China’s big car makers preparing 4×4 onslaught

Having blitzed pretty much every category in the day-to-day passenger car market, major Chinese automotive groups are now turning their attention to the UK market for proper 4x4s.

Look closely at the imminent contenders and there are obvious styling cues from the 4×4 establishment – Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ineos Grenadier and Mercedes-Benz G-Class (or G-Wagen, as it used to be known).

See also: On test: Revamped Land Cruiser still a true off-roader

Whether the newcomers can match the proven off-road capabilities of these vehicles remains to be seen; maybe they just want to cash in on the Defender’s broad appeal among drivers who love the looks and implied lifestyle of a 4×4.

Chery Automobile, which has made quite an impact in the UK with its Jaecoo and Omoda ranges, plans to introduce iCaur (another independent brand) and its V27 4×4 early next year.

Described as a “square-shouldered, five-seat SUV that pairs off-road capability with an advanced electrified powertrain”, the V27’s interior is reckoned to combine “generous space with quality materials and a clear focus on usability”.

No details of its propulsion and driveline have been revealed, other than it will be electrified, implying a hybrid setup, but as part of the final phase of development it will be fine-tuned for UK roads at Chery’s new R&D centre in Bedfordshire.

Project KO11

Geely Auto, meanwhile, intends to launch the production version of its “project KO11” vehicle towards the end of 2027.

Previewed with plug-in electrified power, it is described as a “new-generation, high-performance all-terrain SUV that combines imposing proportions and rugged off-road capability”.

Geely’s as yet unnamed 4×4 is destined for Europe ˙ Geely

Again, little in the way of detail has been given so far as the vehicle is still in development for the European market, but Geely Auto promises a 4×4 that has been “engineered for demanding terrain, featuring advanced suspension technology, intelligent all-terrain driving modes and all kinds of new functions”.

Earlier this year, fellow Chinese auto-maker BYD revealed its Denza-branded Bao 5, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo engine to charge a 31.8kWh LiP battery that fuels an electric motor at each axle.

BYD’s Denza Bao 5 hybrid petrol/electric 4×4 © BYD

It is now available to order priced £69,500 in Elegance trim, and £78,880 for the Ultimate version with air suspension and other upgrades.

The Bao 5’s dual-mode, off-road, plug-in hybrid powertrain is said to be optimised for off-road use, with electronic differential locks front and rear, an energy centre lock said to distribute torque between the axles more rapidly than a traditional mechanical arrangement, and multiple driving modes.

Total powertrain output is a stonking 544hp accompanied by up to 760Nm of torque.