Volvo EM90
Now it’s time to explore the latest launches in the Chinese market based on wholesale sales. This month we have “only” five new models hitting Chinese roads. Three of them are Chinese. To fully understand the scale of the Chinese market, be sure to check out our exclusive guide to all 184 active Chinese brands.
1. Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9: 1035 sales
Dongfeng hasn’t exactly been dazzling us with a flood of new products these days, so this Forthing U-Tour V9 is a welcome addition. Still, overall, Dongfeng’s wholesale sales were up 9.8% year-on-year compared to the first half of 2024. The V9 is the brand’s new flagship MPV, unveiled at the Munich Motor Show last September. It’s 5.25m long with a 3.02m wheelbase and is offered in both ICE and PHEV variants, both powered by a 1.5T engine producing 190hp. The PHEV adds a 309hp electric motor. The exterior design is quite innovative, with a distinctive grille that flows into the headlights. At the rear, there are the now-mandatory see-through taillights.
The instrument cluster is quite impressive, with digital tiles running from top to bottom. The V9 is priced from 199,900 to 279,900 yuan (€25,200–35,300, or $27,500–38,600). It will compete with the likes of the GAC Trumpchi E8 (209,800–235,800 yuan), GAC Trumpchi M8 (179,800–342,800 yuan), JAC Refine RF8 PHEV (219,900–259,900 yuan) and Buick GL8 (232,900–473,900 yuan). Forthing cars haven’t had much success recently, so we wouldn’t have high hopes for the V9.
Success Bar: 2000 Monthly Sales
2. Yipai eπ008: 1016 sales
Yipai (东风奕派), or eπ, is the latest addition to the Dongfeng family. The website is here. It was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023 and is a premium brand positioned below Voyah. Its first model, the 007 sedan, was launched in March last year. The 008 is a large SUV measuring 5m in length with a 3.02m wheelbase. It attracts attention with its trendy see-through headlights and taillights. This headlight trend can also be seen at Li Auto and Hyundai. The obligatory hidden door handles are also making an appearance. There are PHEV and BEV variants for the 008. The PHEV is equipped with a 1.5T engine and an electric motor, while the BEV has a 272hp electric motor for a range of 636km.
Shown here in a questionable orange hue, the 008’s interior is devoid of any physical buttons and features the obligatory large digital infotainment screen. The 008 is priced at 216,600 yuan (€27,300 or $29,800). It will compete with the likes of the Leapmotor C16 (155,800–185,800 yuan), Exeed Exlantis ET (189,800–319,800 yuan) and BYD Tang New Energy (179,800–269,800 yuan). In terms of sales prospects, by comparison, the 007 has peaked at 3,032 monthly sales so far, so the 008 should aim to match that.
Success Bar: 3000 Monthly Sales
3. Leapmotor C16: 889 sales
Leapmotor is in great shape right now, having surpassed the 20,000 monthly sales mark for the first time in June. The C16 is the brand’s third SUV after the C10 and C11. It measures 4.91 m in length and has a wheelbase of 2.82 m. The exterior design fits into the brand’s existing model range and is quite conservative. The C16 is available in EREV (extended range EV) and BEV versions. The EREV is powered by a 1.5-liter 92 hp engine and a 231 hp electric motor, giving a total range of 1,095 km. The BEV is powered by a 292 hp engine and a 67.7 kWh battery. Charging the battery from 30 to 80% takes 15 minutes.
The C16 has the neatest interior of all the models this month. It features a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and absolutely no physical buttons. The central screen is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. But wait, there’s more! Rear passengers can enjoy a huge 15.6-inch roof-mounted infotainment screen, and there’s a third row for a total of seven passengers. The C16 is very competitively priced from 155,800 to 185,800 yuan (€19,600–23,400 or $21,500–25,600). By comparison, the C10 is available from 128,800 to 168,800 yuan, and the C11 from 148,800 to 209,800 yuan, all very reasonable prices for their size. Now, with Stellantis backing it, it’s unclear whether the C16 will be exported to Europe. Leapmotor reports that 50% of pre-sales are from families with two or more children. In fact, the company announced that the C16 received nearly 12,000 pre-orders in just 24 hours. The C10 peaked at 5,470 sales in June, and the C11 at 10,024 in August 2023, so we’d like to be in that ballpark to call the C16 a success.
Success Bar: 4000 Monthly Sales
4. Volvo EX30: 199 sales
This is the EX30 we have in the rest of the world, as all of its products are currently made in China (that could change now that punitive EU tariffs have been imposed on Chinese imports). The EX30 is related to the Zeekr X and Smart #1, which are similar in size and built on Geely’s SEA platform. It’s 4.23m long and has a 2.65m wheelbase, making it only slightly shorter than the XC40. The cabin features a vertical 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This BEV comes with two battery options: 49kWh and 66kWh. The range varies depending on the model, with ranges of 410, 540 and 590km. The EX30 is priced between 200,800 and 255,800 yuan (€25,300 to €32,200 or $27,700 to $35,200), compared to the Zeekr X between 200,000 and 220,000 yuan and the Smart #1 between 154,900 and 284,900 yuan. The EX30 could also potentially steal buyers from the Model Y, which is priced between 249,900 and 354,900 yuan.
Success Bar: 2500 Monthly Sales
5. Volvo EM90: 107 sales
The EM90 is Volvo’s first all-electric premium MPV, and it’s currently only available in China. It’s essentially a rebadged Zeekr 009. It’s based on Geely’s SEA platform, which is already used by the Polestar 4, Lotus Eletre and Emeya, Smart #1, Smart #3, and every Zeekr model. The EM90 is a massive 5.21m long with a 3.20m wheelbase. It comfortably seats six passengers in a 2+2+2 layout. The EM90 is powered by a 272bhp electric motor and a 116kWh battery for a range of 458 miles (738km). Charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes 28 minutes on a fast charger. The safety equipment is second to none, as expected from the Swedish manufacturer. It has 30 sensors, including eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic radars.
The dashboard houses an 8-inch instrument cluster with a 14.5-inch infotainment screen that has virtually no physical buttons. There’s also a large screen that unfolds from the ceiling for second-row passengers. The EM90 is priced at 818,000 yuan (€103,100 or $112,700). That’s significantly higher than its twin, the Zeekr 009 (500,000–789,000 yuan), which is available as a 4WD car unlike the EM90. Other possible rivals include the Li Mega (529,800 yuan), Denza D9 (339,800–660,000 yuan), and LEVC L380 (379,900–479,900 yuan). Given its price, we don’t expect much volume from the EM90, which will act more as the brand’s flagship.
Success Bar: 1000 Monthly Sales