Boxy SUVs dominated the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, with the Fangchengbao Tai 9 making its global debut. Multiple new models cover the 100k-1M yuan range as this segment transitions from niche to mass market.
Phenomenal Growth: Chengdu Show Becomes Boxy SUV Stage
The 2026 Chengdu Auto Show (August 21–30) saw boxy SUVs emerge as the undisputed stars. From Tank 300's 2020 debut that ignited domestic boxy SUV enthusiasm, to Fangchengbao's Bao 5 bringing the segment into the NEV era in 2023, to 2026—boxy SUVs are experiencing explosive growth.
This year's show featured a record number of boxy SUVs, nearly covering the full 100k to 1M yuan spectrum:
- Fangchengbao Tai 9: Global debut, flagship PHEV full-size SUV
- Jetour Tansuo Zhe, Traveler 7: Focus on diverse travel scenarios
- Mengshi X700: Rugged brand transitioning to urban family use
- Deepal G318 facelift: "Only Huawei dual-intelligence boxy SUV at 200k yuan"
- iCAR V25: Advanced ADAS with Falcon 700+ system
- Hongqi G919: Premium brand entry
- Tank 300L: Iteration with new Hi4-Z hybrid
Technical Evolution: From "Hardcore Off-Road" to "City-Ready, Trail-Capable"
The core evolution of boxy SUVs is breaking the traditional boundary between urban and off-road vehicles.
Take the Fangchengbao Tai 9 as an example:
- Powertrain: 1.5T + dual-motor PHEV AWD, 6th-gen DM-i
- Chassis: Yun-Chassis-P Ultra intelligent hydraulic suspension, standard rear-wheel steering
- ADAS: God's Eye B LiDAR-based system
- Range: 66.48 kWh 2nd-gen Blade Battery, 310km WLTC EV range, 2,300km+ combined
- Dimensions: 5270/1999/1850mm, 3130mm wheelbase, 6 seats
- Estimated price: ~400,000 yuan
The Deepal G318 officially launched at the show, priced from 196,800 yuan, featuring Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 and HarmonyOS cockpit.
| Model | Positioning | Powertrain | Price Range | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fangchengbao Tai 9 | Full-size flagship | PHEV AWD | ~400k yuan | Yun-Chassis-P Ultra, RWS, God's Eye B |
| Deepal G318 | Mid-large | EREV | From 196.8k yuan | Huawei ADS 5, HarmonyOS |
| Mengshi X700 | Rugged-to-urban | PHEV | ~250k-320k yuan | Huawei ADAS, 40+ physical buttons |
| Jetour Tansuo Zhe | Travel SUV | PHEV | ~150k-250k yuan | Spacious, high value |
| Tank 300L | Hardcore off-road | PHEV/ICE | ~200k-250k yuan | Hi4-Z hybrid, classic design |
Market Logic: Why Boxy SUVs Suddenly Took Off
Demand Drivers:
- More families, young consumers, and women choosing boxy SUVs
- "Cool" aesthetics and weekend camping matter more than extreme off-road capability
- Space, fridge, seats, and smart cockpit outweigh "three differential locks"
Supply-Side Tech Support:
- NEV tech expands the intersection of urban and off-road SUVs
- Unibody + embedded reinforcement beam structures
- 800V platforms and flash charging solve slow charging pain points
Market Scale: Boxy SUVs have grown from a niche of tens of thousands annually to a million-unit mainstream segment.
Overseas Perspective
For Central Asian and Russian buyers, boxy SUVs offer unique value: road adaptability, family space, NEV technology, and distinctive styling. EX1000.COM provides procurement information.
