China new models January 2025: BYD Xia and Hongqi Guoli arrive

It’s now time to study the latest launches on the Chinese market, based on wholesales. This month we have 5 new models hitting Chinese roads, all Chinese. To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 189 active Chinese Brands.

1. BYD Xia (2,794 sales)

The new Xia is a 5.145m long seven-seater plug-in hybrid MPV, featuring a 2+2+3 seating layout and part of the dynasty series. It still follows the “Dragon Face” design style initiated with the Song Max years ago. The top model supports the DiLink150 system powered by BYD’s AI chip, supporting external devices and an advanced DiSound audio setup with 28 speakers. Under the hood, the Xia uses BYD’s DM 5.0 hybrid system with a 1.5L turbo engine and a 200 kW electric motor. It offers two battery options, providing 100 km or 180 km of pure electric range. 

The Xia’s interior boasts a 15.6-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. The top spec Excellence model adds a 12.3-inch passenger screen as well as a 15.6-inch drop-down theatre display for the rear passengers. Priced from 249,800 to 309,800 yuan (32,800-40,700€ or US$34,300-42,500), the Xia is BYD’s first foray into the semi premium MPV segment, with the Song Max only costs 147,800 to 174,800 yuan. Competitors include the Voyah Dreamer (329,900-449,900 yuan), Denza D9 (339,800-600,600 yuan) and GAC Trumpchi M8 (179,800-342,800 yuan). Given BYD’s tremendous success currently, we expect a high performance for the Xia.

Bar for success: 10,000 monthly sales

2. Jetour Freedom (921 sales)

A rare occurrence these days, the Jetour Freedom is actually gasoline-powered. This is the ICE variant of the Jetour Shanhai T1. It comes at 4.706 m long with a 2.81m wheelbase. 2 engine options are available: a 1.5T delivering 181 hp and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a 2.0T producing 251 hp and 390 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both variants have a top speed of 180 km/h and come with a 70-litre fuel tank.

Inside, there is a 15.6-inch central control screen (12.8-inch for the base model) powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, complemented by a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel. There is also a 64-inch panoramic sunroof. The Freedom is attractively priced from 129,900 to 159,900 yuan (17,100-21,000€ or US$17,800-22,000). It will compete with the likes of other boxy designed SUVs such as the Haval Big Dog (123,900-149,900 yuan), Haval Big Dog II (135,800-156,800 yuan) and Beijing BJ30 (99,900-136,900 yuan). The more expensive Jetour Traveler peaked at 11,672 so prospects are high for the Freedom.

Bar for success: 6,000 monthly sales

3. Chery Fulwin T8 (177 sales)

The Fulwin T8 is a five- or seven-seater plug-in hybrid SUV coming at 4.73m long with a 2.71m wheelbase. The vehicle’s design features an octagonal closed grille with diamond dot matrix elements and a through-type taillight group embedded with the “FULWIN” logo. The Fulwin T8 is powered by two engine options: a 1.5L producing 101 hp and 125 Nm of torque and a 1.5T delivering 154 hp and 220 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a front electric motor outputting 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. The vehicle has an official fuel consumption rate of 1.30L/100km and a real-world tested comprehensive range of 2078.6 km.

The interior features include a 15.6-inch 2.5K high-definition central control touch screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and a 10.25-inch instrument panel. The T8 is priced between 109,900 and 156,900 yuan (14,400-20,600€ or US$15,100-21,500). This means it lands in a very crowded segment and will compete with the likes of the BYD Song Pro (102,800-142,800 yuan) and Geely Galaxy Starship 7 (99,800-132.800 yuan). The more expensive Fulwin T9 (129,900-193,900 yuan) peaked at 8,665 sales last November but dropped to just 3,181 in January. This makes it difficult to predict future sales for the T8.

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

4. Hongqi Tiangong 05 (31 sales)

Although not supposed to launch until later this year, the Hongqi Tiangong 05 BEV sedan already appears in the wholesales charts. It is 4.82m long with a 2.90m wheelbase. Hongqi keeps launching new sub-brands and Tiangong is the latest one. The 05 follows the 08 SUV launched last November. This model is based on the Hongqi E009 concept car and utilises the Tiangong pure electric platform which will support sedans, SUVs, MPVs and crossovers. The Tiangong 05 features a sleek front design with slender headlights, a trapezoidal lower grille and the iconic Hongqi vertical logo extending into the hood.

Powering the Tiangong 05 is a 282 hp electric motor, paired with lithium iron phosphate battery packs. These batteries offer CLTC ranges of 550 km and 750 km respectively. Inside, the cabin features a large floating infotainment screen and a 65-inch AR-HUD replacing the traditional cluster panel. No price has been revealed yet, but the Tiangong 05 is clearly targeting the Tesla Model 3 which is priced from 235,500 to 339,500 yuan (30,900-44,600€ or US$32,300-46,600). The BYD Han (165,800-259,800 yuan) is also a competitor. For reference the Tiangong 08 SUV is priced from 239,800 to 339,800 yuan and has had a weak start, peaking at 479 units in January

Bar for success: 2,500 monthly sales

5. Hongqi Guoli (9 sales)

The Guoli is part of Hongqi’s new Golden Sunflower sub-brand which includes the brand’s most prestigious (and expensive) models. In fact the models in this series are by far the most expensive Chinese vehicles in market. So far we have seen the Guoyao launched in April 2024, the Guoya in October 2024, this Guoli and a Guoyue yet to be launched. The Guoli is the successor of the L5 and is a luxury executive sedan coming at 5.98m long with a 3.73m wheelbase. The exterior design includes round retro-inspired headlights, a large grille and a retractable Hongqi logo tilted forward at a 23.5° angle, symbolising the Earth’s axial tilt.

The Guoli is powered by a 4.0T V8 engine delivering 388 h and 530 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The fuel consumption rate stands at a scary 15.2L/100km. The interior features a dual-screen setup comprising an instrument panel and central control screen, along with a centre console equipped with numerous physical buttons and knobs. The Guoli is priced at an extravagant 7.18 million yuan (944,000€ or US$986,000). Similarly priced vehicles include the Rolls Royce Ghost (5.03-5.77 million yuan), Phantom (8.47-9.86 million yuan) and Cullinan (6.91-7.45 million yuan). Sales will obviously be limited.

Bar for success: 20 monthly sales