The Kaiyi Kunlun is a mid-size petrol-powered SUV under Kaiyi Auto, marketed as an "RM100,000-bracket large 7-seater SUV" and serving as the brand's flagship model underpinned by Chery's engineering. First introduced in 2023, the vehicle received an annual facelift in March 2025, followed by the addition of four new variants in February 2026. As the core offering of the "Kunlun" line-up, it aims to carve out a niche in the competitive RM100,000–RM150,000 mid-size SUV segment through a "high value + generous cabin space" proposition, combining Chery powertrains, an expansive 2,820 mm wheelbase, and versatile 5- or 7-seater seating configurations.
Positioned in the mid-size ICE SUV segment, the Kaiyi Kunlun measures 4,738 mm in length, 1,968 mm in width, and 1,708 mm in height, riding on a 2,820 mm wheelbase that provides a substantial size advantage against similarly priced rivals. Available in both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts, the SUV has a kerb weight of around 1,630 kg and adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Its key highlights include Chery Kunpeng powertrain technology, segment-topping interior room courtesy of the long wheelbase, flexible cabin arrangements, and an accessible entry price from RM99,900. Primary rivals in this price bracket include the Tiggo 8, Jetour X70, and Haoyue L.
In terms of sales performance, the Kaiyi Kunlun exhibits a distinct "strong exports, weak domestic demand" dynamic. Data shows that in February 2026, domestic retail sales for the petrol-powered Kunlun stood at just 183 units, whereas export volume reached 1,479 units—more than eight times its domestic figure. In April 2026, total line-up sales recorded 581 units, placing it 57th in the mid-size SUV segment. These figures highlight that while the Kunlun remains a niche player on home soil, overseas markets have become its main growth engine.
The exterior styling of the Kaiyi Kunlun embodies the brand's latest "Kunlun Aesthetics" design philosophy. Up front, the imposing mesh radiator grille commands visual attention, complemented by split LED headlight clusters and aggressive aerodynamic intake ducts that lend the front fascia a bold, athletic presence. The headlamps feature height adjustment functionality and deliver sharp nighttime visibility.
The side profile carries dynamic, fluid contours, where a rising beltline combines with sculpted lower door creases to create a layered light-and-shadow effect. Roof rails are fitted as standard across all trims, boosting utility. At the rear, full-width LED taillights mirror the front design language, while quad exhaust finishers integrated into the lower bumper accentuate its sporty stance. The vehicle registers an overall drag coefficient of 0.328 Cd.
Inside, the Kaiyi Kunlun adopts a wrap-around cockpit architecture. The dashboard integrates a dual-screen layout comprising a 7-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 12.8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, paired with a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and an electronic gear selector. Soft-touch materials are generously applied across key touchpoints, matching mainstream segment expectations. Slim, continuous air vents span horizontally across the fascia to accentuate cabin width.
The Kaiyi Kunlun offers three turbocharged petrol engine options—1.5T, 1.6T, and 2.0T—all mated to wet dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
1.5T Variant (Core volume seller for 2025/2026): Powered by the SQRE4T15C 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine generating 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, with peak torque delivered between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. Part of Chery's proven ACTECO engine family, it uses multi-point fuel injection, runs on RON 92 petrol, and meets China VI emission standards. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (6DCT). Top speed is rated at 170 km/h, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100 km.
1.6T Variant (2024 model year): Features Chery's third-generation Kunpeng Power 1.6T engine delivering 145 kW (approx. 197 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), returning a WLTC combined fuel economy of around 8.0 L/100 km.
2.0T Variant (2024 model year): Powered by a 2.0T powerplant producing 187 kW (approx. 254 PS) and 390 Nm of torque, matched with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox (7DCT), serving as the performance flagship of the range.
Fuel tank capacity is rated at 60 litres, with a kerb weight of approximately 1,630 kg.
Underneath, the Kaiyi Kunlun features an all-independent suspension setup consisting of front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link configuration across all variants. This is a commendable setup for this price point, benefiting both ride quality and handling composure. Braking hardware includes ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, controlled by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold.
Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system built on a monocoque chassis. The SUV provides an approach angle of 19°, a departure angle of 20°, and rides on 245/60 R18 tyres across the board, accompanied by a space-saver spare wheel.
Drivers can toggle between Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort driving modes. Additional chassis assist systems include energy regeneration, Auto Hold, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Suspension damping is tuned primarily for ride comfort, with the rear multi-link setup doing a notably better job of soaking up road imperfections than the torsion-beam rear axles commonly found in this price class.
The Kunlun's digital cockpit centres around the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen head unit. The infotainment suite supports HUAWEI HiCar and CarLife smartphone connectivity, alongside Bluetooth, 4G connected services, dual-zone voice recognition, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The touchscreen interface provides responsive inputs and intuitive navigation.
Seating flexibility is among the Kunlun's headline selling points. Customers can choose between 5-seater and 7-seater (2+3+2 layout) configurations. The second-row seats feature fore-and-aft sliding as well as backrest angle adjustment, while the third row is best suited for short journeys or children. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, with the driver's seat offering fore-and-aft, backrest, and 2-way height adjustment, while the front passenger seat includes manual fore-and-aft and backrest adjustment.
Convenience kit standard across the range includes automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry with push-start button, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, Auto Hold, HAC, and HDC. Higher-spec grades (such as the Shanhe Edition) add a panoramic opening sunroof, 360-degree surround-view monitor with transparent chassis display, and a power tailgate. A 6-speaker audio system comes standard.
Passive safety on the Kaiyi Kunlun is underpinned by a high-strength cage body structure. Standard active and passive safety features include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Notably, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags are omitted on the 2026 1.5T base variants, leaving the entry-level passive safety kit somewhat spartan.
On the active driver assist front, standard equipment covers cruise control, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, and Auto Hold, supported by a passive driver fatigue monitoring system and four rear ultrasonic sensors. Advanced Level 2 driving aids—such as a 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)—are available as options or standard equipment only on higher-spec variants.
The market performance of the Kaiyi Kunlun reflects a clear split between domestic and international markets. In China, local retail figures have remained subdued—the ICE variant recorded just 183 units in February 2026, ranking 386th in the mid-size SUV segment, and 581 units across the entire lineup in April 2026 (57th place). Conversely, exports have thrived, hitting 1,479 units in February 2026—eight times its domestic volume. This aligns with Kaiyi's export-driven strategy, where the Kunlun has gained traction abroad thanks to Chery's engineering credibility and an aggressive price-to-size ratio.
Industry observers attribute the Kunlun's sluggish domestic sales to several factors: first, low brand recall, as Kaiyi remains a second-tier nameplate in China; second, limited dealer and service network reach, restricting customer access; third, uncompetitive base specifications, with entry trims omitting side airbags and ADAS features compared to entrenched rivals; and fourth, the broader contraction of the petrol SUV market as new energy vehicles (NEVs) continue to aggressively capture share in the RM100,000–RM150,000 price band.
Owner feedback is largely positive regarding value-for-money and passenger room, with the 2,820 mm wheelbase delivering noticeable rear legroom advantages in its price class. On the flip side, common criticisms point to sluggish overtaking performance from the 1.5T engine under full passenger loads, higher real-world fuel consumption in city traffic versus the 8.4 L/100 km WLTC rating, hard cabin plastics, and poor residual values stemming from weak brand equity.
The successive updates in 2025 and 2026 demonstrate Kaiyi's push to drive volume via sharper pricing (with the 2025 model introduced at a promotional cash price from RM78,900) and trim enhancements. Following the four new variants added in 2026, the lineup now totals eight variants priced between RM99,900 and RM131,900. Kaiyi also backs the Kunlun with a 4-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty, alongside an unlimited-time/unlimited-mileage warranty for the first individual owner (subject to official terms and conditions).
The Kaiyi Kunlun represents an ambitious effort by Kaiyi Auto to deliver a flagship SUV built on Chery's proven mechanicals. Armed with a long 2,820 mm wheelbase, a comfortable multi-link rear suspension, and an entry price starting from RM99,900, it makes a compelling case on paper in the RM100,000–RM150,000 mid-size SUV bracket. Its commercial trajectory, however, underscores a hard truth in today's fiercely contested automotive landscape: hardware alone is not enough, as brand equity and dealership footprint remain make-or-break factors.
On the global stage, the Kunlun's strong export numbers prove that Chery-backed engineering combined with competitive pricing can find strong appeal in developing markets. This "thriving abroad while struggling at home" pattern offers a viable roadmap for Kaiyi—leveraging international volume to build economies of scale and reinforce its standing over time.
For cost-conscious family buyers looking for maximum metal for the money around the RM100,000 mark, the Kaiyi Kunlun delivers genuine 7-seater practicality and generous space. Nonetheless, compared to established segment staples like the Tiggo 8 and Jetour X70, the Kunlun still trails in brand prestige, baseline safety kit, and aftersales coverage. Buyers prioritising higher equipment levels, lower running costs, or long-term resale value may find better-rounded alternatives among mainstream ICE rivals or electrified competitors in the same price range.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
