Chinese automakers are no longer content with regional dominance, as they’re eyeing the world stage. And if you ask Carlos Tavares, the former head of Stellantis, they might actually pull it off.

The outspoken executive believes Chinese manufacturers could end up rescuing Europe’s car industry from its slow decline. Names like BYD and Geely, he says, may not just survive the global shake-up but emerge as the last few standing.

Read: The Guy Who Broke Stellantis Now Thinks It Might Break Up

Since stepping down from Stellantis nearly a year ago, Tavares has spent his time writing a memoir and touring the press circuit to promote it, offering a steady stream of predictions about where the auto industry is headed.

Will China Save Europe’s Factories?

He’s claimed that Stellantis itself might split apart and even floated the idea that Tesla could exit the car business entirely. Now he’s suggesting that within the next 10 to 15 years, Chinese brands could step in to save Europe’s automotive sector, though not without cost.

“There are lots of nice windows being opened up for the Chinese,” he told The Financial Times. “The day a western carmaker is in severe difficulty, with factories on the verge of closing and demonstrations in the street, a Chinese carmaker will come and say ‘I’ll take it and keep the jobs’, and they’ll be considered saviors.”

Tavares has experience dealing with Chinese car firms. He orchestrated Stellantis buying a 20 percent share of Leapmotor to help launch it into international markets. He also acknowledges that Leapmotor likely entered the deal because “they want to swallow us [Stellantis] some day.”

Trouble in Europe’s Auto Core

The former Stellantis boss hasn’t softened his criticism of Europe’s automotive policy. He argues that the European Union’s ban on new internal combustion cars by 2035 has forced local automakers into massive, and potentially wasted, investment.

According to Tavares, European car companies have poured more than €100 billion into electrification since the rule was introduced. He now predicts the EU will backtrack on the plan entirely.

More: Carlos Tavares Thinks Tesla Might Not Exist In 10 Years

“Who is holding the EU to account for the €100bn of investments that won’t be used? No one,” he said.

The global car industry is in such a dramatic state of flux that Tavares thinks most current brands won’t survive. In fact, he predicts that as few as five or six carmakers will survive.

These could include Toyota, Hyundai, BYD, and likely another Chinese firm, possibly Geely. In this scenario, the rest of the brands would likely be gobbled up by these conglomerates.

Interestingly, Tavares doesn’t include Stellantis among the survivors. Whether that’s professional detachment or a parting shot from a man who knows too much is anyone’s guess.

Last year, Ford chief executive Jim Farley surprised many when he revealed that his daily driver was a Xiaomi SU7 quietly imported into the United States. Now, another American industry leader has joined the conversation about the Chinese electric sedan that’s been causing a stir both at home and abroad.

Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe revealed his team recently tore down an SU7, and, likely Farley, he’s full of praise for it. However, he says that developing and building a vehicle like it in China is very different than doing the same in the US.

How Good Is It?

According to Scaringe, the SU7 is a “really well executed, heavily vertically-integrated technology platform” that is “nicely done.” He added that if he were living in China, it’s one of the cars that he’d personally consider buying.

Read: Rivian’s CEO Would Rather Lose You As A Buyer Than Add Apple CarPlay

One of the SU7’s most compelling advantages is its price. With a starting figure of 215,900 yuan, roughly $30,000, it undercuts much of the competition. After taking the car apart, Scaringe explained that Rivian “learned nothing from the teardown” about how Xiaomi keeps costs so low.

There was no hidden engineering trick or obscure cost-cutting secret waiting inside the panels. The real explanation, he said, is simple: China’s extensive government support.

China Plays By Other Rules

The distinction, according to Scaringe, comes down to the economic landscape in which Xiaomi operates. State backing shifts the financial balance from the ground up, creating an environment that’s nearly impossible to replicate in the US.

“The cost of capital is zero or negative, meaning they get paid to put up plants,” Scaringe told Business Insider. “It’s a very different opportunity.”

Government Grants Alter The Playing Field

While Rivian was provided a $6.6 billion loan for its new production facility in Georgia, Scaringe noted that automakers in the People’s Republic like Xiaomi receive outright grants from their own government, which is “just not something that exists in the US.”

He also noted that China’s lower labor costs further tip the scales.

“When you take the cost of capital down to zero or less than zero and you have a cost of labor that’s very low – you can do the math, you can build a spreadsheet that can arrive at exactly how they’re doing it,” he explained.

Scaringe added that the reality behind Xiaomi’s pricing isn’t mystical or secretive. “I think it’s like Wizard of Oz. I think when people think there’s a Wizard of Oz, it’s not helpful. It’s like there is no magic in the world. Everything could be analyzed and calculated.”

Canada could soon open the floodgates for a wave of inexpensive Chinese EVs, and you can practically hear the sound of Donald Trump grinding his teeth from across the border. The prospect alone has already stirred political tension, economic speculation, and a fair bit of cross-border irritation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly preparing to roll back Canada’s 100 percent tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles, a policy originally put in place in 2024 under previous top Canadian Justin Trudeau.

Related: Canada Retaliates Against Two Major US Automakers

The move, according to The Wire China, a Boston-based outlet founded by former New York Times Shanghai correspondent David Barboza, could be announced at any moment.

That tariff was originally intended to align Canada with its Western partners and shield both domestic and US auto industries from what were described as state-subsidized imports. But time moves on, alliances shift, and so do economic priorities.

Reset or Risk?

According to Ottawa insiders, Carney wants to “reset” Canada’s relationship with Beijing as he heads to this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where he’s expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The outcome of that meeting could be a thawing of frosty trade ties and better access for Canadian exports while easing restrictions on Chinese EVs that are already proving irresistible in Europe.

“Relationships rebuild over time when they have been … when they have changed, when they’ve changed for the worse,” Carney said in comments reported by CBC. “And so we have a lot of areas on which we can build.”

If the 100 percent tariffs go, dropping import duty to the previous 6.1 percent, it would be a dramatic pivot that could reshape Canada’s electric vehicle market almost overnight.

Brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Zeekr could swoop in with wallet-friendly options that would make even the most patriotic Canadian EV buyer think twice before spending Tesla or Rivian money.

What Happens to the Home Team?

The move would also leave Washington, and President Trump, fuming. The US itself still maintains a tough stance on Chinese EV imports, despite the fallout causing misery for American farmers who can no longer sell soy beans to China.

But Carney’s government may see things differently. Canada’s EV adoption targets are ambitious despite a recent softening, and affordable models are in short supply.

More: Canada Retaliates Against Two Major US Automakers

Chinese automakers, with their cost-efficient tech and fast-evolving battery platforms, could provide the shot in the arm Canada’s market needs.

Still, domestic automakers and unions, who are already bruised and battered from Trump’s tariffs, won’t be thrilled. Expect plenty of fretting from Ontario’s manufacturing belt, where many already fear competing with low-cost imports.

BYD is preparing to make its move into one of Japan’s most tightly defined and popular vehicle segments with the Racco, a tiny EV that marks the brand’s first kei car. The pint-sized newcomer was introduced earlier today at the Japan Mobility Show as BYD’s first model designed exclusively for overseas markets.

At first glance, the Racco doesn’t stray far from established kei design cues, and that’s no surprise given the strict size and proportion rules governing the segment.

The windowline and fin-shaped pillars echo the previous-generation Mitsubishi ek Space, while the headlights and stance appear to draw inspiration from the Daihatsu Tanto.

More: Mitsubishi’s New Kei Van Channels Its Inner Pajero

The Racco features a short hood, upright windshield, sliding doors, flat sides, and a near-vertical rear end with almost no overhang. It has a C-shaped LED lighting signature on both ends, and rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, it comes fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels.

The model measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) long, in line with the narrow framework for kei cars.

Inside the four-seater cabin amenities include a digital cockpit with a small instrument cluster and a larger free-standing infotainment that is not usually found in the segment. We also expect a comprehensive ADAS suite and a heat pump for the A/C.

Powertrain Specs

BYD didn’t release the detailed specifications of the electric powertrain, but confirmed that the Racco will be front-wheel-drive. We also know it will be fitted with a “Blade” Lithium iron phosphate battery pack, available in two different capacities (short-range and long-range).

More: BYD’s Premium Z Sports Car Is Gunning Straight For Porsche’s Pride

According to reports, the 20 kWh battery will offer around 180 km (112 miles) of WLTC range although numbers remain unconfirmed. The EV is also expected to be compatible with fast charging of up to 100 kW. The floor-mounted battery will give it a lower center of gravity compared to ICE-powered kei cars, improving handling.

BYD plans to open pre-orders for the Racco in the summer of 2026, with sales commencing shortly after. Pricing is estimated to start at around ¥2.5 million ($16,500) before subsidies, positioning it squarely against the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV.

New LCV For Japan

Besides the kei car, BYD has also unveiled a new light commercial vehicle designed to comply with Japanese regulations that allow it to be driven with a standard driver’s license.

The BYD T35 features a cab-over design and will be available in box van and flatbed configurations. It with fitted with a fully electric powertrain generating up to 201 hp (150 kW / 203 PS) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. The Blade lithium iron phosphate battery is good for a WLTC range of 250 km (155 miles).

The flatbed version is exhibited with a mobile sauna stove and cold bath chiller, both using power from the battery. The market launch of the BYD T35 in Japan is scheduled for 2026.

BYD

Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.

German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.

Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.

What Could It look Like?

While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched

In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.

The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.

More: This Stellantis SUV Without An Infotainment Screen Has Everyone Confused

Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.

Fighting China with China

The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.

According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.

The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.

Sources: Automobilwoche

While some Land Cruiser fans are thrilled that Toyota has added a smaller, more affordable model to the lineup with the FJ, many in America were disappointed to learn the new version won’t be sold locally.

Looking through the photos released by Toyota, we couldn’t quite put a finger on what the Land Cruiser FJ reminded us of, aside from the obvious Hilux Champ it’s based on. Then it clicked, after we came across a GM-built model from China that’s now going global.

Read: Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser FJ Looks Retro Enough To Break Your Heart

The vehicle in question is sold in China as the Baojun Yep Plus and was developed through the GM–Wuling joint venture. It’s not a focused off-roader like the new FJ, nor is it powered by a traditional combustion engine, but rather by an electric powertrain.

Now, we’re not suggesting the FJ copied the Baojun Yep Plus, but it gives off a similar vibe, and to our eyes, it looks every bit as good, if not better, than Toyota’s baby FJ Cruiser.

From the side, the two share a similar silhouette, though the GM model is noticeably smaller at 157.3 inches (3,996 mm) long, 69.3 inches (1,760 mm) wide, and 68 inches (1,726 mm) tall, with a 100.8-inch (2,560 mm) wheelbase, compared with the Toyota’s 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) in length, 73 inches (1,855 mm) in width, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) in height, riding on a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase.

Technically, that makes it a baby version of the baby Land Cruiser FJ.

The Yep Plus has the same boxy proportions as the FJ, though its bumpers are smoother and more rounded since it’s not built for off-roading. It also forgoes the Toyota’s jagged wheel arch extensions, while the positioning of the headlights and taillights appears closely aligned.

That said, the FJ’s taillights sit quite high and jut slightly from the body, while the Baojun’s units are more neatly integrated into the rear fascia.

There’s no doubt that weaving retro cues into a new design, as GM and Wuling have done with the Yep Plus, helps it resonate with a wider audience. Toyota has taken a similar route with the FJ, giving it a retro-modern character that plenty of buyers would likely appreciate. It’s just a shame it won’t reach the United States.

Brazil Gets its own Baojun

In July, GM revealed that it would export the Yep Plus to Brazil, rebadging it as the Chevrolet Spark EUV. It will be sold as standard with a 42 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor with 101 hp and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, giving it 249 miles (401 km) of range on the CLTC cycle.

While we’re not convinced it would sell in big numbers if launched in the U.S. as an affordable EV, it could find success with a small, efficient combustion engine paired with a more rugged makeover featuring wider fenders and extra plastic cladding. What do you think?

2025 Chevrolet Spark EUV

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

While it might seem like Xiaomi can do no wrong with its much-hyped SU7 and YU7 electric models, the company has been nursing a legal headache since mid-year over one particularly controversial feature: the carbon fiber hood offered for the SU7 Ultra.

What began as a flashy performance upgrade has now turned into a courtroom lesson in customer trust.

Read: Chinese Super Sedan Owners Furious Over Fake Aero Ducts In $6K Aero Hood

Originally touted as a functional component with sizable air ducts designed to improve cooling, the hood turned out to be all show and no substance. Owners soon discovered that the vents had no effect on airflow, and their disappointment quickly became public.

Shortly after news broke about customer concerns, an owner took the Chinese brand to court, alleging it had engaged in false advertising.

They paid 42,000 yuan or $5,800 for the carbon fiber hood, but after removing it and disassembling the front end of the EV, they found its internal structure was virtually identical to the standard aluminum hood.

The Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu Province has upheld the original judgment ruling in favor of the SU7 Ultra owner, while also dismissing Xiaomi’s appeal.

The consumer electronics giant will now need to refund the 20,000 yuan ($2,800) deposit the owner made for the hood, pay 126,000 yuan ($17,640) in compensation, and cover 10,000 yuan ($1,400) in legal fees.

Other Lawsuits Could Follow

While these figures are just a drop in the bucket for a company like Xiaomi, it’ll no doubt be sweating the prospect of future payouts.

The case in question wasn’t a class action and involved just a single owner. It’s likely that following this judgment, other owners who shelled out for the expensive carbon fiber hood will also sue Xiaomi.

When the dispute first came to light, Xiaomi issued an apology, insisting the hood’s purpose was aesthetic rather than functional, meant to mirror the design of the record-setting SU7 Ultra Prototype.

To placate upset customers, it offered 20,000 Xiaomi reward points to each owner who purchased the hood, worth about 2,000 yuan, or roughly $280. Whether that modest gesture will be enough to prevent more legal action remains to be seen.

The auto industry has entered a new phase, one where old hierarchies no longer guarantee dominance. Long gone are the times when legacy automakers could dismiss emerging new rivals from China.

Read: GM Quietly Plots A Family Of Low-Cost EVs After New Bolt

Now, a company like General Motors knows it needs to move faster and think sharper to keep pace with China’s electric vehicle powerhouses. According to its president, that means building new models at a speed that would once have seemed impossible.

On average, a new model from a Chinese EV brand has a typical development cycle of between 22 and 28 months, far quicker than the 32–48-month average for western automakers. GM president Mark Reuss knows the speed of its new competitors is something they need to match.

How Fast Is Fast Enough?

“I would say we can learn a lot from the speed,” he told InsideEVs during a recent podcast. “I don’t think that copying each other and trying to price each other out of the market is necessarily a great thing.”

Reuss noted that Chinese brands often use the same base of suppliers and can quickly adopt innovations, helping to speed up development times. However, he acknowledged that it can be difficult for these carmakers to make money unless they also sell batteries.

“They benchmark the heck out of each other, and then they will copy it and put it into production, so it’s a very rapid cycle because of that,” he said. “There are a lot of companies that come and go, and they come and go often. Unless you’re selling batteries, it’s a pretty tough financial deal to make money over there.”

GM is far from the only car manufacturer that needs to speed up development times. Last month, Audi said it was going “China speed” with the development of the next-generation TT, aiming to launch it just 30 months after the project was approved

Less than two weeks later, BMW raised the stakes, claiming that even Chinese firms can’t match its momentum as it develops the Neue Klasse vehicles. The Bavarian company has pledged to roll out 40 new and updated models within the next two years, signaling again that the global race for speed in electric vehicle development is very much underway

Tech-brand-turned-car-maker Dreame has serious form for stealing iconic Western designs. First, it released renders of a luxury sedan that’s the twin of Bugatti’s Chiron. Then it followed up with an SUV that makes no attempt to hide its designers’ admiration for the Rolls‑Royce Cullinan.

So when a new SUV starts appearing on social media, looking every bit like Bentley’s luxury model but isn’t, you’ll forgive us for suspecting the same gang is responsible.

More: Dreame’s Bugatti Rip-Off Debuts In 2027 With EV And Range Extender Options

After all, their CEO did say they were developing a second luxury brand following the one modeled after Bugatti, this time aiming to take on Bentley and Rolls-Royce with comparable models. And we’re not the only ones who think so, as all major Chinese outlets and plenty of commentators also suspect Dreame is behind it.

The images circulating on Chinese social media show an SUV with a tall, upright roofline, a deep chrome surround that mimics the Bentayga’s signature grille but with subtle tweaks, and side windows that match the proportions of a Bentley almost exactly.

The front end is slightly squarer and the roofline more boxy, and sure, there are no Bentley badges, but this is IP theft, plain and simple.

Before the Cullinan renders appeared, we’d already reported that Dreame had been benchmarking both Bentley and Rolls-Royce models in preparation for the launch of its car division. If the mystery SUV is truly Dreame’s, the timing makes sense.

The company is trying to jump into the luxury-EV realm by 2027 and plans to open a new production facility in Berlin, allegedly right next door to Tesla’s Gigafactory.

Electric with Range-Extender Options

The fake Cullinan is confirmed to have a 100 kWh battery, four electric motors, and an optional range-extender petrol engine. Rear passengers are treated to a pair of aircraft-style reclining chairs with up to 1.2 meters (47 inches) of legroom, something made possible by the long 3.2-meter (126 inches) wheelbase.

Some commenters on the posts where this mysterious SUV started circulating have suggested the pictures could be AI-generated. Considering how far the technology has come, now capable of producing everything from hyper-realistic cars to videos of SpongeBob being pulled over by police, it’s not hard to see why.

Related: Dreame’s Cullinan SUV Clone Might Be Rolls-Royce’s Worst Nightmare

However, after taking a closer look, we see no evidence of that and we’re inclined to believe these images are entirely real, even if we’re still waiting for confirmation of which company is responsible.

Is this a copycat step too far, or did the designers of this Bentley wannabe manage to create a better-looking Bentayga? Drop a comment below and let us know.

If their slick tech features have convinced you that Chinese cars are finally a match for Western rivals, Euro NCAP’s latest test results might make you think again. While some Chinese cars really are as good as the competition, one new small Asian EV has just flunked an important European crash test that its rivals all aced.

More: Your Next Car Might Not Be As Safe As It Could Have Been

The car in question is Dongfeng’s Nammi Box, a small hatchback that’s broadly equivalent to a Renault 5 or BYD Dolphin. But while those cars were awarded four and five stars respectively after being run through Euro NCAP’s crash test mill, the Box scored just three stars.

Safety Reality Check

Multiple spot-welds failed during the offset front impact test, increasing the risk of deformation around the cabin and reducing protection for occupants, the safety organization reported.

The test, which is performed at 31 mph (50 kmh) and with a 50 percent overlap against a deformable barrier on an oncoming 3,090 lbs (1,400 kg) sled, also traveling at 31 mph, is designed to replicate the kind of collision that is responsible for the most road deaths and serious injuries.

And a compromised body structure wasn’t the only black mark against the Box. Insufficient pressure in the steering wheel airbag meant the driver’s head still managed to make contact with the wheel.

Design Flaws Under Pressure

Just as worrying, the doors failed to automatically unlock, which could prevent first responders from helping injured passengers.

Euro NCAP additionally criticized China’s state-owned Dongfeng for not providing any kind of safety aid to prevent front seat passengers from bashing into each other in a side impact collision.

Summing up, the testers awarded the Box just 69 percent for adult occupant protection and 67 percent for vulnerable road user protection, numbers that place it well below most modern small EVs on sale in Europe.

“The Dongfeng BOX doesn’t match the safety performance of other small EVs tested by Euro NCAP,” said the organization in a statement. “It was a concern that the spot welds were compromised during our tests and could be further compromised in higher-speed accidents. Such a failure must be addressed to match competitor vehicles in what’s a fast-growing part of the EV market,” it added.

Euro NCAP

In Dongfeng’s defense, it wasn’t the only small hatchback to receive a feeble three-star rating. So did VW’s ancient T-Cross crossover, which is a bit of an outlier. Other VW Group products like the Audi Q3, Skoda Octavia, and VW Golf all achieved a maximum five-star rating.

As did China’s Chery Tiggo 7 and 8. The SUVs were marked down in a previous test for a problem with their rear curtain airbags, but Chery then redesigned the system.

It performed as planned during the re-test, earning Chery five stars, reminding us that there’s still a big safety difference between the best and worst-performing Chinese cars.

Euro NCAP/Dongfeng

It’s not just Tesla under fire for how its electronic door handles respond after a crash, fire, or even a total power loss. In the early hours of Monday morning, a Xiaomi SU7 in China crashed and erupted in flames, and despite frantic attempts by bystanders to open the door and free the driver, the 31-year-old at the wheel did not survive.

Chinese media reported that the black SU7 crashed at around 3:15 a.m. The driver of the Xiaomi is said to have lost control, spinning into a wide median strip lined with shrubs and plants before coming to rest on the opposite side of the road in Chengdu. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames.

Watch: Xiaomi Blames iPhone For EV Taking Off On Its Own

Video captured from the scene showed several men frantically attempting to smash the driver’s window while trying in vain to open the driver’s door. One of the men was repeatedly punching the window, while another can be seen trying to kick it out.

They were soon forced to retreat as the flames spread, waiting for firefighters to arrive. Although the crews managed to extinguish the blaze, they were unable to save the driver.

Early reports suggest the 31-year-old may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

Questions Over Safety Systems

The Xiaomi SU7 features simpler pull-type exterior door handles compared to some other EVs. As with most modern vehicles, the doors are designed to automatically unlock when an accident is detected or airbags are deployed.

For reasons yet unclear, that system appears to have failed in this case. The car is equipped with a manual release inside the cabin.

Xiaomi Shares Take a Hit

News of the incident spread quickly, amplified by images and videos of the burning SU7 circulating on Chinese social media, sending Xiaomi’s stock tumbling by as much as 8.7 percent, its sharpest one-day drop since April. Shares eventually closed 5.24 percent lower, erasing billions from the company’s valuation.

More: China Might Kill Electric Flush Door Handles With These New Rules

In April, three individuals were killed after a Xiaomi SU7 crashed in China’s eastern Anhui province. It has been claimed that the two individuals in the front seats were unable to open the doors as they immediately locked after the crash. An individual was pulled from the rear after an eyewitness smashed out one of the windows, but they died from their injuries.

The incident adds to mounting scrutiny over electronic and semi-electronic door mechanisms in China. Regulators are considering restrictions on such designs amid broader safety concerns, while U.S. authorities continue to probe similar failures in Tesla models.

Xiaomi shares plunged nearly 9% after a fatal crash involving its SU7 electric car, Bloomberg reports

According to the outlet, a 31-year-old driver in China collided with another vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and the car caught fire. Witnesses tried to pull the man… pic.twitter.com/yPQ70FoKXN

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 13, 2025

China isn’t pleased about the 100 percent tariffs that Canada imposed on its imports, including electric vehicles, in October last year. Seeking to persuade Ottawa to reconsider, Beijing has offered to lift its own retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods.

Even so, Canada’s automotive parts industry head has cautioned against easing the restrictions, warning that doing so could open the door for low-cost Chinese EVs to flood the market.

Trade Tensions at Full Charge

When the tariffs were first introduced, Canada described them as measures to safeguard national security and defend domestic manufacturing. Officials also argued that China’s electric vehicle industry benefited from unfair state subsidies.

Beijing’s reaction was swift. The People’s Republic struck back with tariffs on Canadian agriculture, imposing a 100 percent rate on canola oil and meat, along with a 75.8 percent duty on canola seed.

Read: Canada Might Let Chinese EVs In And The Reason Has Nothing To Do With Cars

According to Chinese ambassador Wang Di, Beijing is ready to roll back the tariff measures if Canada does the same.

“If Canada removes the unilateral unjustified tariffs on Chinese products, China will also reciprocate accordingly,” he said, “and if the EV tariffs are removed, then China will also remove the tariffs on the relevant products of Canada.”

The Canadian government says it is conducting an informal review of its tariffs on Chinese EVs, CTV News reports. It adds that since the trade dispute started, exports from Saskatchewan dropped 76 percent in August from the year prior.

Both the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have called for tariffs to be lowered to protect the local canola industries.

A Divided Response

Still, Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, has pushed back against any move to abandon the tariffs on Chinese EVs.

“I am reminding (the premiers) publicly, that if Canada is in a trade war with a country, then the response has to be a Canadian response,” he told CTV.

“These Chinese EVs are not made for profit, they are subsidized. We’re in the middle of a game, and the only thing that changed… was the Chinese ambassador said, ‘If you do this, we’ll give you that.’ And last time I checked, the Chinese ambassador was sent from Beijing, not from Ottawa.”

Sources: CTV News

In an aerial view, a container ship arrives at the Port of Oakland on Aug. 1, 2025 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump threatened to add a 100% tariff rate on Chinese goods Friday, saying in a social media post he was responding to export controls from the world’s second-largest economy.

“China has taken an extraordinarily aggressive position on Trade in sending an extremely hostile letter to the World, stating that they were going to, effective November 1st, 2025, impose large scale Export Control on virtually every product they make, and some not even made by them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The United States would respond with the 100% tariff on Chinese goods, also starting Nov. 1, he said. The tariffs would be stacked onto existing tariffs his administration has imposed on the country, he said.

Trump added that he would impose his own export controls “on any and all critical software.”

“It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is History,” he wrote.

Trump left open the possibility of scrapping or adjusting the additional tariffs before November, saying in the Oval Office late Friday that “We’re gonna have to see what happens.”

“That’s why I made it Nov. 1,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”

He told reporters he has not canceled a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at an international economic conference in South Korea this week, but raised some doubt that the meeting would take place.

“I don’t know that we’re going to have it,” he said. “But I’m going to be there regardless, so I would assume we might have it.”

Tariffs a main part of Trump policy

Trump has used tariffs, taxes paid by the importer of foreign goods, as the central tool of his trade policy, applying broad tariffs on U.S. allies and adversaries alike, with a particular focus on China.

The two countries imposed escalating trade barriers on one another since Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs in early April. The U.S. tariff rate for Chinese goods peaked at 145% before the two sides negotiated an end to the trade war. 

Chinese goods still see a base tariff rate of 30%.

Trump invoked emergency authority to raise tariffs on China, arguing that the tariffs were a putative measure for China’s inability to control fentanyl supplies flowing into the U.S., but federal courts are still deciding the legality of that move.

Update: Leapmotor has pulled the wraps off its newest flagship, the D19 SUV, releasing images and preliminary specifications ahead of its market debut next year. We’ve gathered all official details and photos below.

Leapmotor, the Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, continues to expand its lineup into new segments. Fresh off the debut of the B05 / Lafa 5 hatchback at the Munich motor show last month, the company has introduced a new flagship SUV.

Named the D19, this full-size model is set to go on sale in China during the first half of 2026, promising premium comfort and advanced technology at a price designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Big SUV Energy

The styling of the new model is modern yet somewhat generic, its proportions aligning with other full-size electric SUVs from China such as the Li Auto L9, Dongfeng Yipai 008, Chery Fulwin T11, GAC Trumpchi S9, Zeekr 9X, Nio Onvo L90, and Geely Galaxy M9.

That isn’t necessarily a drawback. Buyers in this segment usually care less about making a design statement and more about space, comfort, and the kind of quiet authority a big SUV delivers.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

One of the most distinctive design elements is the thick chrome trim that wraps around the side windows and obscures the D-pillar, giving it a Rolls-Royce Cullinan meets Mercedes-Maybach GLS vibe. Leapmotor has also added a unique lighting signature for the split headlights and full-width taillights.

The D19 also also features chrome-finished disc wheels that further echo styling cues from Rolls-Royce and Maybach. Measuring 5.2 meters (204.7 inches) long with a generous 3.1 m (122 inches) wheelbase, the SUV is roughly the same size as a BMW X7 or a Mercedes GLS.

We haven’t seen the interior yet, but it’s expected to feature an advanced digital cockpit with a dedicated passenger display, along with high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The D19 will run on dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chipsets, one handling infotainment, the other powering the sophisticated ADAS suite.

Another unusual feature is the built-in oxygen generator, capable of producing 8 liters per minute. The company says it keeps the air clean and breathable in traffic or at altitude, which at best feels like an acknowledgment of how bad urban air has become, and at worst, a gimmick.

Powertrain Options

In terms of powertrain options, the D19 will be offered in both fully electric and range-extender forms. The battery-electric version generates 724 hp (540 kW / 734 PS) with a massive 115 kWh battery offering 720 km (447 miles) of CLTC range.

The hybrid combines dual electric motors with a range-extender combustion engine producing a total of 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS). The 80.3 kWh battery offers 500 km (311 miles) of EV-only range, hinting at a really impressive combined figure between charging and refueling stops.

How Much Will It Cost?

Perhaps most noteworthy detail is pricing. Leapmotor has indicated a starting price between ¥250,000 and ¥300,000, which converts to around $35,000 to $42,000. And yes, that figure sounds like a bargain for anyone trying to buy a car in the West these days.

In fact, that’s roughly what you’d pay for a hybrid Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V here in the States, or, worse still, a mid-level Toyota Yaris Cross if you happen to live in Germany. And that’s not even getting into the more painful pricing realities in other parts of Europe.

Even so, you might be surprised to learn that the D19 won’t be the cheapest in its class. The Geely Galaxy M9 undercuts it with a current starting price of ¥173,800 ($24,400), thanks to discounts.

A Growing Lineup And A Production Milestone

Naturally, the D19 will sit above the T03, B01, B10, C01, C10, C11, and C16, making it the new range-topper in Leapmotor’s domestic lineup. Spy shots have also hinted at a flagship minivan currently in development, which may share the same platform as the large SUV.

More: China’s Trumpchi S9 Is Here To Make Luxury SUVs Great Again For The People

On September 25, Leapmotor announced that its one millionth vehicle had rolled off the production line. The automaker reaffirmed its commitment to “fully in-house R&D” and its goal of becoming a “respected, world-class smart electric vehicle company.”

Leapmotor

A video of a Xiaomi SU7 sedan seemingly taking itself for a spin went viral over the weekend in China, sparking safety concerns. The internet was quick to imagine hacked cars and rogue AI, but Xiaomi quickly shut down the drama, claiming that the mysterious drive was simply triggered by a remote command from the owner’s Apple iPhone.

More: Xiaomi Boss Admits They Bought Teslas And Tore Them Down To Learn Every Secret

The incident took place on September 30, when the owner, identified as Li Xiaoshuang, parked his light blue SU7 outside a store in the city of Weihai. Minutes later, while he was inside the shop with a woman, the car began to creep forward with no one behind the wheel. Realizing what was happening, Li rushed outside and sprinted after his runaway EV.

A Confusing Start

After sharing the surveillance footage, the owner contacted Xiaomi’s customer service to report the car’s strange behavior. The representative informed him that the EV had received a remote command from a device labeled “iPhone 16.2.” The owner, however, insisted he hadn’t touched his phone nor did he own an iPhone 16 and provided the video as proof.

The mix-up was later clarified when engineers confirmed that “16.2” wasn’t referring to a newer iPhone model at all, but to the internal identifier Apple assigns to the owner’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. Likewise, an iPhone 16 Pro also linked to the vehicle, belonging to the woman seen in the video, appeared under the code “17.1.”

Technical Verification

After reviewing the EV’s data logs and the smartphones’ activity records, Xiaomi engineers confirmed that the car had, in fact, received a valid remote parking command from the owner’s iPhone at that exact moment. The company also verified that every system operated correctly.

More: China Recalling Over A Third Of All Xiaomi SU7s After Deadly Crash

The company issued a formal apology for the misunderstanding and thanked the owner for cooperating in the investigation. They also emphasized that all vehicle systems operated as intended. The owner eventually acknowledged Xiaomi’s findings after witnessing the data verification himself, and urged others to stop spreading false claims about software bugs or hacks.

Accidental Commands, Real Consequences

So what could have triggered the remote parking command without the owner realizing it? The most likely explanation is that the feature was unintentionally activated through the iPhone app or its voice assistant.

Still, the idea that a simple tap or phrase can send a two-ton machine rolling on its own should give manufacturers pause. As cars become more like smartphones on wheels, it might be time for automakers to impose tighter safeguards on how these systems talk to each other, rather than assuming every “smart” feature is foolproof.

Below you’ll find the official statements from both Xiaomi and the owner.

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Xiaomi’s Official Statement

Regarding the recent online video of a Xiaomi car suddenly driving away, we attach great importance to this incident and immediately established a special task force to investigate and collaborate with the user to verify the situation.

Both parties verified the user’s authorized mobile app operation logs and vehicle data, reaching a consensus: “The vehicle’s backend data matches the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s operation logs, response times, and vehicle exit commands, ruling out any vehicle quality issues.”

During the investigation, with the user’s consent, we obtained vehicle backend data and operation logs from two phones with vehicle control permissions: the female owner’s iPhone 16 Pro and the male owner’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, with corresponding device model identifiers of iPhone 17.1 and iPhone 16.2, respectively.

The vehicle’s backend data shows that during the time window described by the user, the vehicle received a parking assist command from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which activated the parking assist feature (activation requires the vehicle to be within close range of the phone’s Bluetooth connection) and initiated the exit.

When contacting online customer service regarding the user’s feedback, they stated that the parking assist command originated from an iPhone 16. We have verified that our online customer service representative confused the device model identifier (iPhone 16,2) with the corresponding device model (iPhone 15 Pro Max) during communication with the user, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. We apologize for this and will continue to improve our service efforts.

Xiaomi Auto always prioritizes user safety and user experience. Thank you for your attention and support.

Owner’s Response:

I am the owner of the vehicle in question. The above information is true. The Xiaomi Auto team has verified the data with me in person and confirmed it is correct. Thank you for your professionalism and service. Please refrain from spreading rumors. Thank you.

Sources: Weibo, Xiaomi

While Audi has steadily built up its electric range, none of its current EVs have really made a breakthrough in Western markets, aside from the occasional seasonal bright spot. In China, though, the brand may have finally found its moment. The new AUDI E5 Sportback pulled in over 10,000 pre-orders within just half an hour after its debut.

A key reason for its popularity? The kind of price tag you’d expect of a Toyota, not a premium German EV.

Bargain With Big Numbers

In China, the AUDI E5 starts at just 235,900 yuan, which is the equivalent of $33,100 or €28,211 at current exchange rates. That’s a heck of a deal for a luxury car that includes a 76 kWh battery pack, a 295 hp rear motor, and has a claimed range of 384 miles (618 km) under local testing standards.

The upper trims go much further, offering up to 776 hp, while buyers also get a wraparound digital cockpit, and software tailored specifically to Chinese buyers. The interior mixes Alcantara with leather, while the tech list is stacked with features usually reserved for higher-end models.

To put that in perspective, Audi’s least expensive crossover in Germany is the Q2, a sub-compact that begins at €29,000 ($34,000 or 242,500 yuan) for the entry-level 116 hp 3-cylinder TFSI, a price that includes Germany’s value-added tax, or standard sales tax.

More: Audi Launches New AUDI Brand Without Four-Ring Logo In China

Unlike Audi models sold elsewhere, the E5 is exclusive to China and even carries a new badge. Instead of the traditional four rings, the grille simply reads “AUDI,” a deliberate break from tradition designed to appeal to younger, tech-oriented buyers.

Speaking to Germany’s N-TV, industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer described the move as “clever positioning” and a “liberating step,” arguing that the traditional rings carried too much baggage from the past.

Why It Costs So Little

While it might be tempting to chalk up the low sticker price to cheaper wages in China, labor costs account for only around ten percent of total vehicle costs, according to the CAR Institute, N-TV reports.

A slew of other important factors come into play that help AUDI keep the E5 so affordable by Western standards. Battery costs in China are lower, energy is much cheaper, and local production operates with far greater efficiency. On top of that, Germany levies a 19 percent sales tax (VAT), while China applies just 10 percent for regular cars and in some cases zero percent for EVs, depending on price and incentives.

Perhaps most telling, though, is that manufacturers there are willing to operate with margins far slimmer than what German brands typically tolerate. That’s something we rarely, if ever, see in the West. Were a vehicle like the E5 to be produced and sold in Europe, it’d likely cost twice as much, if not more.

Storm Clouds At Home

Back in Germany, the contrast could not be starker. The industry’s struggles are well known, with Audi planning to cut around 7,500 jobs by 2029, Mercedes deep in restructuring, and Porsche rolling back its EV plans. BMW has fared a little better, yet it too has shed thousands of temporary positions.

According to a recent study by EY, Germany’s automotive industry lost more than 50,000 jobs last year, erasing roughly seven percent of its workforce. Compared with pre-COVID levels, the sector employs 112,000 fewer people today. No other domestic industry has suffered losses on this scale.

Future Written In Asia

Against this backdrop, Dudenhöffer argued that Audi’s decision to launch a separate brand in China was both brave and instructive. “Competitors BMW and Mercedes are now under pressure,” he said. “If the price difference becomes too large, customers will switch to Audi.”

He also issued a more general warning. “If the price collapse from China reaches Europe and Chinese models take over here, the Germans need a response,” he said.

“If we don’t learn to build cars that interest customers – with the right price and the right costs – Germany has a problem. We can watch China and say: We won’t get involved in this shameless price war. Or we can say: We need a China strategy.”

Dudenhöffer added that the future of the industry will not be decided in Europe but in Asia. “The vehicles must be built for the customers, not for the employees,” he cautioned. “Without a China strategy, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are finished globally. And without a China strategy, Germany will also lose its status as an automotive nation.”

John Halas contributed to this story.

Following its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show, Ford has opened orders for the new Bronco Smart Horse / Basecamp, the third model in its Bronco family developed exclusively for China. While that’s not too interesting, the company is sweetening the deal by giving early customers a free ‘one-click roof-lift camping package.’

More: Ford Shows Off Wild Bronco With No Roof, No Doors, And Nothing To Lose

Despite sounding like a pop-up tent, it’s simply a panoramic glass roof that tilts 14.2 inches (360 mm) skyward to provide more headroom above the second-row. This promises to be more comfortable than it sounds as the front seats fold down and have headrests that lower at the push of a button.

Customers can also fold the second-row seats down and apparently cover both rows with a Bronco-branded inflatable mattress.

Tailgate Tricks

The camping theme continues at the rear, where the Basecamp features what Ford calls a “mountain kitchen” on the tailgate. It includes a fold-down table as well as a magnetic strip for holding knives and silverware. There’s also a drinks holder as well as an integrated bottle opener.

While this sounds a little odd, Ford refers to the Basecamp as their “first all-terrain camping SUV.” The company also noted customers can get ¥12,000 ($1,685) worth of free equipment by placing a ¥1,000 ($140) deposit on the vehicle.

Power in Two Flavors

Ford hasn’t said much about the Bronco Basecamp, but the fully electric variant has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 445 hp (332 kW / 451 PS). It’s powered by a 105.4 kWh battery pack, which delivers 404 miles (650 km) of range.

Customers can also opt for an extended-range variant, which has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and a 43.7kWh battery pack. This version has 416 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and an electric-only range of 137 miles (220 km). However, the ICE engine extends the overall range to 758 miles (1,220 km) in the CLTC cycle.

Size Matters

The new SUV rides on a 116.1-inch (2,950 mm) wheelbase, the same as the full-size four-door Bronco in the US and far longer than the 105.1 inches (2,670 mm) of the Bronco Sport. Overall length also stretches to 197.8 inches (5,025 mm), making it larger than both the Bronco at 189.4 inches (4,810 mm) and the Bronco Sport at 173.4 inches (4,400 mm).

For now, Ford has made it clear that the electrified Bronco Basecamp is destined solely for China, with no plans to bring the model to North America.

Xiaomi’s rise to become one of China’s most popular car brands has been meteoric, due in large part to it already being a massive and hugely popular consumer electronics brand. Their SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV have already been proven to be very competitive, albeit with a few teething issues. Even so, Xiaomi’s leadership has been open about one thing in particular: the importance of learning directly from rivals like Tesla.

Read: Xiaomi’s Massive Waitlist Has CEO Suggesting Tesla to Frustrated Buyers

While recently speaking at an event in China, Xiaomi chief executive Lei Jun shared that earlier this year, the company purchased three Tesla Model Ys and proceeded to disassemble them and study every single component. It’s safe to assume Xiaomi likely carried out a similar exercise with the Model 3 when developing its first car, the SU7.

Borrowing From a Playbook

To be fair, this is hardly a unique approach to Xiaomi. Across the auto industry and beyond, tearing down competitors’ products is a long-standing method of benchmarking. Electronics firms routinely dissect smartphones and processors, while carmakers buy rivals’ vehicles, dismantle them to the last nut and bolt, and scrutinize everything from materials and software to production techniques.

Even Ferrari has been drawn into similar speculation after a Xiaomi SU7 was recently spotted leaving the marque’s Maranello headquarters, prompting suggestions it could have been benchmarked against the brand’s first dedicated electric model.

Learning by Taking Apart

“We bought 3 Model Ys at the start of this year, disassembling the parts one by one, and studied every component, one at a time,” Lei told the crowd, according to Business Insider.

Throughout the presentation at the Beijing National Convention Center, Jun was complimentary of the Tesla Model Y, and showed a side-by-side comparison of the Tesla and the new YU7. Unlike many other industry CEOs, Xiaomi’s boss isn’t claiming that its latest model will wipe the floor with Elon Musk’s best-seller.

During the event, Lei told attendees, “if you don’t choose YU7, you can consider Model Y. I’m not criticizing the Model Y,” he added. “The Model Y is a very, very outstanding car.”

Too Much Demand, Not Enough Supply

Just last month, Lei took to social media to encourage those in the market for a new EV to look beyond Xiaomi and the YU7 as the technology giant wrestles with a massive backlog of orders. Indeed, within 18 hours of the YU7’s launch, Xiaomi had received roughly 240,000 orders, and some shoppers have been told they’ll need to wait over a year to take delivery.

Faced with this backlog, Lei took to social media to encourage shoppers to consider alternatives rather than sit idle in the queue. Among his suggestions were the Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and, once again, Tesla’s Model Y.

Overseas buyers of Chinese electric cars may soon see tighter oversight of how these vehicles reach foreign markets. On Friday, Beijing confirmed it will introduce export controls on pure electric passenger cars, a move said to be driven by concerns at home over intense price competition and by global complaints abroad about a surge of cheap cars.

The government also wants stricter rules to guarantee proper after-sales support, meaning exporters will face greater scrutiny in the coming months and years.

The new licensing rules are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. From that date, the Commerce Ministry has confirmed that automakers and other authorized companies will need to apply for export licenses, much like the system already in place for hybrid and combustion-powered vehicles built in China and sold abroad. Officials are said to have grown increasingly frustrated with unauthorized exports sending cars overseas without the necessary after-sales support.

Read: Locked Out Of The US, Chinese Carmakers Are Taking Over The Middle East, Latin America, Africa And Asia

As reported by CBT News, poor service and missing support networks can leave customers stranded and undermine a brand’s reputation. The situation has also intensified price battles in several foreign markets, creating instability for local manufacturers.

According to the director of policy research at the China Automotive Technology Research Center Wu Songquan, it’s important for Chinese car brands to follow the lead of legacy carmakers and to standardize export processes and boost quality. It’s hoped this will build more long-term trust in vehicles exported from China elsewhere.

Exporting Powerhouse

The timing of these new measures is no accident. The move comes shortly after China officially established itself as the world’s largest car exporter, even surpassing Japan. And its growth shows no signs of stopping, as noted by the South China Morning Post.

The secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, Cui Dongshu, believes that within five years the country could be exporting as many as 10 million vehicles to overseas markets annually. In China itself, local brands could be selling 30 million vehicles per year thanks to the nation’s huge population.

Massive Room To Grow

“There is still vast potential for market expansion in China’s less developed regions, such as mid-western districts and rural areas, where car ownership levels could gradually surpass those in metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai,” Cui noted.

For perspective, China currently has about one car per 1,000 people, a figure that underscores just how much space remains for growth. The contrast is stark when compared with Europe, where in 2020 there were 641 vehicles per 1,000 people, or the United States, where the number has been as high as 860.

Anyone shopping for an affordable new car in the United States might do a double take at Mazda’s latest announcement in China. The EZ-60, a midsize SUV offered with both pure electric and range-extended hybrid power, is priced at a level that makes it look like a bargain compared to even an entry-level Nissan Versa.

Announced earlier this year, the EZ-60 has been brought to life through Mazda’s joint venture partnership with Changan and will be sold overseas, where it will wear the CX-6e badge. In China, the Japanese automaker has confirmed it will have a starting price of just 119,900 yuan, or the equivalent of just $16,800, for the Base range-extender model.

Read: Mazda’s New Pure Electric SUV Has Spilled Its Secrets

Buyers wanting more can opt for the range-extended model in Pro and Max guise, starting at 129,900 yuan ($18,200) and 138,900 yuan ($19,500) respectively. Power comes from a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that works solely as a generator to feed the 31.7 kWh battery, which in turn powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 255 hp.

The all-electric lineup mirrors the same three trims. Pricing starts at 139,900 yuan ($19,600) for the Base EV, stepping up to 149,900 yuan ($21,000) for the Pro and topping out at 160,900 yuan ($22,600) for the Max.

EV Tech

Like the hybrid-assisted version, the pure EV uses a 255 hp motor driving the rear axle. Instead of a gasoline generator, it carries a 77.94 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that, according to Mazda, can deliver up to 600 km (373 miles) of range under the CLTC cycle.

While the exterior of the EZ-60 share some design cues with other Mazda models, the interior is unlike any of the brand’s cars sold in the West and sports a huge 26.5-inch 5K display doubling as the central infotainment screen, as well as a display for the passenger. There’s also a 100-inch augmented reality head-up display and cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors.

More: Mazda EZ-6 Electric Sedan With 808-Mile Range Extender Starts At $19,600 In China

Mazda has confirmed the EZ-60 will be exported to select global markets, including Europe where it will carry the CX-6e nameplate. Buyers in the United States, however, will have to admire it from afar, as there are no plans to offer it stateside. The SUV is Mazda’s second EV to be offered in China following the EZ-6 mid-size sedan launched late last year.