geely Galaxy L7 (125,700-169,700 yuan), BYD Song Pro New Energy (109,800-139,800 yuan) and BYD Song L DM-i (135,800-175,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 5,000 monthly units
3. Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai S7 (2,192 sales)
The Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai S7, is a sleek electric vehicle that blurs the line between sedan and hatchback. It boasts a 555 km range (CLTC). What sets the Xinghai S7 apart is its impressive aerodynamics, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.191, claimed to be the lowest for any mass-produced car. It’s equipped with a 160 kW motor, which allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.67 seconds. An extended range EV should follow in the coming months.
The car comes in three trims and offers various colour choices like Smoke, Rain Blue and Cloud White, along with a modern interior featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a floating 8.8-inch instrument panel and advanced gesture controls. The S7 is priced from 119,800 to 154,900 yuan (15,500-20,000€ or US$16,800-21,700) and competes with the Xpeng Mona M03 (119,800-155,800 yuan), eπ007 (131,600-199,600 yuan) or Qiyuan A07 (135,900-176,900 yuan). It attracted 6,053 bookings before the pre-sales started.
Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales
4. Denza D9 GT (1,172 sales)
Denza was originally a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes, but is now owned at 90% by BYD who wants the position it as a global high-end brand. It has three models: the D9 MPV, N7 and N8 crossovers. The Z9 GT is therefore the 4th addition to the range. It is a luxury station wagon offered in both hybrid (PHEV) and electric (BEV) versions. The hybrid version comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 858 horsepower and a range of 1,100 kilometers. Meanwhile, the electric model, equipped with three motors and producing 952 horsepower, offers a range of 630 kilometers.
Both variants are designed with performance in mind, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3.4 to 3.6 seconds. Inside, the Z9 GT boasts a luxurious cabin, with unique features like dual refrigerators and several digital displays, adding both comfort and tech-focused luxury. The model has optional cameras instead of side-view mirrors located on the door cards. It will be available in European markets in 2025, challenging high-end competitors like the Porsche Panamera. For now, with a price range of 334,800 to 414,800 yuan (43,300-53,700€ or US$47,000-58,200), it competes in China with the Zeekr 001 (259,000-329,000 yuan), Xiaomi SU7 (215,900-299,900 yuan) and Stelato S9 (399,800-449,800 yuan)
Bar for success: 2,500 monthly sales
5. Geely Geome Xingyuan (1,000 sales)
Geely has launched the Geome Xingyuan, a compact electric hatchback designed with urban mobility in mind. Geome is an EV series by Geely, the remnant of a standalone EV brand called Geometry. This EV offers a range of 310 to 410 kilometers, depending on the battery option (30.12 kWh or 40.16 kWh). Its motor options include a 58 kW (78 hp) variant and a more powerful 85 kW (114 hp) version, with a top speed of up to 135 km/h. The car stands out with its playful “ice cream” theme, offering body colours like Vanilla Beige, Berry Powder, and Basil Green, emphasising a fun and youthful vibe. Geely has even partnered with Häagen-Dazs to offer test drivers ice cream.
Inside, the Xingyuan features a sleek interior, including a suspended touchscreen, AI voice assistant, and a large 375-liter trunk, expandable to 1,320 liters with the rear seats folded. It has a gigantic 10 L glove 35 additional storage compartments. It also incorporates Meizu’s Flyme Auto OS, enhancing connectivity and entertainment options. The Xingyuan is priced from 69,800 to 98,800 yuan (9,000-12,800€ or US$9,800-13,900). Its main competitor is the higher priced BYD Dolphin (99,800-129,800 yuan), as well as the Wuling Bingo Plus (75,800-98,800 yuan) and smaller BYD Seagull (69,800-85,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 6,000 monthly sales
6. Jiyue 07 (927 sales)
The Jiyue 07, an electric sedan from the joint venture between Geely (65%) and Baidu (35%), has now arrived at dealerships in China. This model represents a push to improve the lacklustre sales performance of the brand (less than 10,000 sales over the first 9 months of the year). The Jiyue 07 comes in both single-motor and dual-motor versions, with each motor producing 200 kW of power. The EV is based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), a platform designed for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Inside, the dashboard is a striking single screen spanning almost the entire width of the car. It has a steering yoke instead of the steering wheel. The 07 is 4.95m long with a 3.01m wheelbase, and has a drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd. The vehicle emphasises advanced technology, including claims of offering autonomous driving capabilities, but the competition in the segment is ruthless. Priced from 209,900 to 299,900 yuan (27,200-38,900€ or US$29,500-42,100) it will play in the same sandpit as the Xiaomi SU7 (215,900-299,900 yuan), Zeekr 007 (209,900-299,900 yuan) and IM L6 (219,900-345,900 yuan).
Bar for success: 2,500 sales
7. Onvo L60 (832 sales)
Onvo is a new EV brand by NIO introduced in May 2024, which stands for “On Voyage” and its Chinese name (乐道, Ledao), translates into a family having a happy time together. The Onvo brand caters for the mass market, and its objective is to bolster sales figures for the NIO group. The L60 is an SUV and the brand’s first model. It is designed to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y ands has a drag coefficient Cd 0.229 vs. Cd 0.236 for the Model Y. Its wheelbase is 2950 mm vs. 2890 mm for the Model Y. It offers two powertrain configurations: a rear-wheel-drive model with 240 kW (322 hp) and an all-wheel-drive version producing 340 kW (455 hp) and reaching a top speed of 203 km/h.
The L60 can be fitted with different battery options, 60 kWh or 85 kWh, The driving range varies between 550 km and 730 km depending on the battery choice, with a 1,000 km version reportedly coming soon. The car includes premium features like a 13-inch head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and adjustable steering and 45 active safety systems as standard. Through a mobile app the inside temperature of the car an be raised from 0 to 20 degrees in just 30 seconds. Rear passengers can enjoy an 8-inch entertainment screen mounted on the back of the centre console.
To reduce the starting price of the vehicle, buyers can opt for BaaS (battery as a service) where you can rent the battery for 599 yuan a month for the 60 kWh pack or 899 yuan a month for the 85 kWh pack. Accordingly prices start at a very enticing 149,900 yuan (19,400€ or US$21,000) for the BaaS version and from 206,900 to 255,900 yuan (26,800-33,200€ or US$29,000-35,900) for the regular versions. For comparison the Tesla Model Y goes from 249,900 to 354,900 yuan. Other competitors include the Zeekr 7X (229,900-269,900 yuan) and Xpeng G6 (199,900-276,900 yuan).
Bar for success: 7,000 monthly sales
8. Shenlan/Deepal L07 (761 sales)
The Deepal L07, a mid-size sedan by Changan, has officially launched in China, offering both fully electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions. The L07 has a sleek design, which includes features like sharp headlights, frameless doors, hidden handles, and an electric rear wing. It also boasts advanced technology, such as the Huawei Qiankun ADS SE driving assistance system, enabling functions like lane assist and parking aid. At 4.875m long and with a 2.9m wheelbase, the L07, more suitable for family users, has similar dimensions as its sister the SL03 which is considered more sporty.
The EV model is equipped with a 185 kW motor and a 56.12 kWh battery, providing a 530 km range, while the EREV version combines a 1.5L engine with two electric motor options, offering a comprehensive range of up to 1,400 km depending on the battery pack. Inside, the vehicle features a 15.6-inch display, a Snapdragon 8155 chip, and wireless phone charging, aiming to cater to tech-savvy family users. Inside, the cockpit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and features a 15.6-inch 2.5K central control screen, a 55-inch AR-HUD, 22 speakers. The L07 is priced from 151,900 to 173,900 yuan (19,700-22,5002€ or US$21,300-24,400) and competes with the likes of the Qiyuan A07 (135,900-176,900 yuan) and BYD Han (165,800-259,800 yuan). The SL03 peaked at 8,563 March 2023 so we expect solid numbers for the L07.
Bar for success: 4,500 monthly sales
9. Zeekr Mix (434 sales)
Zeekr has launched the MIX electric compact MPV. It is built on Geely’s SEA platform and has dimensions of 4688 x 1995 x 1755 mm and a wheelbase of 3008 mm. It offers various seating configurations, including rumours about a luxurious four-seat option. The front of the car features Zeekr Stargate through headlight cluster, similar to the one seen on the Zeekr 007.
Powered by a 310 kW motor, it features advanced tech like Lidar for the high spec versions. Batteries are from CATL and are ternary lithium (NCM) ith the battery pack being. Pure electric range hovers around 550 km. The MIX boasts innovative modular interior design, with the front seats able to swivel. There is no price information about the MIX just yet, but we assume it will compete with such models as the Li Mega (529,800 yuan) or Maxus Dajie 7 (194,900-304,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 4,000 monthly units
10. LEVC L380 (405 sales)
LEVC stands for London EV Company and was previously known as the London Taxi Company. It is wholly owned by Geely since 2013 and is responsible for the production of the legendary London black taxicabs. The L380 is the brand’s first incursion outside the taxi market and reportedly takes its name and stylistic cues from those of the Airbus A380. It will be available in the UK in the next two years.
The 5.3-meter-long vehicle offers up to 8 seats and various interior configurations. It features three powertrain options: 200 kW electric motor with 100 kWh ternary NMC battery for 570 km range, 200 kW electric motor with 116 kWh ternary NMC battery for 675 range and 400 kW two electric motors with 140 kWh ternary NMC battery for a 785 km range. The L380 is aimed at both fleet use and private buyers as this format is becoming cool for Chinese buyers. It is priced from 379,900 to 479,900 yuan (49,200-62,200€ or US$53,300-67,400) and its main competitor is the Li Mega (529,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 2,500 monthly sales
11. Lingxi L (168 sales)
Lingxi is a new brand by the Dongfeng Honda joint venture established in late 2023 and dedicated to new energy vehicles. The Lingxi L is the first EV under the brand. One of the standout features of the L is its vertical LED light strip on the front cover that connects the brand logo with the windshield. It has the now standard hidden door handles and digital exterior mirrors. The L is 4.83m long with a 2.73m wheelbase. Powered by a 160 kW motor and a 59.22 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the Lingxi L will offer a range of 520 km on a full charge, according to China’s CLTC standards, and supports advanced features like autonomous parking, facial recognition login, and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, the dashboard is rather impressive with no less than five screens: a full LCD instrument panel, a central control screen, a co-pilot entertainment screen, and two digital displays for both external mirrors. The L is priced at 129,800 yuan (16,800€ or US$18,200) and will be aiming at the Xpeng Mona M03 (119,800-155,800 yuan), π007 (131,600-199,600 yuan) and Aion RT (119,800-169,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 3,000 monthly sales
12. BYD Sealion 05 (78 sales)
Not content with breaking volume records each month and reaching dizzying heights, BYD continues on its onslaught of models with this new Sealion 05, the third vehicle in the Sealion lineup after the 07 and 06. The 05 is in fact a redesigned Song Pro. It is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, and comes at 4.71m long with a 2.71m wheelbase. The vehicle features BYD’s 5th-gen DM powertrain, combining a 1.5-liter 74 kW (99 hp) engine and a 120 kW (160 hp) electric motor, delivering a fuel consumption as low as 1.14 L/100 km. Its electric-only range is 93 km, while the mixed range can reach up to 2,000 km.
In a telling sign of how much progress the Chinese have made recently, the 05 kind of disappoints in this day and age with conventional door handles. The interior is typical BYD with a rotatable suspended touch screen and a small crystal gear shifter surrounded by physical buttons in the centre tunnel. It is priced from 112,800 to 142,800 yuan (14,600-18,500€ or US$15,800-20,000), to be compared with 109,800 to 142,800 yuan for the Song Pro new energy. Given the stunning success of almost everything BYD launches at the moment, we expect big things for the 05.
Bar for success: 7,500 monthly sales
13. Smart #5 (2 sales)
Since 2019, Smart is a joint-venture between Mercedes and Geely dedicated to EVs. Its entire production capacity is located in Ningbo, China. After the #1 and the #3, the #5 is the third model of this new entity. It breaks with the previous models’ design with a boxy design, a new front-end look with polygonal headlights and a through-type light strip. The #5 is a mid-size SUV at 4.71m long with a 2.9m long wheelbase. Hidden door handles add a touch of modernity while roof luggage racks make the car look more rugged.
The #5 offers both single- and dual-motor configurations, with power outputs ranging from 165 kW to 310 kW. The SUV comes with two battery options (76 kWh and 100.01 kWh) and multiple driving modes for different terrains including off-road, sand, snow, mud, and rock. It offers a maximum range of up to 740 km under CLTC standards. The #5 is priced at 245,000 yuan (31,800€ or US$34,400), to be compared with 229,900 to 269,900 yuan for the Zeekr ZX and 249,900 to 354,900 yuan for the Tesla Model Y. Smart sales in China are down -36.6% year-on-year over the first 9 months of 2024 as the #1 and #3 peaked both in 2023: the #1 at 5,911 sales in March 2023 and the #3 at 2,400 sales in July 2023. Both models now generate much lower volumes so we’ll be prudent for the #5.
Bar for success: 2,500 monthly sales
