Chinese analogues of Range Rover: is the game worth the candle?

The suspension deserves special attention. Engineers equipped the new product with pneumatic struts and active stabilizers, which allows the car to literally float above the road. This is an ideal option for a family, because the second and third rows of seats are equipped with massage, heating and ventilation.

• 🚀 Dynamics: Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 5.3 seconds, which is an outstanding performance for a five-meter SUV.
• 🔋 Autonomy: The electric range is about 200 km, and taking into account the gasoline generator, the total range exceeds 1,300 km.
• 🛋️ Comfort: The cabin uses environmentally friendly materials, and the level of sound insulation is comparable to a recording studio.

It is worth noting that Lixiang Positioned as a family car, there is no body-on-frame design typical of serious SUVs. This is a city car for long journeys on good roads. If you need exactly Off-road, then it’s worth looking at other models, but for the highway and the city the L9 is one of the best choices on the market.

Tank 500: a frame monster with a luxury interior

If the previous hero was a city cruiser, then Tank 500 is a direct competitor to Range Rover at its most brutal. The brand, part of the Great Wall concern, has released a model that is built on a ladder-type frame and is ready for real off-road use. The design here is more angular and brutal, reminiscent of classic SUVs of the 90s, but with modern optics.

Under the hood lies a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This classic scheme, which is appreciated by lovers of real jeeps. Unlike many Chinese analogues, Tank 500 is not afraid of mud, fords and steep climbs. Locking differentials and low-range gearing make it a versatile tool for all conditions.

The Tank 500's interior is trimmed with nappa leather and wood, which echoes the interior of British luxury SUVs. There is no feeling of “plasticity” here, which is typical for budget Chinese. The multimedia system works quickly, and adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems make travel comfortable.

It is important to understand the difference in target audience. If the L9 is chosen by those who carry children and value silence, then the Tank 500 is bought by people who need cross-country ability and the ability to tow a heavy trailer. This is a car for those who do not want to depend on weather conditions and the quality of roads.

Hongqi HS7 and E-HS9: flagships worthy of diplomats

Brand Hongqi (Red Banner) is historically the Chinese equivalent of Rolls-Royce or Bentley, producing cars for the state elite. The HS7 model and the all-electric E-HS9 are the brand’s attempt to enter the mass premium segment. The appearance of these cars evokes associations with Range Rover and Lincoln thanks to the huge vertical radiator grille and strict body geometry.

The technical stuff here is also at its best. All-wheel drive versions are equipped with powerful electric motors or turbocharged V6 engines. Security is the number one priority for this brand, so the body is reinforced with high-strength steel, and the set of electronic assistants even includes an automatic parking assistant controlled from a smartphone.

By buying a Hongqi, you are acquiring not just a car, but a certain status. In China, these cars are respected, and in other countries they are beginning to gain popularity precisely because of their image. Build quality prices here are often higher than those of mass-market brands, since control at factories is stricter.

⚠️ Attention: The Hongqi E-HS9's dimensions are comparable to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, so make sure your parking space is large enough to maneuver such a huge car.

Comparison of technologies and multimedia systems

One of the main reasons why a Chinese car similar to a Range Rover is becoming more popular than the original is the level of digitalization. While the British may offer outdated interfaces, the Chinese set the bar high. Android-based operating systems, 5G support, driver face and gesture recognition are already standard for top models.

For example, in Lixiang screens occupy almost the entire front panel, and the passenger can watch movies on his display without distracting the driver. The sound in such cars is often developed jointly with famous audio brands (Dolby Atmos, Dirac), which turns the salon into a concert hall.

However, there is also another side to the coin. Interfaces are often entirely in Chinese or English, and voice assistants do not understand Russian. Localization remains a weak point, and users have to get used to the specific menu logic. But after setup everything works smoothly and is stable

Nuances of operation and maintenance in the CIS

Owning an exotic car requires understanding the realities of the aftermarket. If there are usually no problems with consumables (filters, pads), since they are often unified with other models of the concern, then bodywork is a sore subject. Glasses, headlights and bumpers for rare models like Tank or Lixiang, it can take from 3 to 6 months to arrive from China.

Service also requires choosing the right partner. There are not official dealers in all cities, so many owners turn to specialized service stations that work with the “Chinese”. It is important to find technicians who know how to work with complex electronics and air suspension, and not just change the oil.

• 🔧 Spare parts: Always check the availability of body parts before purchasing a rare model.
• 💻 Software: Be prepared for the need for periodic software updates from specialists.
• ❄️ Winter: Check the operation of heat pumps and batteries in severe frosts; some models require insulation.

Despite the difficulties, the cost of ownership is often lower than that of European counterparts. Insurance and taxes may be more profitable, and the initial purchase price allows you to save millions of rubles while receiving a similar level of comfort.

Final verdict: is it worth changing the awl for soap?

The answer to the question “which Chinese car similar to Range Rover is better” depends on your priorities. If you need status and history, the British are unrivaled. But if you are a pragmatist who wants to get the maximum technology, comfort and reliability for your money, then Chinese premium today it looks extremely convincing.

Models like the Lixiang L9 or Tank 500 have already proven that they can be not just a copy, but a full-fledged alternative with their own philosophy. They offer what Europeans often lack - generosity in basic equipment and boldness in engineering solutions.

The market is changing rapidly, and in a couple of years the question of whether to take the “Chinese” will probably disappear by itself, as they will become the dominant class in the luxury segment.