New Chinese SUVs coming to Australia in 2024

After Chinese brands continued to march up the sales charts last year, and China became the third-biggest country of origin for new vehicles sold in Australia, the boom is set to continue in 2024 – with SUVs leading the charge.

Here’s some of the key SUVs from the leading Chinese brands to watch out for…

The most popular Chinese car brand in Australia, MG, is seeking to introduce a facelifted version of its Mazda CX-5-rivalling MG HS in 2024 – a mid-size SUV that will bolster its position in the single biggest-selling market segment in Australia.

MG Motor Australia is also keen to introduce a super-luxury electric SUV – the MG LS6 – that could nudge $100,000 and rival vehicles the Kia EV6 GT.

Another fast-rising Chinese challenger brand, GWM, is on a quest to bring at least two new SUVs to Australia this year, including the highly-anticipated GWM Tank 500 that’s set to arrive mid-year just in time to give buyers of the new Toyota Prado something to think about.

GWM Australia will also launch the plug-in hybrid Haval H6 PHEV later in 2024 – or possibly early 2025 – which will offer up to 200km of EV cruising range and a potent 240kW/530Nm kick.

It’s understood that GWM is considering three other SUVs beyond that, including the just-revealed 2024 Haval H9, which is a Prado-hunting large SUV, along with the rugged-looking Big Dog and Dargo mid-size SUVs.

GWM Australia’s marketing chief Steve Maciver said that identifying new models suitable for our market from the brand’s huge overseas portfolio is “an ongoing opportunity and a challenge”.

“We are weighing up SUV options … we’ve got some really appealing options,” he said, adding that GWM is “confident we can grow sales again this year” after racking up 36,397 sales in 2023 (+45.3%).

“We have 99 dealers at the moment and we’ll add another 20 or so in 2024.”

Chinese EV brand BYD is also plotting new SUVs for the Aussie market in 2024, including the BYD Seal U mid-size electric SUV.

The Seal U has already commenced testing in Australia and could lure customers away from the top-selling Tesla Model Y with sharp pricing and reasonable tech.

Then there’s the wild BYD U8, a $250,000 super-SUV that BYD is keen to launch Down Under. With more techno-wizardry than Elon Musk’s secret Texan bunker, the U8 could make the Lexus LX 600 look quaint.

Another Chinese brand finding favour with buyers is LDV, which is best known for its commercial vehicles and has broken new ground with full-electric versions of its LDV Deliver 9 van and T60 ute.

In 2024, the car-maker is looking to update the LDV D90 three-row large SUV – another would-be Toyota Prado slayer.

Sporting a brand-new look, the updated D90 has been shown in China wearing Maxus badges and is almost certain to come to Australia later in 2024, with government documents having already confirmed its approval for sale here.

Chery relaunched in Australia in 2023 with two new SUVs – the small Omoda 5 and mid-size Tiggo 7 Pro – and is planning plenty more new products in 2024, including the Chery Omoda 5 EV.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro family SUV is also in the pipeline, taking aim at the Toyota Kluger and likely offering an advanced plug-in hybrid electric powertrain.

Not stopping there, Chery is looking to introduce a Jeep Wrangler and GWM Tank 300 competitor in the form of the TJ-1 off-road SUV.

Company executives for the budget Chinese brand are confident of becoming a top 10 brand in Australia, targeting 75,000 annual sales here by 2027.

By comparison, MG racked up 58,346 sales last year, placing seventh in the market overall.

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