The Best Chinese Electric SUV

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Imagine stepping into an electric SUV that's not only quiet and clean, but so sophisticated that every ride feels like relaxation. No worries about sound, no worries about range, just trust you'll arrive in style. Chinese brands are working hard to achieve exactly that, and there are some models that go that extra mile.

In this article, we take a look at five notable Chinese electric SUVs: the XPeng G9, BYD Tang, Nio EL8, Xiaomi YU7, and Zeekr 7X. We'll dive into the things you really notice: seating comfort and interior quality, how far you get on a battery charge, handling on all kinds of roads, and how it drives when you hold the wheel. Will the XPeng G9 be your new companion for long rides? Or does your heart opt for something else, maybe a long-range BYD Tang or one with extra luxury? Let's find out which of these Chinese EVs best suits your balance between comfort, range and driving pleasure.

XPeng G9

You walk out and there it is: the XPeng G9. At a glance, you can see that this is not a standard electric SUV, but a car that looks mature and fits easily between European brands in terms of appearance. Clean lines, a strong stance and a design that inspires confidence, the G9 exudes class. It's just a shame that, despite its generous size, a third row of seats is missing. For such a large SUV, you would actually expect it.

Once you step in, you immediately notice the peace and sophistication of the interior. The seats are wide and comfortable, with enough support to make it through long rides in a relaxed way. The finish feels solid and high-quality, with materials that not only look good, but also feel good. The interior exudes luxury, without being overstated, exactly the balance you hope to find in an everyday car.

In terms of technology, the G9 impresses. The range is more than 502 to 585 km to take long trips without worries, and thanks to fast charging options, you'll be back on the road faster than many competitors along the way. This gives freedom, especially for those who are often on the road. On the road, the SUV feels stable and familiar. The chassis is sturdy enough to drive dynamically, but at the same time offers comfort on long sections of the highway. The steering is exactly what you'd expect from an adult SUV: predictable, solid and with plenty of feel. And then the design here, XPeng has clearly looked at what appeals to European riders. The whole thing looks modern and sleek, without being overly futuristic. However, there is a small disadvantage to the overall picture. For such an impressive SUV, you only have a limited range of exterior colors to choose from, and the tints that are available aren't exactly the dream colors you'd expect from a big, stately car.

The XPeng G9 is an adult SUV with European design, great comfort and a high-quality finish. It offers a strong combination of range, handling and luxury. Too bad that with a car of this size, you don't have the option for seven seats, and that the color choice is rather limited and disappointing.

Xpeng G9

Comfortable and mature interior
High-quality interior finish
Good driving experience with stable road holding
European design influences, but no 7-seater option
Limited exterior colors

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BYD Tang

You see it standing there and you think: this is a large SUV built for families and long trips with many passengers. The BYD Tang is spacious, practical and most importantly equipped with seven seats. This gives him an immediate advantage over competitors such as the XPeng G9, which, despite its size, does not offer a third row of seats. So for those who are really looking for a car that fits the whole family plus luggage, the Tang scores points immediately.

When you step in, the comfort is immediately noticeable. The seats are wide and sturdy, with sufficient support for long journeys. The interior feels neat and solid, with a modern look and materials that suit this class. Everything is spacious, so you never feel like you're cramped, even with multiple passengers in the back. The quality of the finish is excellent, although it lacks just that touch of sophistication you might expect from a car in this segment.

In terms of performance and technology, the Tang stands its ground. The range is sufficient for daily use and long trips (414 to 530 km), and thanks to a good battery pack, you don't have to constantly look at the charging station. On the road, it feels stable and safe, although you notice that this is more of a comfortable mileage than a dynamic driver's car. The chassis filters out imperfections well and ensures peace in the cabin, but don't expect sporty sharpness in the steering feel.

And then the design here may be the biggest disappointment. For a car designed under the direction of Wolfgang Egger, the ex-Alfa Romeo top designer who has masterpieces like the 8C and 166 to his name, the Tang feels a bit average. The lines are clean and the proportions are right, but it lacks the passion and flair you'd expect from an SUV with such a pedigree. Finally, we encounter the same disadvantage as with the XPeng G9: the choice of colors. Only three exterior colors are available, and that's simply not enough for a car of this size and caliber. It makes the Tang just a little less personal, especially for those who like to give their SUV its own character.

The BYD Tang is a spacious and practical SUV with the big plus of seven seats, a decent range and great comfort for all occupants. But the design is remarkably ordinary, especially considering Wolfgang Egger's name behind it, and the limited choice of colors makes the whole thing less exciting than it could be.

BYD Tang

7-seater option, practical for families
Comfortable interior, but design not special
Decent handling and driving comfort
Spacious and uncluttered interior
Only 3 exterior colors available

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NIO EL8

The NIO EL8 is a large electric SUV that immediately evokes a sense of security and solidity. Everything about this car is designed to be comfortable and predictable, without any crazy frills or bold choices. That makes it a reliable option for those just looking for a spacious and modern EV, but at the same time, it means that it lacks some character.

When you step in, you'll immediately experience the peace and space that the EL8 offers. The seats are comfortable, with sufficient support for long journeys, and the interior layout is clear. Everything feels neat and well finished, but nothing really stands out that makes you think: wow, this is special. It's solid and functional, exactly what you'd expect, but nothing more than that.

The EL8's range is more than enough to cover daily trips and longer trips without worries, 390 to 510 km. Thanks to its electric drive, it is quiet, smooth and predictable on the road. The road holding feels safe and balanced: no dynamic surprise, but the peace that many drivers appreciate. This is an SUV that takes you from A to B without excitement, a comfortable cruiser rather than a car that seduces you with sporty flair. A big plus is the layout options: the NIO EL8 is also available with six very luxurious seats, making it attractive for families or business drivers who value comfort for all passengers. In doing so, he offers something extra that some competitors miss.

However, the design of the EL8 feels very secure. The lines are clean and modern, but also predictable and slightly anonymous. You're missing that bit of guts or flair that would give this big SUV a distinctive face. And here again, the same pain point as with the XPeng G9 and BYD Tang: the choice of color. With only five exterior colors, the choice is too limited, and the tints that exist don't immediately make the car more exciting. For a premium SUV, that's really not enough.

The NIO EL8 is a spacious, sturdy and comfortable electric SUV, with a neat finish and the plus of six luxury seats. But both in terms of design and interior, there is no real emotion or surprise, and the limited choice of colors makes it difficult to really personalize it to your own taste. A safe choice in every way.

NIO EL8

Neat interior, safe and reliable design
Possibility for 6 luxury seats
Stable handling and comfortable handling
Functional and uncluttered interior
Only 5 exterior colors available

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See all NIO EL8 ->

Xiaomi YU7

The Xiaomi YU7 is no ordinary SUV, this is a super SUV that takes performance to a whole other level. With an impressive 1,527 hp and fully electric drive, this is a car that is literally a cannon on wheels. At a price of between €30,000 and €40,000 in China, Xiaomi delivers an unprecedented combination of speed, technology and luxury here.

When you step in, the comfort is immediately noticeable. The seats are sturdy and supportive, ideal for high speeds but also for longer trips. The interior is modern, luxurious and spacious, with high-quality materials that enhance the feel of a sporty premium SUV. Everything is neatly finished and organized without feeling busy. On the road, the YU7 shows what it's worth. The acceleration is breathtaking, the handling is sharp and controlled, Xiaomi's electric range is impressive 835 km, and despite its enormous power, the SUV remains surprisingly stable when cornering. Driving characteristics that are rarely found in normal SUVs, making every trip a unique experience.

The design of the Xiaomi YU7 is a lot more exciting than many other Chinese SUVs. The lines are streamlined, elegant and sporty, although it's clear that Xiaomi has taken inspiration from icons such as the Ferrari Purosange and Aston Martin DBX. Original? Not quite. But the result is visually appealing and dynamic: better, well-stolen, and then badly stolen than ill-conceived. With this, Xiaomi shows that they want to be a sporty brand that dares to impress and wants to be different. And what really sets the YU7 apart from other Chinese SUVs is the color choice: nine exterior colors available, something most competitors can only dream of. This allows you to create a car that really suits your personal style.

The Xiaomi YU7 is an amazingly fast and luxurious electric super SUV, with a comfortable and stylish interior, impressive handling and handling, and a striking design that dares to speak. The design may not be completely original, but it looks premium and sporty, and with nine available colors, Xiaomi offers a range of choices that other Chinese brands can only dream of.

Xiaomi YU7

Super SUV with 1,527 HP, extremely fast
Sporty and eye-catching design inspired by Ferrari and Aston Martin
Comfortable interior, modern and luxurious
Very good handling and handling for sporty driving
9 exterior colors, great freedom of choice

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Definitely X7

The Zeekr 7X exudes maturity and reliability from the first moment. The design is understated and slightly more businesslike than some other Chinese SUVs, but that doesn't detract from the neat and high-quality finish. When you step in, you immediately notice the quality of the interior. Materials feel solid, the dashboard is sleek and well-organized, and the seats offer comfortable support for both short city rides and long trips — the range is 480 to 615 km. Everything in the interior feels solid and thoughtful about an SUV that exudes confidence and serenity.

Driving the Zeekr 7X is an enjoyable experience. The handling is stable and predictable, the steering wheel responds immediately and, despite its large size, the SUV remains comfortable and manageable. On the highway as well as in urban conditions, the 7X feels at home: its handling is balanced without feeling heavy or bulky. Long rides are relaxing, while daily use remains easy thanks to good sight lines, clear controls and comfortable seats.

The design of the Zeekr 7X is mature and coherent. It is not an SUV that immediately draws attention with distinctive lines or extravagant details, but it is precisely the modest proportions and sleek finish that give a sense of maturity and solidity. This fits Zeekr's background as a sub-brand of Geely, just like Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, where expertise in design and finish is evident. You notice that they have chosen an SUV that is right in terms of appearance and technology, without sacrificing comfort or interior quality. While the 7X is neat and comfortable in almost every way, there are also some areas where it falls slightly short. For example, this large SUV only offers five seats, while at this size, you're sometimes looking for a seven-seater option. In addition, the choice of exterior colors is limited: in the most expensive version, only four colors are available, and in the entry-level version, there are even only three. That's limited, especially for an SUV that has so much else to offer.

The Zeekr 7X is a mature, reliable SUV with a comfortable, high-quality interior, stable handling and a design that looks professional and logical. It feels solid and complete, but lacks just that little bit of extra flair in exterior colors and flexibility in seats, so you, as a buyer, have to make choices that are often more spacious with other large SUVs.

Definitely X7

Mature and solid interior with neat finish
Comfortable seats and stable road holding
Reliable and manageable driving behavior
Business but beautiful design, recognisable Geely quality
Only 4 exterior colors in the most expensive version, 3 when entering

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See all Zeeker X7 ->

Carvendo Conclusion

All Xpeng G9, BYD Tang, NIO EL9, Xiaomi YU7 and Zeekr 7X models discussed are well-designed SUVs that offer many standards: comfortable interiors, stable handling and modern technology. However, most of them don't really stand out. They do what they have to do, but often lack their own identity or exciting design. The Xiaomi YU7 is an exception, especially thanks to its sporty styling that clearly draws inspiration from Aston Martin and Ferrari. The design gives it a sporty character that other brands currently lack. For the future, Chinese brands might be able to draw inspiration from Italian design studios such as Pininfarina, Zagato or Italdesign Giugiaro to create SUVs with a distinct character and look.

Another side of the coin: these SUVs are relatively affordable and offer a lot of standard and a very good range, but take into account rapid depreciation. After a few years, it can be difficult to sell the car at a reasonable price, and you run the risk of being left with a vehicle that is not in demand.

In short: neat, adult SUVs that are practical and comfortable, but in terms of appearance and identity, there is still a lot of room for improvement except for the Xiaomi YU7, which really dares to stand out.

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