Chery aims high: JAECOO 9 sets its sights on Europe's premium SUV class

Chery's premium brand prepares a European version of the Fulwin T11 — a flagship range-extender SUV with 2+2+2 layout, 30-inch display and over 1,400 km of total range.

Chery wants to push JAECOO above its usual mass-market segment. To do that, the brand is preparing a large flagship — the JAECOO 9, a European version of the Chinese Fulwin T11 meant to take on the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS and the upcoming Audi Q9.

The dimensions are serious: 5205 mm long, 1998 mm wide, with a 3120 mm wheelbase. This is no longer just a large family crossover but a full-fledged E-segment SUV with three rows. Inside, Chery has gone with a 2+2+2 layout: two individual seats in the second row and two more in the third. That format is less about maximum passenger count and more about the comfort of those in the back.

The cabin also leans into a premium feel. A 30-inch touchscreen panel sits up front, second-row passengers get a separate 17.3-inch display, and the audio system runs 23 speakers. Seats are promised with heating, ventilation and massage. For Chinese flagships this is almost mandatory by now: the buyer is being courted not only with power, but with the feel of business class on wheels.

In Europe, the JAECOO 9 is expected to arrive as an EREV — an electric vehicle with a range extender. The system is built around a 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with one or two electric motors. The all-wheel-drive version puts out up to 469 hp, while a 39.92 kWh LFP battery delivers up to 220 km of electric driving. Total range is claimed at over 1,400 km on the CLTC cycle. In real European use the figure will be more modest, but the idea is clear: drive around town as an EV, and on longer trips not rely entirely on charging stations.

The UK is expected to be the first European market for the JAECOO 9, with the launch potentially happening in 2027. Prices, trims and exact specifications for Europe have not yet been disclosed. The material mentions a benchmark of «from 66,000 euros» (roughly 76,600 dollars at current exchange rates).

The real question isn't whether JAECOO can build a large, powerful, tech-heavy SUV. The Chinese have already mastered that. What's more interesting is whether the European buyer will believe that the Chery badge can stand next to German premium for reasons beyond screen size.