Lots of netizens still think that Chinese cars are mostly low-quality, cheap vehicles. To break this stereotype, CarNewsChina prepared the Top 10 most expensive Chinese new energy (BEV+PHEV) SUVs. We also obtained their sales data in 2024 to show which one sells better.
When compiling this rating, we ranked the cars in ascending order of their entry-level trimsβ cost. This rating is formed by four battery electric vehicles, four plug-in hybrids, and two models with both BEV and PHEV powertrain options available.
10. Li Auto L9
The Li Auto L9 EREV full-size crossover took the tenth spot in this list with a starting price of 409,800 yuan (56,510 USD). This car sold 85,817 units in China last year, according to China EV DataTracker.
The Li L9 is a large SUV with dimensions of 5218/1998/1800 mm and a wheelbase of 3105 mm. It has a 1.5-liter turbocharged ICE under the hood that acts like a generator. The L9 offers a dual-motor 4WD with a combined peak power of 330 kW (443 hp). Thanks to a CATL-made 52.3 kWh ternary NMC pack, it can run up to 280 km (CLTC) in electric mode. The mixed range reaches 1,412 km.
9. Tank 700 Hi4-T
The GWMβs Tank 700 Hi4-T off-road SUV placed ninth with a starting price of 428,000 yuan (59,020 USD). This body-on-frame SUV started domestic deliveries in March 2024. Its cumulative sales reached 14,067 units.
Chinese car enthusiasts often compare the Tank 700 Hi4-T with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. These two vehicles share a blocky body shape and a high-end status. However, the Tank 700 Hi4-T is bigger, with dimensions of 5090/2061/1952 mm and a wheelbase of 3110 mm. This beast has a 3-liter V6 under the hood for 265 kW (355 hp). It is paired with an e-motor for 120 kW (161 hp) and 9AT. The Tank 700 Hi4-T has a 37.1-kWh ternary battery on board for 100 km of NEDC electric range.
8. Nio ES7
The eighth spot of the list is occupied by the Nio ES7 mid-size electric SUV with a starting price of 438,000 yuan (60,400 USD) with a battery included. The Nio ES7 doesnβt sell well in China, with only 1,874 units delivered in 2024.
The Nio ES7 is a five-seat crossover with dimensions of 4912/1987/1720 mm and a wheelbase of 2960 mm. It comes standard with a dual-motor 4WD for 480 kW (644 hp). The standard variant of this EV offers a 75-kWh ternary NMC battery pack for 485 km CLTC range. There is also a variant with a 100-kWh battery pack for a 620 km range. The Nio ES7 sells in Europe under the EL7 name.
7. Nio EC7
The Nio EC7 placed seventh on this list. It is an SUV-coupe sibling of the Nio ES7. The EC7 starts at 458,000 yuan (63,160 USD) in China. Last year, this model sold 2,865 units domestically.
The Nio EC7 boasts dimensions of 4968/1974/1714 mm with a wheelbase of 2960 mm. It shares the powertrain with the ES7. Due to a sleek body shape, it can run up to 490 km with a 75 kWh battery and 635 km with a 100 kWh pack.
6. Aito M9
The Aito M9 crossover from Huawei and Seres took the sixth spot in this list. It starts at 469,800 yuan (65,785 USD) in China. After the deliveries started in February last year, the Aito M9 shook the Chinese market, becoming a hot seller. In 2024, this SUV sold 156,051 units. It is the bestselling model on the list.
The Aito M9 is a large crossover with a length, width, and height of 5230 mm, 1999 mm, and 1800 mm, respectively. Its wheelbase reaches 3110 mm. Its BEV variant offers a dual-motor 4WD for 390 kW (523 hp) and a 100 kWh ternary NMC battery for 630 km of CLTC range. The EREV variant has a peak power of 365 kW (489 hp), a 1.5-liter generator, and a 42 kWh NMC pack for 190 km of electric range. It is also available with an optional battery for 52 kWh, good for 275 km of electric range.
5. Nio ES8
The Nio ES8 took the eighth spot in the list. Its starting price is 498,000 yuan (68,675 USD) with a battery pack included. Last year, Nio sold 9,188 units of the ES8 SUV.
The Nio ES8 is a six-seat crossover with dimensions of 5099/1989/1750 mm and a wheelbase of 3070 mm. It has a dual-motor 4WD for 480 kW. With a 75-kWh battery on board, the ES8 can run up to 465 km (CLTC). The variant with a 100 kWh pack has a range of 605 km.
4. Hongqi E-HS9
The FAWβs Hongqi E-HS9 has taken the fourth place on this list with a starting price of 589,800 yuan (81,335 USD). The E-HS9 entered the domestic market in December 2020. So, this car started showing its age. So, its sales volume in 2024 reached only 1,015 units.
The Hongqi E-HS9 has seven, six, and four-seat variants. Its dimensions are 5209/2010/1731 mm with a wheelbase of 3110 mm. Its entry-level variant offers 4WD for 320 kW (421 hp). The more powerful variant has two e-motors for 405 kW (543 hp). Thanks to the 120 kWh battery, the Hongqi E-HS9 can run up to 690 km of NEDC range on a single charge.
3. M-Hero 917
The Dongfengβs M-Hero 917 placed third in this rating with a starting price of 637,700 yuan (87,940 USD). There is no information about the sales volume of this model in China. So, the volume is considered low.
The M-Hero 917 is an off-road SUV with dimensions of 4987/2080/1978 mm. The all-electric variant of this beast has four electric motors with a combined power output of 800 kW (1,073 hp). Thanks to the 142.7 kWh ternary NMC pack, the M-Hero 917 can run up to 505 km of CLTC range. The EREV variant of this SUV has three e-motors for 600 kW (805 hp). The M-Hero 917 has a 1.5-liter range extender and a 65.8 kWh battery. The carβs mixed range is 1,026 km.
2. M-Hero M800
The M-Hero 800 placed second. It isnβt really a new model, but a heavily tuned variant of the M-Hero 917. It has a price tag of 879,000 yuan (121,215 USD). Its sales volume is unknown.
The M-Hero M800 is a 5-seat EREV with dimensions of 5136/2172/2063 mm. Its powertrain is similar to the M-Hero 917.
1. Yangwang U8
The Yangwang U8 from BYD becomes the most expensive Chinese new energy SUV. Its starting price reaches 1,098,000 yuan (151,415 USD). From January to December 2024, Yangwang delivered 7,366 units of the U8.
The Yangwang U8 is a giant car with dimensions of 5325/2095/1940 mm and a wheelbase of 3050 mm. It has four electric motors on board with a combined peak power of 880 kW (1,180 hp). As a result, a 3.5-ton off-roader can speed up to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Under the hood, the Yangwang U8 has a 2-liter generator for 200 kW (268 hp). Thanks to a 49-kWh LFP pack, it can drive 120 km in electric mode. The mixed range is 780 km.
