09/04 2025
370
The 28th Chengdu International Auto Show in 2025 continues to attract a stellar lineup of new vehicles, particularly from prominent independent automakers who have unveiled their latest technological marvels. In this issue, we delve into the innovative advancements of Chinese brands in the realm of vehicle electrification.
● Great Wall Hi4+ Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive Electric Hybrid
▲ Representative Model: WEY Gaoshan 7
WEY, a brand under Great Wall Motors, introduced the new family MPV, the Gaoshan 7, at this year's Chengdu Auto Show. As the entry-level model in the Gaoshan series, it boasts a length exceeding 5 meters and features a three-row, seven-seat layout. Pre-sales commence on September 10, with an anticipated price range of 250,000 to 300,000 yuan.
Much like the Gaoshan 8 and 9, the Gaoshan 7 also adopts Great Wall's latest Hi4+ intelligent four-wheel drive electric hybrid system. This system includes a 1.5T hybrid-dedicated engine on the front axle and P2 and P4 motors driving the front and rear axles respectively, delivering a combined power of 337kW and a fuel consumption as low as ±7L/100km in charge-depleting mode. The standout feature of this four-speed Hi4 is its use of four physical gears at the engine output end for speed regulation, enabling the engine to drive directly across the full speed range. This ensures that even with a depleted battery, the vehicle's all-scenario four-wheel drive function remains unaffected, a feat unattainable by the two-speed Hi4 in the Haval Dragon.
Notably, Great Wall Motors has also revealed that it is developing the next-generation full-power intelligent super platform, the only one in the world compatible with five major power forms. This platform is equipped with advanced technologies such as a dual 4-second-level 2.0 series-parallel system, an 800V series-parallel architecture, an ultra-large hybrid battery pack, a hybrid 6C battery with an electric range exceeding 400 kilometers, and a VLA large model. These advancements mark crucial trends in the evolution of future electric hybrid systems.
● Geely 900V Hybrid High-Voltage Architecture
▲ Representative Model: Zeekr 9X
Geely Automobile showcased its third full-size SUV, the Zeekr 9X, at this year's Chengdu Auto Show. Positioned above the previous Link&Co 900 and Yinhe M9, the initial pre-sale price for the three models ranges from 479,900 to 569,900 yuan. The company has announced plans to launch a million-yuan Guanghui version in the future.
Derived from the new Haohan-S platform, the Zeekr 9X's most significant feature is its adoption of a full-domain 900V high-voltage electric hybrid system. This includes a 2.0T hybrid-dedicated engine on the front axle and three motors (top configuration) with "one in front and two in the rear," enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.1 seconds. Coupled with a 70kWh 6C supercharging battery, it offers a pure electric range of 380km and a maximum charging power exceeding 400kW.
Currently, most peer electric hybrid systems/extended-range systems employ 400V platforms. The Zeekr 9X is pioneering the application of a full-domain 900V high-voltage electrical system in this category, enabling electric hybrids to match the acceleration performance, electric drive efficiency, and refueling speed of pure electric vehicles. In this high-voltage electric hybrid field, Geely Automobile has emerged as an industry leader.
● Chery Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O
▲ Representative Model: Jietu Zongheng G700
At this year's Chengdu Auto Show, Chery Automobile unveiled its first new energy hardcore off-road vehicle, the Jietu Zongheng G700. Alongside the standard version, the Huangtar version, Huangtar Race version, and Dinghuo Co-creation version were also introduced. The vehicle secured second place in the T2.E new energy group at this year's Huangtar Rally, with all crew members completing the race and winning championships in five stages, affirming its exceptional off-road capabilities.
Similar to the FANGCHENGBAO BAO8 (BYD) and the Tank 500 Hi4-Z (Great Wall), the Jietu G700 is a hardcore off-road vehicle with a non-load-bearing body structure. It employs a front and rear decoupled plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive system, comprising a longitudinal 2.0T engine on the front axle, P1+P3 dual motors, and a P4 motor on the rear axle. The entire system delivers robust dynamics of 560kW/795Nm, matching or even surpassing the performance of a V8 engine.
In terms of off-road prowess, the vehicle supports two-speed speed regulation on both axles, achieving low-speed torque amplification. Coupled with mechanical differential locks and all-terrain tires, its off-road attributes are maximized. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a large-capacity lithium battery pack, and the company has disclosed that its comprehensive driving range will reach 1400km.
● SAIC Passenger Vehicle DMH 6.0 Super Hybrid
▲ Representative Model: Roewe M7 DMH
SAIC Roewe introduced a new B-class electric hybrid vehicle, the M7 DMH, at this year's Chengdu Auto Show. Designed by Mr. Joseph Kaban (former Rolls-Royce designer), it adopts the latest DMH 6.0 super hybrid system with an official pre-sale price ranging from 97,800 to 114,800 yuan.
Like its competitors, the DMH 6.0 super hybrid employs the current mainstream electric hybrid solution, pairing a dedicated 1.5L hybrid engine with P1+P3 dual motors on the front axle. The engine boasts nominal data of 82kW/135Nm but, with the support of the Atkinson cycle, achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 43%, the foundation for a fuel consumption of 3.95L/100km in charge-depleting mode (WLTC cycle). The P3 motor, primarily responsible for driving, provides a maximum power of 137kW and a peak torque of 330Nm, comparable to a 1.5T fuel vehicle but with much faster power response due to direct wheel drive through a reducer.
The vehicle comes standard with a 19.7kWh lithium battery pack, offering a CLTC pure electric range of 160km and supporting DC fast charging with a maximum power of 40kW. Coupled with a 55L fuel tank, the company claims a comprehensive driving range exceeding 2000km. From a market perspective, the Roewe M7's most direct competitors are the BYD Qin L, Geely Yinhe A7, Chery Fengyun A8, etc. Although its influence may be slightly lesser, it still holds market potential if priced competitively.
● SAIC "Hengxing" Super Extended Range
▲ Representative Models: IM Motors LS9, IM Motors LS6
SAIC IM Motors also showcased its first full-size six-seater SUV, the LS9, at the Chengdu Auto Show. With a length of 5279mm and a wheelbase of 3160mm, it adopts SAIC's newly developed 800V platform, the "Hengxing" super extended-range system, and is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of this year. It is poised to become a formidable competitor to models such as the AITO M9, Li Auto L9, and Zeekr 9X.
Like the previous new-generation LS6, the LS9 also employs a 1.5T engine dedicated to extended hybrids. This engine not only achieves ultra-low noise through crankshaft fixed-point start-stop technology but also boasts leading ultra-high thermal efficiency in its class, achieving a fuel consumption of 5.32L/100km in charge-depleting mode (WLTC cycle) on the LS6 and requiring only 92-octane gasoline. Coupled with a silicon carbide motor with an 800V electrical architecture, its performance in terms of power and energy consumption is also highly anticipated.
More importantly, the series comes standard with the XiaoYao MAX battery provided by CATL, offering a leading 66kWh large capacity in its class and a pure electric range exceeding 450km. It can still provide an output power of 275.5kW at a low state of charge of 16%, indicating powerful performance comparable to a V6 engine oil vehicle even in charge-depleting conditions.
● SAIC-GM "Xiaoyao" Architecture
▲ Representative Model: Buick Zhijing L7
SAIC-GM introduced the first model of its high-end new energy sub-brand "Zhijing," the Zhijing L7, at this year's Chengdu Auto Show. Based on Buick's "Xiaoyao" super integrated vehicle architecture, it adopts the "Zhenlong" extended-range electric solution and applies the "Xiaoyao Zhixing" driving assistance system.
Derived from the "Xiaoyao" architecture, the Zhijing L7 is positioned as a C-class sedan with a length exceeding 5 meters and a wheelbase of 3 meters. It features an intelligent cockpit based on the Qualcomm SA8775P chip. In terms of intelligent driving, it has been developed in collaboration with the intelligent driving company Momenta and employs the Momenta R6 Flywheel large model, enabling end-to-end full-scenario driving assistance.
The SAIC-GM "Xiaoyao" architecture is compatible with various drive forms such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and distributed drive, as well as diversified new energy drive technologies including pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended range. The Zhijing L7 adopts an extended-range electric solution, comprising a 1.5T range extender on the front axle and a drive motor on the rear axle providing a power output of 252kW. The power endurance capability is currently unspecified.
● GAC Starion Extended Range Technology
▲ Representative Models: Aion A800, Aion HL
Following the Aion HL, GAC New Energy once again presented its first C-class sedan, the Aion A800, at the Chengdu Auto Show. Styled as a coupe, it measures over 5.1 meters in length and also employs GAC Starion's extended range technology, supporting an 800V electrical system. Its main competitors include the AITO 12 and Enjoy S9.
In the engine segment, the Aion A
Notably, this electrified hybrid system supports four physical gear ratios for engine-end speed regulation, enabling the engine to operate directly across the full speed spectrum. Unlike Great Wall's Hi4+ solution, however, both motors of the Maher Electrified Hybrid System are positioned at the front wheels, resulting in a front-wheel-drive configuration only. In terms of battery specifications, the vehicle utilizes lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 16.6kWh and 19.0kWh, providing CLTC pure electric ranges of 112km and 185km respectively, both supporting DC fast charging.
● Dongfeng Landwind Super Electrified Hybrid
▲ Representative Models: 2026 Dreamer and Zhuiguang L
Debuting at this year's Chengdu Auto Show, the Landwind Zhuiguang L represents a comprehensive upgrade over the current model, featuring enhanced spaciousness, intelligent interaction, and driving assistance, alongside an upgrade to an 800V voltage platform electrified hybrid system. This upgrade positions the vehicle competitively against the likes of the BYD Han L, Chery Fengyun A9L, and Geely Lynk & Co Z10.
As a C-segment electrified hybrid sedan, the Landwind Zhuiguang L boasts dimensions of 5125/1985/1522 (1505) mm with a wheelbase of 3010mm. Inside, it features a HarmonyOS smart cabin and supports Huawei's Kunlun ADS 4 driving assistance, a rare and advanced feature in its class.
In terms of its electric drive system, the vehicle adopts an 800V electrical architecture electrified hybrid system, comprising a dedicated 1.5T hybrid engine and P1+P3+P4 triple motors, delivering a combined power output of 490kW. Coupled with a 62.5kWh 5C supercharge battery from CATL, it offers a pure electric range exceeding 350km and achieves a maximum charging power of 320kW when using a compatible supercharger.
● smart EHD Super Electrified Hybrid
▲ Representative Model: smart #5 EHD
smart unveiled the #5 EHD version at this year's Chengdu Auto Show. Compared to the current model (pure electric), the key highlight of this vehicle is the integration of Geely's EHD Super Electrified Hybrid System, with plans for market launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
According to official data, this EHD electrified hybrid system features a dedicated 1.5T hybrid engine with a thermal efficiency of up to 47.26%, resulting in an impressive fuel consumption of just 4.4L/100km in depleted battery mode. This represents exceptional fuel economy for a mid-size SUV with a curb weight of 2190kg.
Similar to Geely's EM-P Leishen Electrified Hybrid 2.0, this system employs a three-speed DHT structure, facilitating seamless gear shifting through planetary gear sets. Coupled with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery pack from CATL, it provides a CLTC pure electric range exceeding 250km and a combined range of over 1600km.