Sunday China Drive | 6 best cars from China in 2024
In 2024, BEVs led China’s NEV market with 5.55 million units sold, maintaining dominance across most price segments. PHEVs and EREVs, with 4.044 million units sold, saw rapid growth, narrowing the gap, particularly in mid-to-high-end categories. BEVs benefited from advancements like fast charging and solid-state batteries, while hybrids addressed range anxiety and offered versatility, intensifying competition for 2025.
- الإعلان - الإعلانات
This year, we have witnessed Xiaomi’s rise into the Chinese auto market with the SU7, while Jiyue and HiPhi have met their demise. BYD dominated the Chinese auto market, leading NEV sales with its extensive lineup of BEVs and PHEVs. The brand maintained strong performance across diverse segments by leveraging in-house battery technology and competitive pricing.
Based on the range of vehicles we tested on Sunday China Drive, we are naming the best cars from China in 2024.
- الإعلان - الإعلانات
Subcompact Car: Geely Geome Xingyuan
The Geely Geome Xingyuan is a subcompact electric car that combines the features of a hatchback and an SUV, making it suitable for family use. Since its launch in October, it has gained popularity, rejuvenating the Geome brand after a period of low sales. Its approachable exterior showcases a clean and cheerful design, complete with drop-shaped headlights and seven pastel color options. The compact dimensions and SUV-like ground clearance make it ideal for urban environments, while thoughtful details such as semi-recessed door handles and sturdy 16-inch wheels enhance its practicality. However, its youthful styling might not appeal to those looking for a more mature aesthetic.
Inside, the Xingyuan focuses on user comfort and practicality, offering a spacious cabin thanks to Geely’s C2P battery integration. Notable features include soft-touch materials, ample legroom, and advanced technology like Meizu’s Flyme Auto OS with AI voice assistance. The car provides generous storage solutions, with a trunk capacity of 375 liters that can be expanded to 1,320 liters. Powered by rear-wheel drive, the Xingyuan offers smooth handling, responsive acceleration, and two motor options, providing CLTC ranges of 310 km or 410 km. While some minor omissions, such as a telescopic steering column, may disappoint certain buyers. Unlike the BYD Seagull, the Xingyuan does not suffer from sluggish acceleration from 100 km/h to 120 km/h.
- الإعلان - الإعلانات
Midsize Car: Mazda EZ-6
Developed with Changan, the Mazda EZ-6 comes in both BEV and EREV versions. Its sporty, coupe-like silhouette, signature grille, and distinctive “Wings of Light” LED lighting highlight its exterior design. Aerodynamic features like an active rear spoiler enhance both style and functionality. Measuring 4,921 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm, the EZ-6 is larger than its Deepal counterparts, offering ample interior space and practicality reminiscent of early Mazda liftbacks. The interior balances comfort and innovation, featuring zero-gravity seats, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and a 50-inch AR heads-up display supported by a responsive Snapdragon 8155 chipset and a premium 14-speaker Sony audio system.
The EZ-6 EREV delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with a 160 kW electric motor and a 1.5-liter petrol engine acting as a range extender, enabling a total range of 1,300 km. The car excels in handling, with a low center of gravity and precise steering, maintaining stability during tight turns. The battery supports 130 km or 200 km of pure electric range, fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Advanced features like regenerative braking, L2.5 driving assistance, and effective suspension ensure a comfortable and safe ride. The EZ-6 blends Mazda’s hallmark driving dynamics with cutting-edge technology. The BEV version offers an alternative to the Tesla Model 3 with a distinctly Japanese identity. As much as we like to name the Xiaomi SU7 the best sedan for its performance and driving dynamics, the Mazda EZ-6 offers a larger boot with a much lower price tag.
Large Car: BYD’s Denza Z9 GT
The Denza Z9 GT, a high-performance electric wagon developed under BYD’s Denza brand, blends powerful performance, modern design, and practical features to stand out in the luxury EV market. Designed by Audi veteran Wolfgang Egger, the Z9 GT combines sleek aerodynamics with a sporty silhouette, featuring a clean front fascia and 21-inch alloy wheels. Measuring 5,180 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, it commands significant road presence while offering a spacious five-seat interior. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and technology, with dual touchscreens, a Devialet sound system, adjustable seats with Nappa leather upholstery, and unique amenities such as built-in refrigerators and adaptive air suspension, catering to both luxury and functionality for long-distance travel and daily usability.
Powered by a tri-motor setup producing 710 kW (952 hp), the Denza Z9 GT accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, delivering a dynamic yet composed driving experience. A rear-wheel steering system enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds, while the adaptive air suspension adjusts to road conditions for a refined ride. Despite its large size, the Denza Z9 GT handles like a “hot hatch” in tight corners. With an estimated range of 630 km, a spacious cargo area, and advanced features like rear leg support and electrically powered doors, the Z9 GT combines practicality with high performance.
Midsize SUV: Chery’s Jetour Traveller
The Jetour Traveller, a compact off-road SUV introduced by Chery’s Jetour brand, blends rugged styling with modern features at an accessible price range of 139,900 to 184,900 yuan (19,300 – 25,500 USD). The Traveler, designed by former Porsche designer Hakan Saracoglu, sports a boxy silhouette with off-road details like a rear spare container, towing hooks, and roof racks. It measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,880 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Practical specifications, including 220 mm ground clearance and 700 mm wading depth, enhance its mild off-road credentials. Inside, the cabin offers customizable color options, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, and flexible storage solutions like foldable rear seats and a panoramic sunroof, making it suitable for outdoor adventures and daily commutes.
With Chery’s hybrid drivetrain or a 2.0TD engine producing 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque, the Traveller provides efficient city driving and capable highway performance, with smooth transitions between electric and combustion modes. Its adaptive suspension and XWD intelligent four-wheel drive enhance comfort and traction on various terrains, while L2.5 driving assistance supports safe and convenient operation. Despite not being a hardcore off-roader, the Traveller balances capability and style, offering a practical, customizable option for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking versatility for urban life and light off-road adventures.
Luxury SUV: Luxeed R7
The Luxeed R7, born from the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance between Chery and Huawei, has quickly gained traction in the electric coupe SUV market. The sleek design mirrors its S7 sedan counterpart, featuring a low beltline, slim LED headlights, and a slanted roofline while boasting a drag coefficient 0.219. It provides a spacious yet aerodynamic profile with 4,956 mm long, 1,981 mm in width, and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. Inside, Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 powers dual screens, complementing a luxurious White Sand Apricot theme. Thoughtful features like adjustable rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a multi-tiered trunk emphasize comfort and practicality, making the R7 well-suited for families and long journeys. Cargo capacity ranges from 837 liters to a generous 2,130 liters with seats folded.
On the road, the R7 offers precise handling, agile cornering, and a comfortable ride supported by an advanced air suspension system. Equipped with Huawei’s ADS 3.0, it delivers responsive autonomous driving capabilities, adeptly managing urban challenges and highway transitions. Its 800V architecture allows ultra-fast charging, achieving 400 km in just 15 minutes. While the unconventional steering column shape and the curb weight’s slight effect on agility may pose minor concerns, the R7 excels in blending cutting-edge technology, luxurious comfort, and dynamic performance. Regarding autonomous driving, Huawei’s ADS 3.0 is ahead of Meizu’s Flyme Auto in the Zeekr 7X. While the R7 is more fun to drive than the Avatr 07 and the Li Auto L6.
Off-Road SUV: GWM’s Tank 700 Hi4-T
The Tank 700 Hi4-T, developed by Great Wall Motor’s off-road division, is a large hybrid SUV combining a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 517 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The vehicle exudes a robust presence on the road with dimensions of 5.11 meters in length, 2.12 meters in width, and a 3-meter wheelbase. It offers an off-road-focused design with approach and departure angles of 32 and 33 degrees and rides on 275/50 R22 tires. The Tank 700 Hi4-T prioritizes stability, although it may be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, especially in car parks.
Inside, the Tank 700 Hi4-T provides a spacious cabin with comfortable seating, including adjustable rear seats with massage functions for long-distance comfort. However, taller passengers may find the cabin space limited, and the lack of electric door suction for the rear doors is an oversight. While practical, the interior lacks some finer details in premium vehicles, and the cargo space is relatively compact. The driving experience benefits from the hybrid powertrain, offering smooth acceleration and off-road capability, including a towing capacity of 2,500 kg. However, its large size may pose challenges in confined spaces. The Tank 700 Hi4-T excels off-road but could benefit from refinements in areas such as storage and rear door functionality.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
