We are almost there, Chinese New Year is just around the corner and what is the best way to celebrate the arrival of the year of the dragon than by listing the (in our opinion) most iconic Chinese cars?
As a first thing, there is a premise to be made, the Chinese car market is relatively young, suffice it to say that the models we will discuss were all born after 1980.The epopee of the Chinese auto industry is a story of resilience, vision, and courage in defying convention. From modest beginnings to a leading role on the global stage, Chinese automakers have navigated the waters of change with determination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, China's first automakers began to chart their own course by facing challenges such as international competition and the need to develop economical vehicles for the domestic market. However, it was with the advent of the new millennium that China became a major player in the automotive world, and it does so by pushing on what are much-needed innovations.In an automotive stage dominated by historic names, Chinese automakers have dared to create iconic cars that defy standards and capture the imagination.But no more ado, below is a roundup of iconic Chinese cars.Let's start with the most "English" one.
As a first thing, there is a premise to be made, the Chinese car market is relatively young, suffice it to say that the models we will discuss were all born after 1980.The epopee of the Chinese auto industry is a story of resilience, vision, and courage in defying convention. From modest beginnings to a leading role on the global stage, Chinese automakers have navigated the waters of change with determination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, China's first automakers began to chart their own course by facing challenges such as international competition and the need to develop economical vehicles for the domestic market. However, it was with the advent of the new millennium that China became a major player in the automotive world, and it does so by pushing on what are much-needed innovations.In an automotive stage dominated by historic names, Chinese automakers have dared to create iconic cars that defy standards and capture the imagination.But no more ado, below is a roundup of iconic Chinese cars.Let's start with the most "English" one.
Hongqi L5: known for its elegant design and high-end performance, it aims to be the alternative to the Roll-Royce Phantom. A symbol of luxury and prestige, the model pictured is a version of the famous CA770 state limousine. The L5 variant was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2023, revealing an even more impressive, chrome-rich design with an even higher price tag.With a 4-liter V8 engine and a top speed of 220 km/h it has a starting cost of 5 million yuan (646,189 euros) and then you don't add two optional extras? Don't you get the two-tone model? What about the spaceship-style interior? (see photo)Yes yes, an affordable car, just as the Hongqi automaker claims.
BYD Qin: Between Electric and Hybrid Innovation.The BYD Qin, besides bearing the name of a Chinese imperial dynasty, is a milestone in the evolution of Chinese cars. Its performance is an electric ballet on four wheels, with a mix of elegance and hybrid innovation. Launched in 2013, the Qin was one of the first plug-in hybrids to enter the Chinese market, demonstrating BYD's commitment to sustainable mobility. With sleek design and advanced performance, the Qin helped change the Chinese auto landscape, proving that style (do you see the beady eyes/almond-shaped headlights too?) can go hand in hand with sustainability.
Geely Emgrand EC7: the ambassador of Chinese automotive style around the world.With a design that embodies multicultural elegance, this sedan has won the hearts of global motorists. Its debut in 2009 marked a turning point for Geely, taking the brand beyond Chinese borders. Distinctive details, craftsmanship, and solid performance have made the EC7 one of the most recognizable cars on the Chinese scene, proving that China is ready to play in the same league as the big Western automakers.
Great Wall Haval H6: SUV of Success and Bold StyleThe Great Wall Haval H6 is the pioneer of a new era for Chinese SUVs, combining commercial success and bold styling. Launched in 2011, the Haval H6 has become the best-selling SUV in China, highlighting consumers' growing preference for more versatile and adventurous vehicles. Distinctive design and reliable performance have positioned the H6 as one of Great Wall Motors' most iconic models.
NIO ES8: Electric Superstar in the Red Carpet of Roads.With its futuristic design and world-class electric performance, it is a benchmark car for the electric motor market. Launched in 2017 by NIO, the Chinese luxury electric car manufacturer, the ES8 has attracted attention for its mix of advanced technology and contemporary styling. Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the ES8 offers an impressive range, underscoring NIO's contribution to sustainable driving.Again, the headlights are reminiscent of narrow almond-shaped eyes, and as far as I'm concerned, on the front, it's a bit too boxy.
Zotye SR9: Beyond Simple Imitation.The Zotye SR9, often compared to the Porsche Macan for its design, is a slightly wider suv than the model it is inspired by. Launched in 2016, the SR9 has sparked discussion because of the fine line between inspiration and copying. Its boldness in bringing in iconic design elements is combined with the Porsche's much (very very very much) lower price tag.A car for those who want a Macan but only have 18,000 euros in the bank.This is not the first time the Zotye automaker has been inspired by a Western model: the Zotye SR7 could be a clone of the Audi Q3, the Damai X5 of the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Zotye T600 is a shameless copy of the Audi Q5. Germans should feel honored!
JAC iEV7S: Accessible Electric Vehicle.Launched in 2016, this vehicle demonstrated that electric cars can be accessible to a wide audience, helping to raise awareness of sustainable mobility solutions. With a youthful design and thick two-tone body, it has a range of 300km.There is also a gasoline version of this car (called the T40 or Refine S2), and we can also feel it a bit of our own: the design is the work of the JAC Design Italy style center in Turin while development took place at the Chinese research center.
HiPHI X: Iconic doors and supersonic interior.A sizable crossover, also available with 6 seats, with a battery capacity of nearly 100 kWh and a range of 640 km. Design is, of course, its most iconic aspect, with windward-opening doors and rear doors that can also count on the roof opening upward. Performance? 0-60 km/h in 3.9 seconds.There are three displays in the cabin, with the passenger display, a true entertainment center. In China the HiPhi X is available in several variants with prices starting at 75,000 euros.
After the roundup of Chinese cars you should know about there are a few points to be made.
According to Michael Mauer, Porsche's creative director, the great effervescence of ideas that Chinese automakers have been expressing in recent years is due to the lack of styling and formal traditions to adhere to. Chinese brands have no history or past with which to compare themselves.They do, however, have a new path ahead of them, a path they follow with the freedom of a new functional paradigm, the one of electric drive.We understand that Chinese automakers are actively involved in the race toward the future of the electric car, autonomous driving, and connected technologies. They have become pioneers in innovation, proving that "Made in China" can be synonymous with quality, style and technological advancement. China is not only driving change in its own market, but is becoming a benchmark for the entire global automotive industry. With focus on continuous innovation, the automakers we have named are preparing to write the next chapter in automotive evolution.
All that remains is for us to wish you a happy Chinese New Year, may the year of the dragon be good to all and bring us many iconic cars.
According to Michael Mauer, Porsche's creative director, the great effervescence of ideas that Chinese automakers have been expressing in recent years is due to the lack of styling and formal traditions to adhere to. Chinese brands have no history or past with which to compare themselves.They do, however, have a new path ahead of them, a path they follow with the freedom of a new functional paradigm, the one of electric drive.We understand that Chinese automakers are actively involved in the race toward the future of the electric car, autonomous driving, and connected technologies. They have become pioneers in innovation, proving that "Made in China" can be synonymous with quality, style and technological advancement. China is not only driving change in its own market, but is becoming a benchmark for the entire global automotive industry. With focus on continuous innovation, the automakers we have named are preparing to write the next chapter in automotive evolution.
All that remains is for us to wish you a happy Chinese New Year, may the year of the dragon be good to all and bring us many iconic cars.
