HIMA’s Saic Z7 teased: new coupe eyes Q1 2026 launch
Saic of HIMA has officially unveiled its second production model, the Z7, a coupe poised for a Q1 2026 launch.
The Z7’s official announcement on January 7th follows earlier teaser image releases and revelations from a “Five Realms” special live stream, which highlighted the HarmonyOS Smart Travel ecosystem brands. During this event, Richard Yu, who is the chairman of HIMA, hinted at the Z7’s premium aesthetic, even stating its appearance rivals a “million-level European performance car.”
The Saic Z7’s side profile bears a strong resemblance to the Porsche Taycan, while its front fascia adopts a family-style design similar to the Saic H5. The rear lights also draw parallels to the Taycan’s lighting signature.
The Z7 integrates several modern features, including a roof-mounted LiDAR system for advanced driver assistance, hidden or semi-hidden door handles, and large-sized wheels that underscore its sporty stance. Its design philosophy diverges from the HarmonyOS Smart Travel’s conventional OneBox approach, instead embracing a long-hood style akin to the Xiaomi SU7, a choice expected to resonate strongly with mainstream young consumers.
Notably, the Z7 appears to eschew the ubiquitous full-width headlight design, opting for a more distinctive front lighting signature. Enhancing its smart capabilities, the vehicle will feature “smart driving indicator lights” and frameless exterior mirrors.
Beyond the standard coupe, spy shots have also surfaced of a Saic Z7 shooting brake variant. This version promises a more robust and voluminous rear, offering increased storage space and versatility.
As the most affordable brand from HIMA, Shangjie is clearly targeting a younger demographic with the Z7. The company anticipates strong competitiveness in the approximately 200,000 yuan (29,000 USD) price segment.
Editor’s comment
HIMA’s most affordable model, the Saic H5, has reportedly fallen short of sales expectations, achieving only 10,000 units per month. This vehicle was developed based on a Marvel model. The upcoming Z7, however, is said to be an entirely new development. Its future sales in China are uncertain, especially given the widespread consumer preference for SUVs.
