Chery just pulled back the curtain on its upcoming Fulwin T9L, and let me tell you, this plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV is gearing up to make some serious waves. We got the lowdown thanks to the latest filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, giving us the most comprehensive look yet at what this new model brings to the table.
First glimpsed at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, the Fulwin T9L is slated to hit the Chinese market in the first quarter of 2026. It is ready to carve out its niche in China’s rapidly expanding plug-in hybrid SUV segment.
Style That Gets Noticed
Chery is offering the Fulwin T9L in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, each with a distinct front end. The FWD version features a sleek, closed front panel, while the AWD rocks a more traditional grille. You might even spot some variants sporting a roof-mounted lidar unit, hinting at advanced driver-assistance capabilities. Both versions boast sharp, L-shaped daytime running lights that give it a modern look.
Around the back, a continuous rear light bar, a roof spoiler, and functional roof rails complete the contemporary design. You will find half-hidden door handles and a choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels, adding to its refined aesthetic. If you are into looks that blend seamlessly, those half-hidden door handles are a nice touch, though China has been eyeing stricter rules for them. China’s regulators are taking aim at retractable door handles, which could impact future designs.
Measuring in at 4870 millimeters long, 1930 millimeters wide, and 1710 millimeters high, with a wheelbase of 2920 millimeters, the Fulwin T9L packs a substantial presence. Currently, it is a five-seater with no plans for six or seven-seat options, keeping its focus on a comfortable and spacious cabin. The overall design stays true to the initial concept, emphasizing its mid-size SUV identity.
Stepping Inside: Tech and Comfort Aplenty
Inside the cabin, the Fulwin T9L is a tech enthusiast’s dream. You will be greeted by a floating central screen and a fully digital instrument cluster, giving you all the info you need at a glance. Powering the infotainment is a cutting-edge 3-nanometer cockpit chip running Chery’s Fulwin UI 2.0 system. This promises a smooth and responsive user experience.
Long drives just got a whole lot better with wireless mobile-phone charging, a convenient open-style cup holder setup, and electrically adjustable rear seating. Both front seats offer a wealth of adjustments, including heating, ventilation, massage functions, memory, and even leg support. And get this, the first and second rows can morph into a dual-bed configuration, perfect for those quick naps or long road trips.
For audiophiles, a 23-speaker sound system with a hefty 1080-watt output will surround you with crystal-clear audio. Chery also thought about your snacks and drinks, adding a temperature-controlled compartment that chills down to minus 6 degrees Celsius or warms up to 50 degrees. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin sets the mood, making every journey a pleasant one.
Safety and driver assistance are front and center with the Falcon 700+ system, juiced by a Horizon Journey 6P chip boasting 560 TOPS of computing power. Coupled with 27 sensors, this SUV is ready to assist you in navigating the roads with confidence. The continuous advancements in autonomous driving tech show Huawei’s Qiankun ADS targeting 2027 for widespread L3 autonomous driving.
Punchy Performance Under the Hood
Now, let’s talk power. The Fulwin T9L comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain drawing from the Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system, paired with a DHT260 transmission. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine churns out 115 kilowatts, contributing to a robust combined system output of 260 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 330 newton-meters.
If you opt for the front-wheel-drive model, you will hit a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour. But for those craving more exhilaration, the four-wheel-drive version offers even higher speeds and a thrilling sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in the low five-second range. That is impressive for an SUV of this size.
Battery options for the FWD model include 19.527 and 32.659 kilowatt-hours, translating to CLTC electric-only ranges of 101 and 170 kilometers respectively. What’s more, you will get a minimum CLTC fuel consumption of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers when running in depleted mode. This shows Chery’s commitment to efficiency.
Ready for the Fight
The plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV segment in China is undeniably competitive. The Fulwin T9L will be going head-to-head with established players like the BYD Sealion 06 DM-i, Changan Nevo Q07, and BYD Song L DM-i. Deliveries kick off in 2026, and it will be fascinating to see how it stacks up against these popular models. The BYD Sealion 06 has been dominating the SUV market with strong sales, so Chery has its work cut out for it.
Chery is clearly pulling out all the stops with the Fulwin T9L, blending performance, technology, and comfort into a compelling package. It demonstrates its understanding of the Chinese market and the evolving demands of consumers, especially with China’s EV charging network continuing to expand rapidly.
