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Chinese automakers are pushing rugged, tech-laden SUVs that integrate advanced driver-assistance hardware. GAC Trumpchi’s boxy Yue 7, filed with regulators for a Q3 2026 launch, combines off-road styling, optional roof-mounted lidar, an exterior spare tire and a 1.5T powertrain with planned PHEV four-wheel drive. Meanwhile Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s new FREELANDER sub-brand filed the Shenxingzhe 8, a luxury tech all-terrain SUV featuring an onboard 896-line lidar and Huawei’s QianKun ADS V4.1 driving system. Built on a flexible platform supporting BEV and range-extender PHEV variants, these launches underscore a trend toward lidar-equipped, connectivity-focused SUVs in China’s near-term market.
Smart announced the new Smart Jingling 6 plug‑in hybrid hatchback will appear at the 2026 Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area Auto Show, following an April presale starting at ¥189,900 and a planned June 11 market launch with four trims. Built for China and Smart’s largest model, the Jingling 6 pairs a 1.5T PHEV system with CLTC pure‑electric range up to 285 km and combined range of 1,810 km, 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Interior highlights include dual screens, a 10,666‑LED PixelTalk light array, Sennheiser 7.1.4 audio, SPA‑grade massage seats and three trim colors. Safety and driver aids feature 31 high‑precision sensors including lidar, NSP highway/city assist, sentinel mode and ZF closed‑loop steering (China first).
Smart’s new flagship model, the Jingling 6 (精灵6号) EHD plug-in hybrid hatchback, opened presales at ¥189,900 and will officially launch on June 11. Built specifically for China, it’s Smart’s largest-ever model with a 1.5T PHEV system delivering up to 285 km pure-electric CLTC range and a combined 1,810 km, plus 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The car offers four trims, three interior color schemes, dual central screens, a 7.1.4 Sennheiser audio system with floating speakers, PixelTalk LED microdot lighting (10,666 LEDs), SPA-level massage seats and 86% usable space ratio. Standard tech includes a hatch electric tailgate, lidar and 30+ high-precision sensors, highway/city NSP assisted driving, sentry mode, TPMS stability features, and a ZF closed-loop steering system debuting domestically.
GAC Trumpchi’s new rugged SUV, the Yue 7, has appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) “Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products” public filing (Batch 407) released on May 9, 2026. The boxy SUV features large bumpers and cladding, and offers options including a roof-mounted lidar, a rear externally mounted spare tire (“small backpack”), and a towing device. Dimensions are listed as 4,999/5,045 mm long, 2,004/2,030 mm wide, and 1,933/1,916 mm tall, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase and 3,030 kg gross weight. The filing shows a 1.5T engine rated at 125 kW. GAC previously said the Yue 7 will launch in Q3 2026 with a plug-in hybrid 4WD system.
Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s new FREELANDER sub-brand has filed the first model, the Shenxingzhe 8, with China’s MIIT and is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. The boxy “luxury tech all-terrain SUV” features a closed front, roof rails, and an onboard 896-line lidar. FREELANDER says the Shenxingzhe 8 will standardize Huawei’s QianKun ADS V4.1 driving system across the lineup and is built on a new iMax platform supporting BEV, range-extended, and PHEV variants; China will lead with an 800V high-voltage range-extender setup. Partners include Huawei (driving stack), CATL (battery co-development) and Qualcomm (snapdragon 8397 SoC), promising 350 kW peak charging and a 6C peak-rate hybrid battery.