Roewe RX9

Model Overview

The Roewe RX9 is a mid-to-large SUV from SAIC Motor's Roewe brand, which made its debut at the 2022 Chengdu Motor Show and was officially launched on 2 March 2023. Serving as Roewe's flagship SUV, the RX9 is available in four variants with official retail prices ranging from RM175,800 to RM243,800. Positioned as a 6-seater mid-to-large SUV, it is tailored primarily for family travel, going up against same-class rivals such as the Trumpchi GS8. Notably, as of 2026, the model remains in its 2023 model year guise without any mid-cycle facelift or update.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Roewe RX9 is crafted around the brand's "Emotional Rhythm" industrial aesthetic design philosophy. Up front, it features a large inverted-trapezoidal smoked radiator grille with an intricate phoenix-feather mesh pattern, flanked by sleek, razor-sharp matrix LED headlights accented with "7"-shaped daytime running lights. The traditional brand crest has been replaced with prominent "ROEWE" block lettering across the front. Along the sides, a dual shoulder-line profile is complemented by flush electric pop-out door handles to enhance overall sleekness, while the D-pillars are highlighted with Ronglin-pattern chrome garnishes. The rear is fitted with full-width LED tail lights, paired with a dual-exhaust setup. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,983 mm long, 1,967 mm wide, and 1,786 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,915 mm. Four exterior paint colours are available: Velvet Silver, Mystic Green, Pearl White, and Ronglin Grey.

Inside, the RX9 features a wraparound cockpit architecture, offered in two interior colourways: Warm Sun Beige and Classic Black. The cabin is generously upholstered in soft-touch and leatherette materials, highlighted by satin silver trim accents and woodgrain inlays.

Powertrain and Performance

The Roewe RX9 is powered across the range by SAIC's in-house developed 20A4E 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This unit delivers a maximum output of 178 kW (approx. 242 PS) and a peak torque of 392 Nm. Maximum power is generated at 5,300 rpm, with peak torque accessible across a 1,750–3,500 rpm band. Drive is routed through a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) layouts. Top speed is rated at 200 km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined WLTC cycle is rated at 8.4 L/100 km. The engine runs on a minimum of RON 92 petrol. The vehicle comes backed by a 3-year or 100,000-km manufacturer warranty.

Chassis and Handling

In terms of underpinnings, the Roewe RX9 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Higher-spec variants come equipped with CDC electronically controlled adaptive dampers (marketed as the CDC "magnetic levitation" suspension system), featuring three selectable modes: Standard, Comfort, and Sport. AWD models are fitted with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system. The electric power steering offers three levels of weight adjustment, tuned generally with a light and effortless feel. Braking feel is tuned progressively, delivering a gentle initial bite that builds reassuringly as the pedal is depressed further. Available driving modes comprise Sport, Eco, Standard/Comfort, Off-road, and Snow.

Cabin and Features

On the tech front, the Roewe RX9 features an expansive 47-inch panoramic triple-screen array comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch front passenger entertainment screen. The system is driven by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, running the proprietary Luoshen smart cockpit operating system. It supports an AI voice assistant, AR real-view navigation, multi-screen cross-interaction, and digital connected services. Audiophiles are catered to with a 12-speaker BOSE premium sound system. Standard equipment across all variants includes an openable panoramic sunroof, flush electric door handles, and matrix LED headlights.

Seating-wise, the entire lineup comes in a 2+2+2 six-seater layout, featuring four individual aviation-style captain seats. Both the front and second-row seats offer up to 140 degrees of recline, complete with standard power adjustment and seat heating; mid-to-high variants add front-seat ventilation and driver's seat memory; while the flagship trim further gains front-seat massage, an electric ottoman leg rest for the front passenger, as well as ventilation and massage for the second row. Boot capacity can comfortably fit cabin trolley bags with the third row up, and expands to provide a flat cargo floor when the rear seats are folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For occupant protection, the Roewe RX9 is engineered around a high-strength safety cage structure. Standard passive safety equipment includes front dual airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags. Active safety systems across the range include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

In terms of driver aids, the Roewe RX9 comes with a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance suite, supported by five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and three millimetre-wave radars. Features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Brake Assist (SBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist, and Automated Parking Assist. It is further complemented by a 360-degree surround-view camera, transparent chassis view, and a digital streaming rear-view mirror.

Market Performance and Reception

Following its debut, market performance for the Roewe RX9 remained largely subdued. In its first full delivery month (March 2023), sales reached only 307 units; monthly numbers subsequently hovered between 100 and 200 units for an extended period; cumulative deliveries from January to August 2024 stood at just 353 units; with full-year 2024 sales totalling 2,087 units. In September 2024, driven by massive showroom discounts (with rebates reaching RM60,000 to RM70,000 on select variants), monthly sales temporarily surged to 1,577 units, but quickly dropped off afterwards, registering just 30 units in December 2024. Official full-year sales figures for 2025 have not been publicly disclosed. Market analysts attribute the lacklustre sales to hurdles in moving the brand upmarket, intense pressure from New Energy Vehicle (NEV) competitors, stagnant product refresh cycles, and insufficient marketing push.

In terms of owner reviews, users generally praise the second-row ride comfort, cabin sound insulation (NVH), and responsive infotainment system; however, some owners have reported reliability gripes such as 12V auxiliary battery drainage and starting issues in freezing winter conditions. Overall, with key highlights like the standard 2.0T + ZF 9AT powertrain, 47-inch panoramic triple-screen display, Snapdragon 8155-powered smart cockpit, CDC adaptive suspension, and 6-seater individual aviation captain seats, the Roewe RX9 offers flagship-calibre product strength on paper; nevertheless, constrained by brand perception, market competition, and a slow model lifecycle, its commercial performance has fallen well short of expectations.