Changan’s Nevo Q05 SUV Shakes Up the Market with LiDAR and a Shocking $11,200 Price Tag

Changan is making a bold statement with its new Nevo Q05, an electric compact SUV that just launched at the Auto Guangzhou show. With a starting price that translates to just $11,200 USD and features typically reserved for premium models, this EV is poised to be a major disruptor. It’s not just about the price, it’s about the whole package.

Quick Specs & Metrics

A Sharp Look for a Sharp Price

The Q05 comes dressed in Changan Nevo’s “Digital Smart Wing 2.0” design language, which sounds fancy but translates to a clean, modern aesthetic. The front is defined by a sharp, continuous daytime running light that gives it a distinct and futuristic signature. With five color choices including Pine Green and Gilt Purple, there’s enough variety to stand out. The side profile is kept clean with charging ports on the front fender and semi-hidden door handles, contributing to its sleek look. It’s a handsome vehicle that doesn’t scream “budget” despite its accessible price tag.

An Interior That Punches Way Above its Weight

Inside, the Q05 truly shines. You’re greeted by a wraparound cockpit available in either Jade White or Ink Black. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the massive 15.6 inch 2.5K central control screen, which acts as the nerve center for the vehicle. It’s paired with a 10.17 inch full LCD instrument cluster, creating a thoroughly modern tech experience. The system supports both CarPlay and HiCar, but the real party trick is its ability to connect with Haier smart home appliances. Imagine setting your home’s temperature or starting an appliance right from the car on your way back. For passenger comfort, the front seat gets a “Queen’s Seat” feature with a 165 degree recline and leg rest, while both front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. That’s luxury you just don’t expect in this segment.

The Brains: Advanced Driving Tech

Here’s where Changan is really flexing. High end versions of the Q05 come equipped with the “Tianshu” intelligent driving assistance system. This isn’t just basic cruise control. The sensor suite includes LiDAR, 11 high definition cameras, three millimeter wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. This hardware enables advanced navigation assistance on highways and urban elevated roads, letting the car handle much of the driving itself under the right conditions. Offering this level of autonomy in a vehicle priced so competitively is a major move, putting pressure on rivals. The Chinese EV market is known for its rapid innovation and this is a prime example.

Efficient Power and Fast Charging

Under the skin, the Nevo Q05 is powered by a front mounted electric motor producing 120 kW (161 hp). It’s not going to snap your neck, but it provides more than enough get up and go for daily driving, with a top speed of 160 km/h. All models are equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from CATL, a choice that prioritizes longevity, safety, and cost effectiveness. Buyers can choose between two range options, 405 km or a very usable 506 km on the CLTC cycle. When it’s time to plug in, the Q05 supports 3C fast charging, allowing it to add 120 km of range in just 15 minutes. That’s a quick coffee break, not a long lunch, which makes road trips or a quick top up much more convenient. Changan, like many other automakers in the region, is aiming to make the EV experience seamless and affordable. It’s a strategy similar to what we are seeing with other compelling models like the eSUV from Chery.

The Changan Nevo Q05 is a compelling package. It’s an affordable, stylish, and tech forward SUV that delivers features once reserved for cars costing twice as much. By combining practical range, rapid charging, and high end driver assistance, Changan isn’t just competing, it’s setting a new standard for what buyers can expect from an entry level electric vehicle.