SAIC’s Z9, a large electric SUV, has appeared in a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing. It is the third model line for SAIC, also known as Shangjie, the brand created by SAIC Motor for the Huawei-backed Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). The Z9 will sit above the H5 SUV and Z7 range in the lineup.
The filing lists rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Rear-drive models produce 280kW, while all-wheel-drive versions add a 175kW front motor. The Z9 measures 5,139mm long, 2,005mm wide and 1,776mm tall, with a 3,086mm wheelbase. It is planned with six seats across three rows. Kerb weight is listed between 2,595kg and 2,794kg, and all versions use CATL-supplied ternary lithium-ion batteries. Battery capacities have not been disclosed.
Its proportions and details, including slim headlights and a full-width rear light bar, bring the Porsche Cayenne to mind. The Z9 is longer than both the petrol Cayenne and the Cayenne Electric, although the article distinguishes it from more overt Chinese copycat designs. Porsche’s China sales have weakened: sales were down 33 per cent to 21,493 through September, while full-year sales in 2024 were 41,938.
SAIC was introduced in 2025 as part of HIMA, whose other brands include Chery’s Luxeed and JAC’s Maextro. SAIC models remain confined to China so far. The article says the brand focuses on electric and extended-range electric vehicles, while noting that SAIC Motor’s IM models are exported to markets including Australia.