On June 21, Kaiyi announced that its first plug-in hybrid SUV called Kunlun iHD officially started pre-sale, available in four trims, with a price range of 119,900 – 159,900 yuan (16,500 – 22,000 USD).
Kaiyi, previously known as Cowin, was established in March 2014 as a brand under Chery. Then in 2018, Chery sold parts of Kaiyi to Yibin Automobile Industry Development Investment and Sichuan Yibin Push Group for 2.494 billion yuan (343.5 million USD), in which these two companies hold 50.85% and 1.33% of the share, respectively; and the remaining 47.82% of the shares were still held by Chery. Now, Chery’s shares were reduced to 18%.
In 2023, Kaiyi’s cumulative global sales were 40,210 units, which did not achieve its 60,000 unit target. Currently, Kaiyi exports to more than 26 countries.
Earlier in June, the Kaiyi Kunlun iHD rolled off the production line. The new car adopts Chery’s latest flagship chassis, BYD FinDreams’ plug-in hybrid system, and CATL’s battery. Positioned as a medium-sized SUV, the Kaiyi Kunlun iHD measures 4738/1968/1708 mm, with a 2820 mm wheelbase.
Based on the Kaiyi Kunlun gasoline-powered SUV, the iHD trim has a large frameless front grille design decorated with a dot matrix structure and integrates with the split headlights on both sides. The Kaiyi brand logo can also lit up in the center.
The rear has a roof spoiler, through-type taillights, and double-sided exhaust outlets.
Inside, the cockpit uses a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The 14.6-inch touch central control screen suspends from the center console.
The car adopts a 2+3+2 seven-seater layout and the standard trunk volume is 518 L.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5T hybrid engine (model F22TC) and a front electric motor, mated to an E-CVT. The engine has a maximum power of 102 kW (139 hp) and a peak torque of 231 Nm. The electric motor outputs 150 kW (204 hp) and 300 Nm. The top speed is 180 km/h. The 22.48 kW lithium iron phosphate battery pack supplied by CATL provides a CLTC pure electric range of 150 km and a comprehensive range of 1,200 km. Under fast charging, it takes 30 minutes to replenish the battery to 80%.
