The automotive landscape is changing at lightning speed, especially in China, where electric vehicles are pushing boundaries of luxury, performance, and innovation. Forget outdated stereotypes of low-quality, cheap cars. Today’s Chinese EVs stand shoulder to shoulder with global contenders, often surpassing them in tech and value. We’re diving into the top ten most expensive Chinese new energy SUVs – that includes both Battery Electric Vehicles, or BEVs, and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, known as PHEVs – to see which models command a premium price and, more importantly, which ones are capturing the hearts and wallets of buyers.
Our list ranks these impressive machines by their entry-level prices, showcasing a diverse lineup that proves China’s EV market is anything but one-dimensional. You’ll find pure electric powerhouses, versatile plug-in hybrids, and even a couple that offer both powertrain choices. So buckle up, because we’re about to explore the pinnacle of Chinese electrified SUVs.
10. Li Auto L9
Kicking off our list is the Li Auto L9, a full-size EREV crossover that makes a statement with its 409,800 yuan (approximately 56,510 USD) starting price. This isn’t just a pretty face; the L9 has proven its popularity, with 85,817 units sold in China last year. It’s clear that drivers appreciate its blend of space and efficiency.
The Li L9 is a seriously substantial SUV, measuring 5218 mm long, 1998 mm wide, and 1800 mm tall, with a generous 3105 mm wheelbase. Under the hood, a 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine works as a generator, feeding power to its dual-motor 4WD system, which delivers a combined 330 kW (443 hp). Thanks to a 52.3 kWh ternary NMC battery from CATL, it boasts an impressive 280 km of pure electric range (CLTC) and a total mixed range of 1,412 km. This makes it a fantastic option for families who want electric driving without range anxiety.
9. Tank 700 Hi4-T
Next up is a true off-road beast, the GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T, commanding a starting price of 428,000 yuan (around 59,020 USD). This rugged body-on-frame SUV only began deliveries in March 2024, but it’s already accumulated 14,067 sales, demonstrating its appeal to adventure seekers. People often draw comparisons between the Tank 700 Hi4-T and the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and it’s easy to see why. Both share that iconic blocky silhouette and a reputation for high-end capability.
But the Tank 700 Hi4-T takes things up a notch in size, stretching 5090 mm, standing 2061 mm wide, and 1952 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3110 mm. Power comes from a 3-liter V6 engine delivering 265 kW (355 hp), paired with a 120 kW (161 hp) electric motor and a 9-speed automatic transmission. It carries a 37.1-kWh ternary battery, providing a 100 km NEDC electric range. This SUV is built for those who demand both luxury and serious capability.
8. Nio ES7
Sliding into eighth place is the Nio ES7, a mid-size electric SUV priced from 438,000 yuan (approximately 60,400 USD), battery included. While it might not be setting sales charts on fire with 1,874 units delivered in 2024, the ES7 offers a compelling package for the discerning EV buyer.
The Nio ES7 is a sleek five-seater measuring 4912 mm long, 1987 mm wide, and 1720 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2960 mm. It comes standard with a potent dual-motor 4WD system pumping out 480 kW (644 hp). The standard model features a 75-kWh ternary NMC battery offering a 485 km CLTC range, with an option for a 100-kWh pack that extends the range to 620 km. You might even recognize it in Europe, where it goes by the name EL7.
7. Nio EC7
The Nio EC7, the coupe sibling to the ES7, grabs the seventh spot with a starting price of 458,000 yuan (around 63,160 USD). This stylish SUV-coupe saw 2,865 units sold domestically last year, proving that its distinctive design has an audience.
The EC7 shares its advanced powertrain with the ES7, so you’re looking at similar performance figures. Dimensionally, it’s 4968 mm long, 1974 mm wide, and 1714 mm tall, with the same 2960 mm wheelbase. Its more aerodynamic profile contributes to slightly better range figures: 490 km with the 75 kWh battery and an impressive 635 km with the 100 kWh pack.
6. Aito M9
The Aito M9, a collaborative effort between Huawei and Seres, makes a strong entry at sixth place. With a starting price of 469,800 yuan (about 65,785 USD), this crossover has truly hit a nerve in the Chinese market. After deliveries began in February last year, it quickly became a hot seller, with an astounding 156,051 units sold in 2024, making it the bestselling model on our list. This shows the immense potential when technology giants like Huawei dive into automotive design, as seen with their other successful ventures like the Aito M8.
The Aito M9 is a large crossover, measuring 5230 mm long, 1999 mm wide, and 1800 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3110 mm. The BEV variant features a dual-motor 4WD producing 390 kW (523 hp) and a 100 kWh ternary NMC battery for a 630 km CLTC range. If you prefer a range-extended option, the EREV variant offers 365 kW (489 hp) from its electric motors, supported by a 1.5-liter generator and a 42 kWh NMC battery for 190 km of electric range, with an optional 52 kWh battery extending that to 275 km.
5. Nio ES8
Taking the fifth spot is the Nio ES8, priced from 498,000 yuan (approximately 68,675 USD), including the battery pack. Nio moved 9,188 units of the ES8 SUV last year.
This six-seat crossover is a spacious option, stretching 5099 mm long, 1989 mm wide, and 1750 mm tall, with a generous 3070 mm wheelbase. It shares a similar dual-motor 4WD system with its Nio siblings, delivering 480 kW of power. Equipped with a 75-kWh battery, it achieves a CLTC range of 465 km, while the 100 kWh pack extends that to 605 km. Nio’s commitment to innovation and luxurious design is evident here, much like their efforts with the 2026 ES8 flagship.
4. Hongqi E-HS9
In fourth place, we find the FAW Hongqi E-HS9, starting at 589,800 yuan (around 81,335 USD). This model has been on the market since December 2020, and while its 2024 sales hovered around 1,015 units, it still represents a significant player in the luxury EV segment.
The Hongqi E-HS9 offers versatile seating configurations, available in seven, six, or even four-seat layouts. It’s a sizeable vehicle, measuring 5209 mm long, 2010 mm wide, and 1731 mm tall, with a 3110 mm wheelbase. The entry-level variant sports a 4WD system with 320 kW (421 hp), while a more powerful option boasts two electric motors for a total of 405 kW (543 hp). A substantial 120 kWh battery allows the E-HS9 to achieve up to 690 km of NEDC range on a single charge.
3. M-Hero 917
Breaking into the top three is Dongfeng’s M-Hero 917, an off-road powerhouse with a starting price of 637,700 yuan (about 87,940 USD). While specific sales figures are elusive, suggesting a more niche, exclusive appeal, its presence on this list is undeniable. This vehicle is part of a growing trend of robust Chinese off-roaders proving their metal.
The M-Hero 917 is built for adventure, with dimensions of 4987 mm long, 2080 mm wide, and 1978 mm tall. The all-electric version unleashes raw power with four electric motors, combining for a monstrous 800 kW (1,073 hp). A 142.7 kWh ternary NMC battery provides a 505 km CLTC range. For those desiring extended travel, the EREV variant features three electric motors delivering 600 kW (805 hp), complemented by a 1.5-liter range extender and a 65.8 kWh battery, offering a mixed range of 1,026 km. The M-Hero lineup, including models like the M-Hero M817, is clearly pushing boundaries.
2. M-Hero M800
The M-Hero M800 secures second place, not as an entirely new model, but as a significantly upgraded iteration of the M-Hero 917. Its price tag of 879,000 yuan (roughly 121,215 USD) places it firmly in premium territory, though its sales volume remains a mystery.
This 5-seat EREV maintains formidable dimensions at 5136 mm long, 2172 mm wide, and 2063 mm tall. Inheriting a similar powertrain setup from the M-Hero 917, you can expect an exhilarating driving experience paired with the versatility of an extended-range electric system.
1. Yangwang U8
Crowning our list as the most expensive Chinese new energy SUV is BYD’s sensational Yangwang U8, starting at an eye-watering 1,098,000 yuan (approximately 151,415 USD). This luxury off-roader has already made a considerable splash, with 7,366 units delivered between January and December 2024, signaling its strong reception in the high-end market. BYD is clearly making bold moves in the luxury segment with its Yangwang brand, reminiscent of its U7 luxury sedan.
The Yangwang U8 is an absolute leviathan, measuring 5325 mm long, 2095 mm wide, and 1940 mm tall, with a substantial 3050 mm wheelbase. Its party trick is an individual electric motor at each wheel, leading to a combined peak power of 880 kW (1,180 hp), allowing this 3.5-ton behemoth to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.9 seconds. A 2-liter generator provides 200 kW (268 hp) to supplement its 49-kWh LFP battery, which delivers 120 km of pure electric range, for a total mixed range of 780 km. It’s a stunning display of innovation and engineering. BYD continues to impress with advancements like the innovative one-piece cast aluminum frame used in the U8L, further cementing their engineering prowess.
