Home / Business and Economy / Chinese SUV Stuns Edmunds: A Wake-Up Call for US Autos?
Chinese SUV Stuns Edmunds: A Wake-Up Call for US Autos?
3 Apr
Summary
- Edmunds tested a $25,000 Chinese hybrid SUV, finding tech ahead of US models.
- The Geely M9 rivals pricier vehicles like Palisade, Telluride, and Grand Highlander.
- Consumers show growing interest in Chinese vehicles despite import barriers.
In a first-ever test of a Chinese vehicle, automotive website Edmunds subjected the Geely Galaxy M9 SUV to rigorous performance evaluations. The Editor-in-Chief noted that many of the M9's features, including its responsive 30-inch infotainment screen and extensive range, are "ahead of the vehicles that we're driving in the U.S."
The Geely M9, a plug-in hybrid starting around $25,000 in China, demonstrated an estimated 808 miles of driving range, surpassing many upcoming U.S. offerings. Edmunds found the three-row SUV comparable to significantly more expensive models like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.
While Chinese cars face nearly 100% tariffs and regulatory hurdles in the U.S., consumer interest is reportedly growing. Some consumers are exploring ways to import these vehicles, highlighting a potential frustration if competitively priced and feature-rich options remain inaccessible.
Geely provided the vehicle to Edmunds to showcase its global technological capabilities, stating its current commercial focus remains on the Chinese market. The M9's advanced technology, combined with its low price point, suggests Chinese automakers are pushing innovation rapidly.
