Changan Oshan X7

Model Overview

The Changan Oshan X7 is a C-segment compact SUV rolled out by the Changan Oshan brand (later integrated into the Changan Gravity lineup), officially launched at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 29 November 2019. Positioned as a "stylish urban premium SUV", it targets the "high value-for-money" spacious five-seater family car segment. The initial launch featured six variants priced between RM77,700 and RM117,700; in late 2020, the 2021 facelift was introduced with prices adjusted to RM77,700 to RM129,900, sustaining its strong competitive value. In April 2021, the lineup was further expanded with the Geeker variant equipped with a facial recognition smart control system, priced at RM114,900, reinforcing the model's intelligent and high-tech appeal.

In terms of dimensions, the Changan Oshan X7 measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, with a 2,780 mm wheelbase. Although classified as a compact SUV, its exterior dimensions easily surpass mainstream segment rivals like the Haval H6, Changan CS75 PLUS, and Roewe RX5. In fact, its wheelbase is just 10 mm shy of the Toyota Highlander, truly making it a cross-class "large five-seater" SUV. The vehicle is built on Changan's MPA-2 modular platform, which accommodates EV, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. Backed by Changan Automobile's global R&D, procurement, and manufacturing ecosystem, it comes with full group-level quality assurance.

Design Language

The Changan Oshan X7 adopts a "bionic nature" design philosophy. The front fascia is dominated by the signature "Cloud Eagle Wing" dark hexagonal grille, featuring cascading rippled horizontal slats extending downward to mimic spreading water waves, topped with the Changan Oshan Cloud Eagle badge. All variants come standard with wake-up "Ice Crystal Eye" LED headlamps for superior nighttime illumination. Along the sides, a sharp through-line waistline sculpts an elongated profile, complemented by 17- to 20-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels for an athletic stance. At the rear, the taillights incorporate 134 LED units linked by a sleek chrome trim bar for high visual recognition, capped off with a subtle roof spoiler to optimize aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the cabin embraces a wraparound "New Luxury" theme. The dashboard is anchored by a large floating infotainment touchscreen seamlessly integrated with gloss black piano lacquer panels extending toward the front passenger seat, breaking away from conventional symmetrical layouts. Paired with extensive 360-degree dark soft-touch upholstery, it delivers a refined, high-tech cabin ambiance. Seating-wise, the Oshan X7 is fitted with 8 mm-thick microfibre space leather seats. Combined with the generous 2,780 mm wheelbase, it affords up to 140 mm of second-row knee room, delivering D-segment saloon-like rear legroom. Thanks to this compelling design language, the vehicle bagged the prestigious International CMF Design Award evaluated by global industry experts, building vital design prestige for the brand.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the entire Changan Oshan X7 lineup is powered by the Changan Blue Core JL476ZQCF 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring direct injection alongside an all-aluminium cylinder head and block. An honouree of the "China Heart" Top Ten Engines award, it delivers a maximum output of 131 kW (178 PS / 176 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of peak torque, with a broad torque curve kicking in at 1,450 rpm and sustaining all the way to 4,500 rpm. The transverse engine features a DOHC 16-valve setup, runs on RON 92 petrol, and complies with China 6 emission standards. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h.

Transmission duties are handled by either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), both tuned for crisp gear shifts and responsive performance. The vehicle returns an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km, striking a commendable balance between daily performance and fuel efficiency. In terms of throttle response, low-end torque is generous from just 1,450 rpm, providing effortless off-the-line acceleration and ample reserves for urban overtaking.

Chassis and Handling

In terms of chassis setup, the Changan Oshan X7 features front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension—a remarkably generous chassis package for a domestic compact SUV in the RM100,000 segment, providing a solid foundation for ride and handling. The entire lineup benefits from a dual-chassis soft-connection design, connecting the flexible subframe to the monocoque body via soft bushings to isolate road vibrations and harshness (NVH). Suspension tuning was calibrated by Changan's Detroit R&D Centre, leaning towards a comfort-oriented setup that filters out road imperfections cleanly while maintaining reassuring body control during high-speed cornering. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Brake Hold, while tyre sizes range from 225/60 R17 to 235/45 R20 depending on the variant.

The steering uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with three selectable weight modes to suit different driver preferences. Drivetrain layout is front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA) standard across the range.

Cabin and Features

The Changan Oshan X7 comes standard with an ultra-HD 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen (with larger displays on upper-spec trims). The smart cabin runs on the OnStyle 2.0 intelligent connected system (upgraded to OnStyle 3.0 on 2021 models), powered by the industry-first 5G-ready IMX8 automotive chip, supporting 4G telematics and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. Higher-spec variants gain a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster for dual-screen integration. Additionally, premium variants are equipped with a 360-degree HD panoramic monitor (with transparent chassis display), a reverse camera, and reverse parking sensors for seamless parking manoeuvres.

The Geeker variant raises the tech bar with dual interior and exterior facial recognition cameras, incorporating gaze tracking, facial recognition, and driver behaviour monitoring to issue proactive voice alerts when detecting fatigue, distraction, phone usage, or smoking behind the wheel. On the comfort front, mid-to-high trims offer leatherette upholstery, a massive panoramic glass sunroof (measuring 1,245 × 808 mm with a 1.08 m² aperture), automatic climate control, and a PM0.1-grade composite cabin air filter. Practicality is well catered for with 26 storage compartments throughout the cabin, a generous standard boot capacity, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats to maximize cargo space.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Changan Oshan X7 is engineered with a high-strength steel ring body structure, utilizing high-tensile steel in crucial load paths to optimize impact energy dissipation. Passive safety starts with four standard airbags (dual front and full-length side curtain airbags), with mid-to-high variants adding front side airbags. Active safety comprises ten core electronic systems including ABS, EBD, TCS, and ESC, alongside Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Hill Start Assist, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for all-around driving confidence.

For intelligent driving, upper-spec models feature the APA 5.0 one-touch fully automated parking system, allowing hands-free parking manoeuvres initiated inside the car or remotely via smartphone or key fob—an exceptionally handy feature for novice drivers. The Geeker variant also comes with the "Clairvoyance" remote video monitoring system, allowing live surround video feeds via a dedicated smartphone app. Select high-spec models are equipped with full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), delivering capable Level 1/Level 2 driver assistance capabilities.

Market Performance and Reception

The Changan Oshan X7 made an immediate market impact upon its domestic launch. Full-year sales in 2020 topped 100,000 units, breaching 10,000 deliveries in its very first month and setting a benchmark dubbed the "Changan Oshan Speed" among Chinese compact SUVs. By the second half of 2020, cumulative sales had exceeded 60,000 units, placing it in the top ten best-selling Chinese compact SUVs and top five in consumer satisfaction rankings. With the subsequent introduction of the X7 PLUS in 2021, total users across the Oshan X7 series surpassed 200,000, establishing strong market recognition and a broad owner base.

However, from 2024 onwards, the Oshan X7 platform underwent major brand consolidation. Changan Automobile initiated a strategic restructuring, rebranding the Oshan X7 PLUS as the Changan "Second-Generation X7 PLUS" wearing the Changan "V-badge", with the Oshan brand being gradually absorbed into the Changan Gravity umbrella. Concurrently, the rapid rise of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and the steady contraction of the pure ICE segment reduced the sales priority of the Oshan X7. In terms of consumer feedback, owners have widely praised its class-above dimensions, extensive kit list, and remarkable value-for-money, though minor criticisms noted noticeable wind noise at highway speeds and room for improvement in seat lateral bolstering. In the grand scheme, as a pivotal foundation model in Oshan's upmarket push, the Changan Oshan X7 not only successfully defined the "high value-for-money" formula, but also laid the critical technical and reputational foundation for the subsequent market success of Changan's X7 lineup.