Changan UNI-V iDD

Model Overview

The Changan UNI-V Smart Electric iDD is a C-segment plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) four-door coupe under Changan Auto's UNI series, pitched as an "intelligent high-speed electric hybrid coupe." The vehicle made its global debut at the Chongqing International Auto Exhibition on 25 June 2022 and was officially launched in the market on 24 February 2023, marking it as the first coupe model powered by the Changan Smart Electric iDD system. In terms of dimensions, the 2024 UNI-V Smart Electric iDD measures 4,720 mm long, 1,838 mm wide, and 1,435 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, sporting a 5-door, 5-seater fastback hatchback body profile. The lineup offers several variants, including Zhiqu and Zhiku, with official retail prices ranging from RM144,900 to RM159,900, alongside a limited-time promotional starting price from RM139,900. Key rival models include the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i and Destroyer 05. As of May 2026, this model remains actively on sale.

Design Language

Exterior-wise, the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD fully embodies the avant-garde aesthetic design language of Changan's UNI family, delivering an aggressive and sporty stance. The front fascia is dominated by the signature borderless inverted-trapezoidal grille with a scattered parametric triangular motif, flanked by sharp LED headlamp clusters, whilst the lower apron features an elongated horizontal air intake and recessed air curtains, creating an assertive, race-ready look. Down the sides, the car is characterised by a sweeping fastback silhouette, flush pop-out smart welcome door handles, gloss black window surrounds, and 18-inch smoked alloy wheels, giving it an athletic, ready-to-pounce profile. At the rear, it features smoked full-width LED quantum tunnel taillights, dual exhaust tips integrated into a sporty rear diffuser, a standard active electric rear spoiler, and a Fastback tailgate, which not only delivers strong visual drama but also effectively lowers aerodynamic drag. Carbon-fibre-patterned trim accents are applied to the front fascia and wheels, whilst an exclusive "iDD" badge on the tailgate denotes its plug-in hybrid identity.

Inside, the cabin of the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD balances a high-tech cockpit atmosphere with a driver-focused layout largely shared with its petrol sibling. The dashboard adopts a T-shaped layout distinctly angled towards the driver, reinforcing a driver-centric ethos. The digital instrument binnacle utilises a unique 3-inch + 10.3-inch + 7-inch triple-screen layout floating above the dashboard, keeping key driving data conveniently within the driver's line of sight. Taking centre stage is a standard 10.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. A three-spoke flat-top and flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel comes equipped with touch-sensitive switchgear. The centre console houses a fighter-jet-inspired electronic gear selector, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a drive mode rotary selector. On the colour front, alongside standard trims, Changan offers exclusive interior palettes such as Grey-Blue and Blue-White, as well as two-tone schemes like Quicksand White and Forest Green, lending the cabin a clean, modern, and high-tech feel.

Powertrain & Performance

The powertrain stands as the defining highlight of the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD. The vehicle is driven by the Changan Smart Electric iDD PHEV system, combining a Blue Whale NE 1.5T dedicated hybrid turbocharged petrol engine with an integrated drive/generator electric motor. The petrol engine puts out 125 kW (170 PS) and 260 Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 125 kW (170 PS) and 330 Nm; together, they generate a total system output of 250 kW (around 340 PS) and a massive 590 Nm of torque. The official century sprint (0–100 km/h) takes just 6.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 230 km/h. Power is transferred via a Blue Whale 6-speed triple-clutch electric drive transmission. Energy is stored in a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with a capacity of 18.4 kWh (upgraded to 18.99 kWh on the 2024 model), delivering an all-electric range of 113 km under NEDC testing (136 km on CLTC). With a full tank and full charge, the NEDC combined cruising range stretches up to 1,100 km, returning an ultra-low NEDC combined fuel consumption of 0.8 L/100 km and a depleted-battery fuel consumption of just 4.2 L/100 km. For charging, the car supports 27 kW DC fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, whilst an AC slow charge completes a full charge in 6 hours. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function is also standard across the range, catering to outdoor camping appliances and lighting.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by the Changan Ark Architecture, the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD comes standard with four-wheel independent suspension featuring front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup, providing a solid hardware setup for athletic handling. Tuned by a dedicated chassis engineering team, the ride strikes a commendable balance between sportiness and daily comfort: during regular commutes, the suspension effectively absorbs minor road imperfections with well-judged suppleness; under hard driving, the rear multi-link layout offers stout lateral support, keeping cornering body roll neatly in check with an agile rear end and precise steering response, delivering segment-leading driving dynamics. Dynamic Torque Vectoring (DTV) comes standard across the board, intelligently modulating wheel torque mid-corner to sharpen handling lines. Stopping power comes from front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB); higher-spec variants ride on Continental MC6 high-performance tyres, achieving a 100–0 km/h stopping distance of roughly 37.4 metres. High-spec trims are fitted with wide 235/45 R18 tyres for enhanced grip. Furthermore, the active electric rear spoiler deploys at high speeds to generate functional downforce, enhancing high-speed stability.

Cabin & Equipment

The smart cabin of the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD blends digital tech with everyday practicality. The infotainment system is driven by a high-speed automotive-grade SuperFast processing chip, with the 10.3-inch central display supporting GPS navigation, live traffic updates, smartphone app telematics, Internet of Vehicles (IoV), 4G connectivity, and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. The intelligent voice control system features dual-zone voice recognition for both the driver and front passenger, allowing hands-free operation of navigation, media playback, climate control, and other vehicle functions. On the comfort front, top-spec models are equipped with integrated ergonomic sport seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and a memory welcome function. Additional creature comforts such as ventilated/heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic glass roof, 64-colour ambient lighting, and rain-sensing wipers ensure an upscale cabin experience. For audio, baseline models are equipped with a 6-speaker sound setup, whereas earlier flagship variants offered an optional 10-speaker Sony sound system, which was subsequently discontinued on 2025-and-newer iterations.

Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD features Changan's Hengwen Intelligent Safety System, comprising four core battery protection strategies: IP68 dust/water resistance (operates normally after 30 minutes of submersion under 1 metre of water), millisecond-level battery monitoring, all-weather thermal management (-35°C to 55°C operating capability), and a multi-tiered thermal runaway prevention system to ensure total battery safety. For passive safety, the second-generation UNI-V Smart Electric iDD employs the high-rigidity "Ark Cage" body structure, utilising over 70% high-strength steel with tensile strength up to 1,500 MPa and a 5-longitudinal, 5-transverse crash load dispersion path to shield the passenger cell, complete with 6 standard airbags. Active safety kit includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Monitoring/Lane Change Assist. Higher variants feature the IACC Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control suite, complemented by a 360-degree HD surround-view camera system with a 180-degree transparent underfloor chassis view to eliminate blind spots. Drivers can toggle between EV Pure Electric, HEV Hybrid, SUPER RACE track mode, and the customisable i-X Creative Space mode (featuring four presets: Smart EV, Dynamic, Eco Long Range, and Camping, plus three user-programmable profiles), delivering seamless electric and petrol versatility.

Market Performance & Reception

Since its market launch, the Changan UNI-V Smart Electric iDD has carved out a unique niche in the compact PHEV sedan segment, powered by its sharp fastback looks, punchy plug-in hybrid performance, and generous tech suite. In March 2023, monthly deliveries stood at 1,068 units, while by March 2024, combined sales of the UNI-V petrol and Smart Electric iDD models hit around 15,000 units, pushing cumulative Q1 retail sales to 35,946 units—a 28.6% year-on-year increase. Within the compact PHEV sedan category, its sales volume consistently ranks around the top 20 (figures for reference only).

In terms of customer feedback, buyers widely laud the UNI-V Smart Electric iDD for its head-turning styling, rapid 6.5-second century sprint, and frugal real-world fuel economy; its depleted-battery fuel consumption of approximately 4.2 L/100 km and tested pure-electric range of around 113 km represent tangible highlights against segment competitors. Nonetheless, some owners have noted that the suspension damping errs slightly on the soft side during aggressive cornering, the optional Sony sound system is absent on newer batches, and early baseline models omitted standard DC fast charging (which was exclusive to the higher "Feikuai" trim). Overall, the Changan UNI-V Smart Electric iDD presents a strong all-round package encompassing head-turning design, brisk performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and rich equipment, offering compact PHEV buyers a distinctive option that effortlessly bridges sporty appeal and family-friendly usability against key rivals such as the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i and Destroyer 05.