The Kaiyi Kunlun C is a mid-size petrol-powered SUV under Kaiyi Auto, introduced as a new variant line within the Kunlun model family. Officially launched in June 2024, the vehicle is positioned as a sportier derivative of the "RM100,000-class large 7-seater SUV". Retaining the Kunlun series' 2,820 mm long wheelbase and flexible 5/7-seater layout, it sets itself apart with 1.6T and 2.0T Chery Kunpeng powertrains alongside a broader equipment spread. The Kaiyi Kunlun C range currently comprises five variants, priced between RM129,900 and RM159,900.
Positioned in the mid-size ICE SUV segment, the Kaiyi Kunlun C measures 4,738 mm in length, 1,968 mm in width, and 1,708 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm—identical to the standard Kaiyi Kunlun. It offers both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations (with the 7-seater available as an option), with a kerb weight ranging between 1,600 kg and 1,660 kg. Key highlights include technical backing from Chery's Kunpeng 1.6T and 2.0T engine lineup, class-topping cabin space courtesy of its 2,820 mm wheelbase, a practical 5/7-seater layout, and an accessible entry price of RM129,900. Key rivals in this price segment include mid-size SUVs such as the Haval Second Generation Big Dog, Geely Haoyue L, Jetta VS7, and Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS.
In terms of market performance, the Kunlun C series and standard Kunlun petrol models make up Kaiyi's mid-size SUV portfolio. Industry data shows that the entire Kaiyi Kunlun lineup registered just 388 units in May 2024, reflecting a rather subdued market reception. The rollout of the Kunlun C series is aimed at turning around sales figures with wider powertrain choices and tiered equipment packages.
The exterior styling of the Kaiyi Kunlun C continues the brand's signature "Kunlun Aesthetics" design philosophy. Dominating the front fascia is an expansive mesh grille flanked by split LED headlamp assemblies and sculpted bumper air ducts, creating a bold, sporty, and visually striking front profile. The headlamp units come equipped with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), height levelling, automatic on/off, adaptive high beam assist, and follow-me-home delay lighting.
Along the sides, sleek character lines and prominent lower door scallops create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, complemented by large-diameter, high-profile tyres for an athletic road stance. Roof rails are standard across the range, while flush pop-out electric door handles add a modern high-tech touch. At the rear, full-width LED taillights and distinctive tailpipe surrounds deliver a clean and contemporary finish.
Inside, the Kaiyi Kunlun C features a wraparound dashboard architecture. The cockpit is anchored by a dual-screen setup comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch (14.6-inch on higher trims) floating central infotainment touchscreen, paired with a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and an electronic gear shifter. The cabin is upholstered in synthetic leather, with features such as a power-adjustable front passenger seat with memory and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory. The interior exudes a minimalist yet tech-laden ambience that aligns well with mainstream standards in this price bracket.
The Kaiyi Kunlun C offers a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines—1.6T and 2.0T—both mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) driving the front wheels (FWD) across the entire range.
1.6T Version: Powered by the SQRF4J16C 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 145 kW (approx. 197 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Part of the Chery Kunpeng engine family, this unit features direct injection, runs on RON 92 petrol, and meets China 6 emission standards. It delivers a top speed of 196 km/h and a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km. The 1.6T lineup is offered in three trims: Shanfeng Edition, Tianji Edition, and Xingkong Edition, priced from RM129,900 to RM149,900.
2.0T Version: Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 187 kW (approx. 254 PS) and 390 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet DCT. The 2.0T range comes in two trims: Xingkong Edition and Yinhe Edition, priced between RM149,900 and RM159,900. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 60 litres.
Under the skin, the entire Kaiyi Kunlun C range runs a front-wheel-drive monocoque chassis, equipped with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. This independent rear configuration is notably generous for this price category, enhancing both ride comfort and handling stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with an electronic parking brake (EPB).
Steering is assisted via an electric power steering (EPS) system. All variants ride on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/50 R20 tyres, providing a commanding visual stance. Approach and departure angles are not officially specified. Available drive modes include Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort, accompanied by Auto Hold, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Overall chassis tuning is biased towards comfort, with the multi-link rear suspension offering superior bump absorption over uneven surfaces compared to the torsion beam setups typically found in this segment.
The smart cabin experience is centred around the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and floating infotainment touchscreen, available in 12.8-inch or 14.6-inch sizes depending on the trim. The infotainment system supports GPS navigation, emergency roadside assistance, Bluetooth telephony, 4G telematics, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and smartphone screen mirroring. The voice command system handles multimedia, navigation, phone calls, and climate control functions.
Seating versatility is a major highlight of the Kunlun C. Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations (with the latter arranged in a 2+3+2 layout), the second row features fore/aft sliding and reclinable backrests. Seats are finished in synthetic leather, with power adjustment and memory settings for the front seats on higher-spec trims.
Convenience and comfort equipment standard across the range includes Auto Hold, Hill-start Assist, Hill Descent Control, keyless entry, and push-button start. Mid-to-high variants (Tianji Edition and above) add a powered tailgate, power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated and heated front seats, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, single-colour or multi-colour ambient lighting, sequential indicators, and heated side mirrors. Moving up to the Xingkong Edition adds wireless smartphone charging, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver and front passenger memory seats, and THX audio. Speaker systems range from a standard 6-speaker setup to THX branded audio depending on the variant.
Passive safety-wise, the Kaiyi Kunlun C is built with a high-strength cage body structure. Airbag fitment varies across trims: the Shanfeng and Tianji Editions feature dual front airbags and front side airbags; the Xingkong Edition adds full-length curtain airbags for the front and rear; the top-spec 2.0T Yinhe Edition further introduces Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Front/Rear Collision Warning. Active safety essentials such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Driver Fatigue Warning come standard across all variants.
In terms of intelligent driving assistance, ADAS equipment follows a clear tier structure. The entry Shanfeng and Tianji Editions settle for basic cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. The 1.6T Xingkong Edition introduces a substantial Level 2 ADAS suite, featuring Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, front parking sensors, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Due to cost optimisation, the 2.0T Xingkong Edition drops several of these Level 2 driver aids, while the flagship 2.0T Yinhe Edition restores the full Level 2 suite.
The Kaiyi Kunlun C is available in five distinct trim grades:
1.6T Shanfeng Edition (RM129,900): Entry variant featuring a 12.3-inch digital cluster + 12.8-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, cruise control, Auto Hold, keyless entry, and standard essentials.
1.6T Tianji Edition (RM139,900): Adds a powered tailgate, power-adjustable driver's seat, front seat ventilation/heating, rear cup holders, 14.6-inch infotainment screen, single-colour ambient lighting, sequential indicators, and heated side mirrors over the Shanfeng Edition.
1.6T Xingkong Edition (RM149,900): Adds a Level 2 ADAS suite (Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, AEB, ACC, etc.), front parking sensors, digital key, telescopic steering adjustment, wireless phone charging, power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory front seats, THX audio, adaptive high beam, and rain-sensing wipers over the Tianji Edition.
2.0T Xingkong Edition (RM149,900): Matches the 1.6T Xingkong Edition on price, but trades Level 2 ADAS features (Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, AEB, ACC, etc.) and select creature comforts in exchange for the more potent 2.0T engine.
2.0T Yinhe Edition (RM159,900): Range-topping flagship adding curtain airbags, Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Warning, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, front parking sensors, ACC, digital key, memory front seats, THX audio, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror on top of the 2.0T Xingkong Edition.
The market trajectory of the Kaiyi Kunlun C mirrors that of the standard Kunlun ICE range, defined by a "strong exports, weak domestic demand" dynamic. With total Kunlun lineup sales standing at just 388 units in May 2024, it sits towards the lower end of China's mid-size SUV sales charts. The Kunlun C was introduced to revive retail interest through dual powertrain choices (1.6T/2.0T) and more tailored equipment tiers.
Market observers attribute the slow sales to several factors: first, low brand equity—Kaiyi remains a fringe player in China's passenger car market with limited brand recognition; second, limited dealer footprint—an inadequate showroom and service network makes hands-on test drives inconvenient; third, fierce rivalry—established contenders in the RM120,000 to RM160,000 bracket like the Haval Second Generation Big Dog, Geely Haoyue L, and Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS dominate in brand prestige and product appeal; and fourth, the swift market penetration of NEVs (PHEVs and BEVs) is continuing to cannibalise traditional ICE SUV demand.
From an owner perspective, praise for the Kunlun C centres on its strong value proposition and cavernous interior—the 2,820 mm wheelbase provides standout rear legroom in this class, while the 20-inch rims and wide-body styling give it commanding road presence. On the flip side, criticisms highlight the counterintuitive move of stripping ADAS tech on the 2.0T Xingkong Edition to offset engine costs, sluggish low-end response on the 1.6T when fully laden on inclines, thirstier real-world urban fuel consumption compared to its official 8.2 L/100 km WLTC rating, and poor brand cachet impacting future resale value.
The Kaiyi Kunlun C represents an upgraded powertrain and specification offensive built upon the Kunlun foundation. Armed with Chery's Kunpeng 1.6T/2.0T engines, a class-topping 2,820 mm wheelbase, independent multi-link rear suspension, and a competitive starting price of RM129,900, it seeks to carve out a niche in the RM120,000–RM160,000 mid-size petrol SUV segment. Its five-trim lineup provides a varied spectrum of options—the 1.6T Xingkong Edition offers full Level 2 ADAS at RM149,900, while the 2.0T Yinhe Edition pairs robust performance with top-tier active safety tech.
Nonetheless, the arrival of the Kunlun C underscores Kaiyi's persistent brand and commercial hurdles—in the RM150,000 territory, buyers often prefer topping up RM20,000 to RM30,000 for household names like Haval or Chery rather than taking a gamble on Kaiyi. Low brand awareness, limited dealership touchpoints, and the ongoing NEV surge collectively keep the Kunlun C's sales potential on a tight leash.
For prospective buyers, the Kaiyi Kunlun C makes a sensible choice for budget-conscious families with RM130,000 to RM160,000 to spend, who prioritise generous cabin room and flexible 5/7-seater capability, care little for brand badges, and prefer the simplicity of an ICE powertrain. The 1.6T Xingkong Edition stands out as the sweet spot for value thanks to its comprehensive ADAS package at RM149,900, while the 2.0T Yinhe Edition caters to buyers seeking maximum power alongside complete equipment. However, when benchmarked against established rivals like the Tiggo 8 PLUS and Haoyue L, the Kunlun C still falls behind in brand equity, trim packaging logic (notably the 2.0T Xingkong Edition's "power without ADAS" compromise), and aftersales network support.
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