Trumpchi Xiangwang S9: A New Chinese Beast Ready to Compete in Luxury Market

A new beast has entered the automotive world: the "Trumpchi Xiangwang S9" at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show — a hybrid SUV equipped with Huawei technology and CATL batteries.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) is preparing to launch its masterpiece, the Trumpchi Xiangwang S9, a mid-to-large hybrid SUV, during the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show opening on April 23. The vehicle is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year, aiming to dominate the hybrid SUV segment in the Xiangwang lineup, surpassing the Xiangwang S7 model. The S9 offers seating configurations for five or six passengers and features Huawei’s integrated “Qiankun” intelligent driving system, a smart “Hongmeng” cockpit, and “Xiaoyao Zhenghong” batteries supplied by CATL (Ningde Times).

The Xiangwang S9 adopts GAC’s latest design language called "Hiding Sharpness in Moistness," characterized by a closed front fascia—a hallmark of electric vehicles—with a full-width LED light strip connecting the headlights. Some S9 trims come equipped with a LiDAR sensor mounted on the front roof, and Huawei’s “ADS” badges appear on the sides and rear, highlighting the adoption of the Qiankun intelligent driving system.

From the side, the S9 retains the boxy design of the Xiangwang S7, featuring black-painted B, C, and D pillars and hidden door handles. Registered information indicates options for two-tone paint and three different wheel designs, with tire sizes of either 255/50 R20 or 265/45 R21.

Dimensionally, the Xiangwang S9 measures 5060 mm in length, 1950 mm in width, and 1760 mm in height, with a 2930 mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it in direct competition with other hybrid SUVs such as the Hongqi HS7 PHEV and Lynk & Co 09 EM-P.

At the rear, the S9 features a design similar to the Xiangwang S7, with connected taillights and an AI Light Curtain system consisting of 2592 LED units supporting 11 innovative lighting effects. Additional features include rear windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and a concealed exhaust design.

Inside, the Xiangwang S9 boasts a luxurious family-oriented cabin, using black walnut wood on the central console and front door panels. It offers three interior color schemes: “Tuscan Afternoon” (light), “Autumn on the Seine” (brown), and “Venice Night” (black). The cockpit includes an integrated LCD instrument cluster and a floating central control screen, along with Huawei’s smart Hongmeng system.

The S9 accommodates five or six passengers with premium Nappa leather seats. The second-row seats support full electric adjustment and include a foldable roof screen, foldable cup holders, storage drawers, and phone holders.

Powering the Xiangwang S9 is a hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor, delivering a maximum power of 118 kW. The vehicle is equipped with ternary lithium batteries from CATL with a capacity of 44.568 kWh, providing an electric-only range of up to 252 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle.

Given its size and drivetrain, the Xiangwang S9 is positioned to compete fiercely with models like the Hongqi HS7 PHEV and Lynk & Co 09 EM-P. However, considering Trumpchi’s pricing strategy with the Xiangwang S7, the S9 is expected to be offered at a more competitive price upon launch.

The price for the Trumpchi Xiangwang S9 extended-range hybrid (EREV) version starts at approximately 318,000 Chinese yuan, roughly equivalent to 43,900 US dollars or about 161,000 UAE dirhams.

These prices reflect the Chinese market’s trend toward offering competitively priced hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with advanced technologies such as LiDAR intelligent driving systems and the Qiankun ADS 3.3 system, making the Xiangwang S9 a standout choice in the mid-to-large luxury hybrid SUV segment.