Kaiyi Xuanjie

The Kaiyi Xuanjie (Kaiyi X3) is a compact urban SUV under Kaiyi Auto. As the first strategic SUV model produced at Kaiyi's Yibin Smart Factory, the Xuanjie is positioned in the entry-level segment, designed to provide young families and first-time car buyers with a practical, economical, and stylish mobility solution. Since its launch in 2020, it has not only established the brand's domestic foothold, but also spearheaded Kaiyi's accelerated globalisation drive into emerging markets across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Model Overview

The Kaiyi Xuanjie is positioned as a compact SUV, with body dimensions measuring approximately 4,400 mm × 1,831 mm × 1,653 mm and a wheelbase of 2,632 mm. Its core identity centres on being a "High Value-for-Money Urban SUV" and "The First SUV for Young Buyers". Key highlights include a signature family front grille blending wing-spread and starry elements, a floating roof design, a spacious 5-seater cabin, proven 1.5L/1.5T powertrain options, and modern digital tech including a full LCD meter cluster and a high-definition central touchscreen. With a pragmatic equipment list and an accessible price point, the Xuanjie delivers a compelling proposition in the entry-level SUV segment.

Development History

Birth and Launch (2020): In June 2020, the Kaiyi Xuanjie officially hit the market. Representing a pivotal milestone in Kaiyi's brand revitalisation, the Xuanjie garnered substantial attention among younger car buyers from day one thanks to its "stylish, smart, and quality-driven" positioning.

Product Line Upgrades (2021–2024): To maintain strong market competitiveness, Kaiyi subsequently introduced the Xuanjie Pro variant, boosting dynamic performance and cabin refinement through the introduction of a punchier 1.5T turbocharged engine and an upgraded interior layout.

Globalisation and Current Developments (2025–2026): Moving into 2026, the Xuanjie has become a core export model in Kaiyi's global portfolio, making strong inroads across markets such as the UAE, the Philippines, and Angola with market-tailored variants. The 2026 Xuanjie range further cements its standing as the brand's representative "high-value, accessible" SUV through an optimised infotainment ecosystem and upgraded safety kit.

Market Performance

The Kaiyi Xuanjie is widely recognised for its exceptional value-for-money proposition in both domestic and export markets. Domestically, its compact footprint and nimble handling have earned it a solid market share among family car buyers in tier-three and tier-four cities. In overseas markets, the Xuanjie range (badged as the X3 or X3 Pro in certain regions) is regarded as a go-to Chinese compact SUV thanks to its affordable pricing and reliable Chery-derived powertrains. Despite stiff competition in the segment, the Xuanjie maintains a steady, loyal customer base for everyday family commuting courtesy of its clear market positioning and low running costs.

Core Technologies

Powertrain: Offers two engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine (delivering 85 kW) and a 1.5T turbocharged unit. Power is sent through either a 5-speed manual gearbox (MT) or a CVT automatic, tuned specifically for smooth urban drivability and low fuel consumption.

Smart Cockpit & Tech: Features a 10.25-inch floating HD central infotainment screen alongside a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, delivering an intuitive, contemporary digital human-machine interface.

Safety & Build Quality: Engineered around a high-rigidity cage body structure using high-strength steel in critical areas. Bosch ESP electronic stability control, reverse parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) come standard across the range, with higher-spec variants adding ADAS driver assistance systems compliant with multiple international safety benchmarks.  

Chassis & Suspension: Underpinned by front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension systems. This setup provides commendable bump absorption compared to rivals in the same price bracket, striking a fine balance between ride comfort and handling composure.

Future Outlook

Future plans for the Kaiyi Xuanjie centre on continuous equipment enhancements and powertrain diversification. The brand intends to leverage its proven platform to further deepen in-vehicle connectivity while exploring mild-hybrid (MHEV) options for selected markets to meet stricter emissions standards. In parallel, with the continued expansion of its global after-sales network, Kaiyi will provide cost-effective maintenance support for the Xuanjie series, ensuring the model's sustained longevity in the entry-level SUV segment.