Kaiyi X-7

Model Overview

The Kaiyi X7 is a D-segment mid-size SUV launched by Kaiyi Auto for global markets, deeply anchored to the brand's overseas expansion strategy. Positioned as the Kaiyi Kunlun iHD in China, the vehicle serves as the flagship model among the trio of international variants simultaneously unveiled by Kaiyi in 2024. It is primarily targeted at Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Under the brand's product roadmap, the SUV is sold domestically in China as the Kunlun iHD (priced from RM109,900 to RM179,900), whereas overseas markets receive dedicated internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants tailored to local market requirements. In markets like the Middle East and the Philippines, it is badged as the X7 PHEV, specifically introduced to spearhead the brand's foray into the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) segment.

Design Language

In terms of styling, the Kaiyi X7 sports the brand’s distinctive family design signature. Up front, it features an imposing borderless vertical waterfall grille flanked by full-width lightning-bolt-style light clusters, lending the SUV an aggressive road presence. Dimensionally, the SUV measures 4,738 mm long, 1,968 mm wide, and 1,708 mm tall, riding on a 2,820 mm wheelbase, with its generous width giving it a commanding, broad-shouldered stance in its class. The side profile exhibits sleek, muscular contours complemented by flush pop-out door handles and large alloy wheels, while the rear features a sporty quad-exhaust setup with twin pipes on each side. Inside, the cabin adopts either a symmetrical or driver-centric cockpit layout designed with a high-tech and premium touch, offering flexible five-seater and seven-seater seating configurations.

Powertrain & Performance

Depending on market needs, the Kaiyi X7 is available with two primary powertrain choices:

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and a P1+P3 dual-motor setup. The internal combustion engine produces 102 kW (approx. 137 hp) and 231 Nm of torque. Energy is supplied by a 22.48 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a pure electric range of up to 150 km (CLTC) and a total cruising range exceeding 1,200 km on a full tank and full charge.
ICE (Petrol): Certain markets are offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines. The 1.6T unit pushes out 186 hp and 275 Nm of torque, while the 2.0T mill produces 238 hp and 375 Nm. In the UAE market, the 2026 X7 receives a recalibrated output of 194 hp and 290 Nm for the 1.6T variant, and 251 hp and 390 Nm for the 2.0T flagship. Power is channelled through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) across the board.

Chassis & Handling

The Kaiyi X7's chassis is tuned to strike a fine balance between ride comfort and handling composure. Underneath, it rides on a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear setup. Thanks to its wide track width, the SUV demonstrates solid high-speed cruising stability with a comfort-biased damping setup. For the petrol-powered range, selected variants offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option alongside standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) to tackle more challenging terrain and varying road conditions.

Cabin & Features

The cockpit is highlighted by a dual-screen digital setup comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen. The head unit supports Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and smartphone integration, while range-topping variants gain premium conveniences such as a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry, and push-start ignition. Seat comfort is enhanced with zero-gravity ergonomic seats designed for fatigue-free long-distance journeys, complete with power adjustment and seat ventilation for the front occupants. Furthermore, standard equipment across the range includes automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, and a panoramic glass roof, alongside dedicated rear air-con vents to ensure optimal cooling comfort for third-row occupants in the seven-seater model.

Safety & ADAS

On the safety front, the Kaiyi X7 is built to meet stringent global export standards. Passive safety is bolstered by a high-strength cage body structure, with front and side airbags fitted as standard across the range. For active safety, the SUV comes equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) integrating up to 14 intelligent driver-assist features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). A 360-degree panoramic surround-view camera and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold further bolster daily driving safety and convenience.

Market Performance & Outlook

The Kaiyi X7 stands as a milestone model marking Kaiyi Auto's pivot from China's hyper-competitive domestic market to global expansion. By the first half of 2025, Kaiyi's global production and sales neared 60,000 units, with overseas sales recording a staggering surge of over 300%—driven primarily by the X7 and its sibling models. In the Middle East, following the debut of its flagship showroom in Saudi Arabia in 2025 and the release of the updated 2026 model, the X7 is competitively priced starting at AED 78,000 for the 1.6T and AED 94,000 for the 2.0T flagship, locking horns with established contenders such as the Kia Sportage, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, and Hyundai Tucson. Traction in Southeast Asia has been equally promising, with the Philippine-spec model starting from around PHP 1.499 million, drawing strong interest from family buyers seeking a practical seven-seater. This multi-pronged domestic-and-export strategy has enabled Kaiyi to gain rapid market share in overseas territories traditionally dominated by legacy marques, turning the X7 into a prime case study of global expansion for emerging Chinese automakers.