Xiaomi-related SUV From Rox Brand Exposed In China. To Compete With G-Class

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Recently, quite a lot of Chinese automakers have started to expand in the high-end off-road SUV segment. And now, one more off-roader was exposed in China. It belongs to the Rox brand, founded by Chang Jing. He is also a founder of Roborock, a maker of household vacuum cleaners and a member of Xiaomi ‘ecological chain’.

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Briefly on Rox Brand

Rox’s official website

As mentioned, Rox (Rox Motor) is a young automaker, founded in 2021. Its CEO is Chang Jing, a chairman and founder of Roborock, a vacuum cleaners maker. In 2014, Xiaomi became the major investor of Roborock. But let’s get back to Rox. As it goes from their website, their team already has 1800 members with experience of working in the automotive industry. Their suppliers are Bosch, CATL, Continental, Valeo, etc. Rox is positioned as a car brand for people who like different outdoor activities. It focuses mainly on SUVs with hybrid or electric powertrains. Up to this point, there was little information on their vehicles. But recently its first vehicle was exposed! Let’s get to know it better.

Rox’s SUV Exposed In China

Recently, a mysterious Rox’s SUV was spied in China during charging near the Avatr showroom. At first glance, we have almost confused it with the BYD Yangwang R1. The vehicle in spy shots is heavily covered with camouflage and has a shape of a hardcore SUV with blocky lines, a high bonnet line, and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. The exact dimensions of the Rox’s SUV aren’t clear. But it is likely to be a full-size SUV. The test car is equipped with Pirelli 265/50 R20 AT tires.

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The interior of the Rox’s SUV is also heavily covered with camouflage, but we can still see some details. It has a three-spoke D-shaped steering wheel. It also has a large screen. Worth mentioning that this monitor has unveiled some valuable information about this SUV’s powertrain.

The line ‘油电混合’ there means ‘hybrid’. And, as we can clearly see, this SUV is a PHEV, since it was spied during charging. But according to Chinese media, the first Rox’s car is an EREV (range extender) SUV. So the engine here only powers the battery. We can highlight that EREVs are going viral in China. Voyah, Li Auto, AITO, and other local car brands have expanded in this segment. And it looks like they have received a one more competitor.

Earlier, some sources reported that the Rox’s SUV will rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in China. So its price tag will probably be much higher than 500,000 RMB (70,400 USD). Moreover, it will rival with another ‘G-Class killer’, the Yangwang R1 from BYD. More information on the Rox’s SUV as we get it.

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Source: Weibo, Autohome

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13 COMMENTS

  1. With due respect for your excellent reports, is it possible to ask if the publication could specify a third category – you have ‘EV’ and ‘ICE’. But in the EV-category you also place the hybrids (EREV) with ICE-engines, and this is not the same thing as a 100% EV (BEV).

    In Europe and other large parts of the world, hybrids (nor EREV) any longer get incentives – especially in Europe – as ICE engines, also in hybrides will be banned within the next 3 – 12 years. Please notice this, and that hybrids or EREV’s, although popular in China, is at a dead end. It’s neither ‘blue’ or ‘green’.

    Thank you.

    • Hi Knut, fair point, thanks. Actually the section was originally called NEV (Chinese term for New Energy Vehicles = EVs, PHEVs, EREVs, FCEVs) but no one knew what NEV is and people kept asking so we changed to EV 🙂 But you are right PHEV is not EV. Maybe we will change it to NEV again or add some explanation. I will also research if I’m able to add third category in WordPress, it’s not very user friendly for me.

      I’m interested – would you really welcome PHEV category in header or you just don’t like when you click EV tagged articel and it is about PHEV in the end?

      • Hi Jiri, yes the category PHEV would make it a little easier and quicker. And I’ve noticed you already responded to that, thats great. I have followed CNC sinse Tycho started and value your channel as one the best for sorces information regarding Chinese auto industry.

        Thank you for your response.

  2. It’s almost ludicrous that Xiaomi would associate itself with a vaccum cleaner company, as it continues its delayed attempt to break into the electrical vehicle manufacturing industry.
    Still in search of an auto production base, with no strong auto veterans on staff, or a recognized industry partner , I don’t know how Xiaomi can hope to fulfill its car making dreams.

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    • Not talking about the fact that goverment is pushing for consolidation and doesn’t want more new players on EV playground.

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      • Jiri I don’t really see a serious push by Beijing for quite a while now.
        New players seem to be popping up all the time, like Whackamole.
        Remember back in 2017 when the press reported that approval for new electric vehicle projects had been suspended after the first 15. Shortly thereafter the suspension was lifted and that number disappeared, not to be heard of again.

        • Hmm interesting. We recently discussed with Tycho that all these big mouth PR statements from Xiaomi are here to distract us from the fact, that Beijing is not happy with more and more small EV makers. Let’s see if consolidation will come naturally like with Niutron and Hengchi or by force.

    • I’m pretty sure some opportunities will present themselves for Xiaomi in the near future. For instance, WM Motor and Evergrande Auto/Hengchi seem to be in a bit of trouble.

        • To follow up on that Jiri and Leo; so many “has visited” the news in China, perhaps sadest is the history of Byton, that could have become a great car.

          Others, may or may not be gone; Faraday Future (“Faraway Future”), Qoros and Luxgen, among others.

          Lykan, LvChi, Thunderpower, TechRules, and many more are probaly dead and gone. China has developed their auto industry so fast that this is only natural.

          Btw., Borgward was never anything but a re-branded Chinese car, right?

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