China new models April 2025: Firefly, AvatR 06 and Nissan N7 start

Firefly

Now that April wholesales data has been covered, it’s time to study the latest launches on the Chinese market. The flood of new models hitting the Chinese market continues, with no less than 15 novelties this month, including just one foreigner. To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 188 active Chinese Brands.

1. BYD Tang L (5,229 sales)

Already selling over 5,000 units this month is the BYD Tang L, the brand’s new flagship SUV in the Dynasty series, which represents the next step in the brand’s push into the premium SUV market. It is available in both pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. The Tang L comes at 5.04 m long with a 2.95 m wheelbase, and can onboard up to 7 passengers on three rows. The interior offers a wrap-around cockpit design with two-tone colour schemes, a 15.6-inch central control screen, and an optional augmented reality head-up display. A standout addition is the optional integrated drone, stored in the roof and capable of autonomous flights up to 2 km, adding a novel tech edge to the SUV.

Under the hood, the EV variants come with single and dual-motor configurations. The single-motor rear-wheel drive delivers 788 hp, while the dual-motor all-wheel drive version offers a combined 1,100 hp, achieving 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The battery is a 100.53 kWh lithium iron phosphate, providing ranges of up to 670 km, and 1000V high-voltage charging is supported, achieving 400 km of range with a 5-minute charge. PHEV models use a 35.62 kWh battery and new powertrain tech that provides up to 215 km of electric-only range. The Tang L is priced from 229,800 to 289,800 yuan (28,500-35,900€ or US$31,900-40,200) and will face competitors such as the Li L6 (249,800-279,800 yuan) and Deepal S09 (239,900-309,900 yuan). The first month of sales of the Tang L is already very satisfactory, and we won’t need much more to declare this model a success.

Bar for success: 7,500 monthly sales

2. AvatR 06 (4,965 sales)

The 06 is the fourth model by AvatR, developed through a collaboration between Changan, CATL, and Huawei. Two powertrain options are offered: a fully electric version and an extended-range hybrid. The EV version uses CATL’s lithium iron phosphate 72.88 kWh battery with up to 650 km of range on a single charge, while the EREV version pairs a 231 kW electric motor with a small gasoline engine used only as a generator, allowing for up to 170 km of pure electric driving. Fast charging via an 800V platform is available. The Avatr 06 is 4.85m long with a 2.94m wheelbase, it has a coupe-like silhouette with flush door handles and the option for camera-based side mirrors.

Inside, there are plush massage-capable seats, ambient lighting and a high-end Meridian surround sound system. Huawei’s ADS 3.0 autonomous driving suite, supported by a 192-line LiDAR and a network of sensors, provides advanced self-driving capabilities, signaling Avatr’s ambition to rival global electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3. Indeed with a starting price at 199,900 yuan (24,800€ or US$27,700), this is the brand’s first incursion below the symbolic 200,000 yuan mark. Top spec is priced at 269,900 yuan (33,500€ or US$37,450). Competitors include the Tesla Model 3 (235,500-339,500 yuan), Zeekr 007GT (202,900-262,900 yuan) and Xiaomi SU7 (215,900-299,900 yuan). AvatR has been a successful launch in China, selling over 56,000 units in 2024. The 07 peaked at 8,398 sales last November, and we can expect similar levels for the 06.

Bar for success: 6,000 monthly sales

3. BYD Han L (3,505 sales)

After the tremendous success of the Han, BYD now launches the Han L sedan, coming at 5.05m long with a 2.97m wheelbase. It is available in both EV and PHEV variants. The EV versions ride on BYD’s advanced 1000V platform, allowing ultra-fast charging that can deliver 400 km of range in just five minutes. The top-tier all-wheel-drive model boasts an impressive 1,086 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid version incorporates BYD’s latest DM (Dual Mode) technology, offering up to 200 km of all-electric range and a combined range of 1,400 km. Inside, it integrates BYD’s DiLink 150 infotainment system, featuring a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument panel. Luxury touches include massaging, ventilated seats, a built-in mini fridge, and a Dynaudio sound system.

The car also packs a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features through its DiPilot 300 system, which leverages lidar and an array of sensors for functions like automated parking and collision avoidance. A standout practicality feature is the unusually spacious 160-liter front trunk. Priced from 209,800 to 279,800 yuan (25,600-34,700€ or US$29,100-38,800), the Han L will compete with the likes of the Xiaomi SU7 (215,900-299,900 yuan), Tesla Model 3 (235,500-339,500 yuan) – although the Han L is much larger – and Zeekr 007GT (202,900-262,900 yuan). First month volumes are already strong, and the Han L is shaping up to be another successful launch for BYD. 

Bar for success: 6,500 monthly sales

4. Qiyuan / Nevo Q07 (3,119 sales)

Qiyuan, Western name Nevo, is a brand owned by Changan dedicated to mid-level new energy vehicles. The Q07 is the brand’s 6th model, it is a compact five-seat SUV at 4.8m long with a PHEV powertrain pairing a 96 hp 1.5L engine with a 221 hp e-motor. The Q07 was designed by Bertrand Bach, author of the Opel Astra GTC and Changan Uni-T. It showcases a closed front end with integrated LED lighting, retractable door handles, and a distinctive double-layered taillight unit. Buyers can choose between two LFP battery options: a 21.5 kWh battery offering a 95 km electric range and a 31.7 kWh battery providing up to 165 km.

Inside, Nevo replaces the traditional instrument panel with an augmented reality head-up display and includes a large floating screen, wireless charging pads, and a spacious centre tunnel. Comfort features encompass heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with the passenger seat offering a zero-gravity function. A 16-speaker audio system and a 1.2-square-meter sunroof further enhance the cabin experience. Sharply priced from 129,800 to 171,800 yuan (16,100-21,300€ or US$18,000-23,800), the Q07 will compete with such blockbusters as the BYD Song L DM-i (135,800-175,800 yuan), Chery Fengyun T9 (132,900-193,900 yuan), Haval Xiaolong Max (131,800-169,800 yuan) and Deepal S07 (149,900-197,900 yuan). Nevo wants the Q07 to be the brand’s best-seller, and so far that title has been held by the A07 sedan, peaking at 7,078 sales last March.

5. Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3 (3,048 sales)

Fang Cheng Bao is a new energy SUV brand by BYD. The Tai 3 BEV inaugurates a new series, in addition to the existing Bao one. The Tai series is designed to offer a blend of off-road capability and advanced technology. Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo+, the Tai 3 features options for rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The RWD version is equipped with a 160 kW motor and a 65.28 kWh Blade LFP battery while the e AWD variant combines a 110 kW front motor with a 200 kW rear motor, paired with either a 72.96 kWh or 78.72 kWh battery. Fast charging capabilities allow 30% to 80% charge in 18 minutes. The iATS (intelligent All Terrain System) automatically adapts the vehicle’s driving mode to suit varying surfaces like grass, sand, mud, or snow. Complementing this, the Tire Stability Control system ensures continued vehicle operation even in the event of a tire blowout by lifting the affected wheel and allowing the remaining wheels to drive independently at up to 80 km/h for 30 km.

The Tai 3 stands out with its integration of BYD’s “God’s Eye” C advanced driving assistance system, which includes 12 cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to support over 30 driving assistance functions such as parking assistance and highway navigation. Inside, the SUV offers a choice between a 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch central control screen running BYD’s DiLink 100 system, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel, and a 12-inch head-up display in select trims. The Tai 3 is priced from 133,800 to 193,800 yuan (16,600-24,000€ or US$18,600-26,900), making it by far the cheapest Fang Cheng Bao vehicle so far (the Bao 5 starts at 239,800 yuan). It competes with such vehicles as the iCar V23 (109,800-149,800 yuan), BYD Song Plus (135,800-180,800 yuan) and BYD Yuan Plus (115,800-147,800 yuan). In terms of sales prospects, the Tai 3 will thread new waters for the brand and could well lift it to unseen heights. The current monthly volume record for a FCB model is 6,406 by the Bao 5 in December 2024, we’d want similar numbers for the Tai 3 to deem it a success.

AITO is a high-end EV brand launched in 2021 by Huawei and Seres. It has captured exceptional volumes at home in China, with over 385,000 sales in 2024. The M8 is an EREV and the brand’s fourth offering after the M5, M7 and M9. It is a medium-to-large SUV with at 5.19m long with a 3.10m wheelbase. The M8 is equipped with a dual-motor setup, featuring a 165 kW front motor and a 227 kW rear motor, powered by a 1.5T range-extending engine. Battery options include 36.019 kWh and 51.975 kWh capacities, providing pure electric ranges of 201 km and 310 km, respectively. Additional features include Huawei’s ADS 3.0 advanced driving system with a 192-line lidar, multiple radars, and high-definition cameras, as well as a symmetrical interior design with triple screens and a 75-inch head-up display. The Aito M8 is available in both 5- and 6-seater configurations.

The big news with the M8 is its initial success: it reached 70,000 pre-sale orders within two weeks of opening. In the detail, 7,500 pre-orders were reached within one hour, 21,000 within 6 hours and 28,000 within 12 hours. The M8 is priced from 359,800 to 449,800 yuan (44,600-55,800€ or US$49,900-62,000) which is in the realms of ultra luxury pricing in China. Potential competitors include the Li L9 (409,800-439,800 yuan) and Lynk & Co 900 309,900-416,900 yuan). The success of AITO models is emblematic of the shift we have observed of Chinese customers towards domestic brands, even in the premium segment. This is one of the main reasons behind the troubles of foreign carmakers in China, that it is now “cooler” to own a premium Chinese vehicle. The smaller M7 reached a record 29,997 sales in January 2024 while the dearer M9, starting at 469,800 yuan, peaked at a sensational 17,151 units in July 2024. We’d hope to find the M8 peaking in between the two with a base level of just under 10,000.

Bar for success: 8,500 monthly sales

The Galaxy NEV lineup has been exceptionally successful for Geely, selling almost 1 million units in two years. It has been the main engine in Geely snapping the 2nd spot of the brands charts off Volkswagen so far in 2025. The Starshine 8 is the 6th model in the series. It is a PHEV large sedan at 5.02m long with a 2.93m wheelbase and with a drag coefficient of 0.25Cd. It offers two powertrain options: the Thor EM-P and EM-i systems. The EM-P variant combines a 1.5T engine with a 160 kW electric motor, achieving a comprehensive range of 1,500 km. The EM-i version features a 1.5L engine paired with a 175 kW electric motor, delivering a total range of up to 1,600 km.

The interior features a 15.4-inch central control screen powered by the Flyme Auto system, and a 10.2-inch LCD instrument panel. Advanced driver assistance is provided by the G-Pilot system, which includes a 126-line lidar, multiple radars, and cameras to support functions like automatic emergency braking and parking assistance. Additional amenities encompass a panoramic sunroof, AI voice assistant, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a 23-speaker audio system. The Starshine 8 is priced from 125,800 to 165,800 yuan (15,600-20,600€ or US$17,500-23,000) and will compete with the likes of the Exeed Exlantix ES (152,800-299,900 yuan) and Nissan N7 (119,900-149,900 yuan). Considering its sharp pricing, there is no reason why the Starshine 8 couldn’t repeat the Galaxy lineup’s success.

Bar for success: 7,500 monthly sales

8. Deepal S09 (848 sales)

Deepal is a NEV brand by Changan that has started to expand internationally, notably into Australia. The S09 is the fourth model of the brand after the G318 off-roader, L07 sedan and S05 crossover. It is a six-seater SUV coming in at 5.05m long with a 3.05m wheelbase. The exterior design follows the current Chinese norms with split LED lights, hidden door handles and full-width taillights, lacking in originality. Inside, the S09 includes Huawei’s HarmonySpace 5 smart cockpit, complete with a large rear screen for entertainment, a movable centre console, and adaptive seating for all passengers, including a comfortable third row.

The vehicle uses Deepal’s advanced range-extension system paired with an LFP battery, offering up to 180 km of pure electric range, depending on the drivetrain. Thanks to 800V fast-charging support, drivers can gain 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. The S09 also incorporates Huawei’s ADS 3.3 autonomous driving suite, offering high-level assisted driving functions. It is priced from 239,900 to 309,900 yuan (29,700-38,400€ or US$33,300-43,000). Its main competitors are dearer: the Lynk & Co 900 (309,900-416,900 yuan), Wey Lanshan (273,800-326,800 yuan) and AITO M8 (359,800-449,800 yuan). So far the S05 crossover has been Deepal’s most successful vehicle in China, peaking at 11,922 units last December. We won’t expect the S09 to go that high.

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

9. NIO ET9 (810 sales)

The ET9 is NIO’s new halo car, presented at the NIO Day in December 2024 in Guangzhou. It’s a blend between a large sedan and crossover, coming in at 5.32m long with a 3.25m wheelbase. The ET9 includes a 100 kWh CATL NMC battery, offering a CLTC range of 650 km. Built on Nio’s new NT 3.0 platform with a 925V electrical architecture, the ET9 supports battery swapping and is compatible with Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program, allowing customers to subscribe to battery usage for a monthly fee. The ET9 is equipped with dual motors delivering a combined output of 520 kW (697 hp) and 780 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Its spacious interior features Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic dashboard-wide display, and a 2,800 W sound system with 35 speakers.

The ET9 is the first car in China to debut steer-by-wire technology. This advanced system eliminates the traditional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, relying entirely on electronic signals to manage steering input. Branded as a “full power steering system,” it allows engineers to customize the steering angle and resistance freely. The result is quicker response times, enhanced precision, improved energy efficiency, and greater design flexibility in the vehicle’s layout. The ET9 is NIO’s most expensive car, priced from 788,000 to 808,000 yuan (97,700-100,200€ or US$109,300-112,100). It is aimed at foreign luxury offerings such as the BMW 7 Series (919,000-1,269,000 yuan), Audi A8 (789,800-2,076,800 yuan) and Mercedes S Class (962,600-2,042,600 yuan), as well as emerging Chinese luxury brands such as Maextro. William Li, NIO CEO, said at launch that he would be happy if the marque sells 1,000 units of ET9 each month. That’s our benchmark then.

Bar for success: 1,000 monthly sales

10. Nissan N7 (665 sales)

As is currently the case for most foreign manufacturers in China, wholesales of Nissan are in complete freefall this year so far at -25.3% over the first four months of the year. Yet as we cover new launches each month, foreigners are mostly absent. Case in point is this month’s Nissan N7 being the only foreign new launch in market. Much rests on the success – or lack thereof – of this model for the Japanese carmaker. The N7 is in fact based on the Dongfeng eπ 007. It is 4.93m long with a 2.91m wheelbase. It features a sleek design with a closed front end, retractable door handles, and a drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd. Inside, it offers a 15.6-inch 2.5K central screen, a two-spoke steering wheel, and amenities like a 50W wireless charging pad and a panoramic sunroof. 

The N7 comes with two powertrain options: a 58 kWh LFP battery paired with a 160 kW motor, offering a range of 510–540 km, and a 73 kWh LFP battery with a 200 kW motor, providing up to 625 km of range. The sedan’s operating system runs on a Snapdragon 8295P chip, supporting features like an AI voice assistant and compatibility with HiCar, Carlink, and CarPlay. Additional highlights include a 12-point massage function for the front seats, a 14-speaker audio system, and a spacious 504-litre trunk. Nissan has opted for very competitive pricing for the N7: from 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (14,900-18,600€ or US$16,600-20,800). It will compete with the likes of the Xpeng Mona M03 (119,800-155,800 yuan), BYD Qin L (99,800-153,800 yuan) and Mazda EZ-6 (139,800-179,800 yuan). We want significant sales figures for the N7 to have an impact on the brand’s fortunes. A good sign is the recent announcement that the N7 has generated 10,000 orders within 18 days of launch.

Bar for success: 7,000 monthly sales

11. Baojun Enjoy (374 sales)

Baojun has fast gone from the darling of the Chinese market, selling one million units in 2017, into abrupt failure and just 44,000 sales in 2024. It needs all the help it can get to get back afloat. The new Xiangjing (“Enjoy”), the brand’s largest sedan to date at 5m long with a 2.90m wheelbase, will try to help the situation, however hard the task at play is. The EV and PHEV models differ visually. The EV variant (pictured) features a closed grille and three-point LED headlights, while the PHEV version adopts a more traditional look with a full-width light bar across the front. The EV is powered by an 186 kW (249 hp) electric motor, while the PHEV combines a 1.5T engine producing 105 kW (141 hp) with a lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a 101 km CLTC pure electric range.

Inside, the Xiangjing boasts a minimalist design with a full LCD instrument panel, a large central control screen and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The vehicle comes equipped with Baojun’s latest semi-autonomous driving system—Lingmou Intelligent Driving 2.0 Max—bringing advanced driving aids to the mainstream market. The Xiangjing is priced from 129,800 to 153,800 yuan (16,100-19,100€ or US$18,000-21,300), placing it in front of models such as the Nissan N7 (119,900-149,900 yuan), Nevo A07 (119,900-159,900 yuan), Wuling Starlight (79,800-109,800 yuan) and Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 (125,800-165,800 yuan). The Xiangjing bears a lot of responsibility for the Baojun brand, but we don’t see it making a significant impact.

Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales

12. Nammi 06 (244 sales)

Nammi is a brand by Dongfeng selling small EVs. At launch it had outlandish goals of selling 400,000 units in 2025. For 2024 it only sold 36,000 units. The 06 is an attractive addition to the range, that could potentially lift the brand’s sales to more satisfying levels. The Nammi 06 stands out for its distinctive styling, including LED-connected T-shaped headlights, a sleek closed-off grille, and a – very original for the segment – two-part rear tailgate that doubles as a practical loading surface. Built on Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture 3 platform, the vehicle measures just over 4.31m in length but offers generous interior space, including up to 500 litres of trunk capacity.

Performance-wise, the Nammi 06 is equipped with a single front electric motor delivering 181 horsepower, and it comes with two LFP battery pack options. The smaller 44.94 kWh battery offers a range of 401 km, while the larger 51.87 kWh version stretches that to 471 km under CLTC standards. The model also supports fast charging, enabling a 30–80% top-up in 18 minutes. Inside, the cabin sports a clean, modern layout featuring a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument panel. The Nammi 06 is priced from 89,900 to 119,900 yuan (11,100-14,900€ or US$12,500-16,600) and faces the BYD Yuan Up (96,800-119,800 yuan), Bestune Yueyi 03 (79,800-122,900 yuan) and Leapmotor B10 (99,800-129,800 yuan). The Nammi 01 peaked at 5,809 units last November, so we’d want the 06 to at least match that.

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

13. Firefly (231 sales)

Firefly is a new brand by NIO launched in 2024. It is aimed at a more mass-market audience, expanding the NIO footprint as a result. The first model of the brand has no name, and is simply called Firefly, raising questions about a potential multi-model range. Note in China, Firefly vehicles will be sold within NIO’s existing sales network rather than standalone dealerships. The Firefly stands out with its its three circular lights both at the front and back. At 4m long with a 2.61m wheelbase and power by 141 hp motor for a 420 km range, the Firefly is tailored for urban drivers, young professionals, and families seeking a second car, offering agile handling thanks to its compact build and tight turning radius.

Looking beyond its home market, Nio has set its sights on global expansion, planning to bring the Firefly to 16 international markets, including in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, within the year. To support this growth, Nio will use a mixed sales approach, balancing direct-to-consumer models with dealership partnerships to reach more buyers efficiently. Additionally, the company will introduce its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option for the Firefly starting August 1, allowing customers to lower upfront costs by subscribing to battery usage separately. The Firefly is priced between 119,800 and 125,800 yuan (14,800-15,600€ or US$16,600-17,500) and its main competitors include the VW ID.3 (129,900-147,900 yuan), BYD Dolphin (99,800-129,800 yuan) and Mini Cooper (209,800-259,800 yuan). Nio has announced its goal of having Firefly represent 10% of the brand’s overall sales, which seems like a low target.

Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales

14. Roewe D6 (188 sales)

The Roewe D6 is a 4.79m long BEV sedan with a 2.75m wheelbase. Built on the second-generation Roewe Nebula platform, the D6 offers two configurations: a 143 hp motor with a 53.9 kWh battery for a 520 km range, and a 129 hp motor with a 42.8 kWh battery for a 450 km range. Its aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.27, contributes to its energy efficiency. Indeed the vehicle has broken the record of the lowest energy consumption for a mass-produced pure electric car driving through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, with a power consumption of 9.125kWh/100km.

Inside, the D6 features a minimalist cabin with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and wireless charging pads. The D6 is very competitively priced from 79,800 to 119,800 yuan (9,900-14,900€ or US$11,100-16,600) and will fight with the likes of the BYD Qin Plus (79,800-179,800 yuan).

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales

Also launching this month is the Aion Hyper HL with 303 sales, but no information is yet available about this model.