Chery and JLR Bet on Smart Electrified SUVs

The Changan Qiyuan A06 240 Laser Ultra+ model has been launched at a price of 139,000 yuan. This top-tier variant features significant upgrades over the previous model, including a 14-point massage function for rear seats, heated steering wheel, and a dual-use car refrigerator. The design retains a closed front face with a continuous LED light strip, while the performance is powered by a 1.5-liter range extender engine, providing a pure electric range of 240 kilometers. This launch highlights advancements in electric vehicle technology and consumer comfort, reflecting the growing trend in the automotive industry towards enhanced features and sustainability.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled road test images of the all-electric Range Rover Velar SUV, showcasing a lower body height and a sleek design with hidden door handles. The new model, set to be produced at JLR's Halewood factory in early 2027, will feature a completely revamped electric powertrain based on JLR's new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA). While specific power parameters remain undisclosed, the design aims to differentiate the Velar from larger and smaller models in the Range Rover lineup. This move aligns with the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles, emphasizing JLR's commitment to electrification.

Huawei's Smart Car Product Director, Peng Lei, announced that the sales of the high-end Xiangjie S9 series have surpassed 20% among vehicles priced over 300,000 RMB, positioning it closely behind luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In February 2026, the company delivered 4,627 units, bringing total deliveries for the first two months of the year to over 10,000. Peng emphasized that the upcoming models will differ significantly from existing market offerings, indicating a strategic push to innovate within the high-end automotive sector. This development highlights Huawei's growing influence in the automotive industry, particularly in smart vehicle technology.

The 2026 Xiaopeng X9 electric MPV has officially launched, starting at 309,800 yuan. It boasts the longest range for a 5C electric seven-seater, with a CLTC range of up to 750 km and a power consumption of 15.9 kWh per 100 km. The vehicle features a versatile seating arrangement with three rows of electric seats, advanced safety features, and a Turing chip offering up to 2250 TOPS of computing power. Notable incentives for early buyers include a 12,000 yuan cabin upgrade package and various financing options. This launch highlights the growing competition in the electric vehicle market, particularly in the MPV segment.

Chery Automobile reported its preliminary sales figures for February 2026, revealing a total of 146,173 vehicles sold across five brands, a decline of approximately 14.8% compared to the same month last year. Notably, Chery's own brand saw a slight increase in sales, while its premium brand, Zhijie, experienced a significant drop of 90.6%. The report emphasizes that these figures are unaudited and subject to change. Additionally, Chery announced that it has achieved a milestone of exporting 6 million vehicles, marking a significant achievement for Chinese automotive brands. This data is crucial as it reflects market trends and consumer demand in the automotive sector, particularly for electric and smart vehicles.

Chery's new QQ3 electric vehicle is set to begin pre-sales on March 10, featuring advanced AI technologies including the Falcon 500 driver assistance system. The QQ3 targets the compact electric car market with a design inspired by urban elements and a focus on practicality, offering an 80L front trunk and a spacious interior. It boasts a 90kW electric motor paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries, and includes a 15.6-inch central display with AI voice interaction capabilities. The Falcon 500 system supports various driving functions, enhancing the vehicle's smart features, which is significant as the automotive industry increasingly integrates AI technologies.

SAIC Volkswagen has unveiled the interior design of its flagship SUV, the ID. ERA 9X, featuring a spacious six-seat layout and a unique 'square and round harmony' design philosophy. The interior combines German functional aesthetics with Eastern spatial philosophy, showcasing a layered floating structure that enhances visual space. Key features include a 15.6-inch dual-screen setup for the front seats and a 21.4-inch foldable ceiling screen for rear passengers, aimed at providing an immersive entertainment experience. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5T engine and a 65.2kWh battery, offering a range of over 400 km. This model is set to be the largest SUV in the Volkswagen lineup, measuring 5.2 meters in length.

Dongfeng's new electric vehicle, the Star Sea T5, has officially launched with a starting price of 153,900 yuan. The vehicle offers a CLTC range of 530 km and features a 64.4 kWh battery. It comes in two configurations and includes a lifetime warranty on the battery system for first-time owners. The design incorporates fluid aesthetics and advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking. With a focus on electric mobility, this launch highlights the growing trend of electric vehicles in the automotive industry, particularly in China, where demand for sustainable transport solutions is increasing.

Chery has announced that the iCAR V27 technology launch event will take place on March 3, with the vehicle expected to hit the market in the first quarter of this year. The iCAR V27 is positioned as a smart, rugged five-seat SUV and is the largest model in the iCAR lineup, featuring a unique 'boxy' design. It will be the brand's first range-extended vehicle, powered by a 1.5T engine and an electric motor, offering a maximum power output of 105kW, with a four-wheel-drive version reaching up to 335kW. The SUV promises a pure electric range of 200km and a total range exceeding 1000km, highlighting advancements in electric vehicle technology.

Jaguar Land Rover has revived its Freelander brand in collaboration with Chery, introducing a new six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, set to launch in late 2026. Built on Chery's T1X platform, the vehicle will feature a rugged off-road design combined with a sporty silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. It will support both electric and range-extended powertrains, with an 800V fast-charging capability for the electric model. This move aims to fill product gaps in the Jaguar Land Rover-Chery joint venture, replacing models like the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, and will be sold through Chery's dedicated distribution channels, distinct from Jaguar Land Rover's luxury offerings.