An automotive review website has completed its inaugural comprehensive evaluation of a Chinese-manufactured vehicle, with results that suggest American car companies should take notice.
Edmunds conducted extensive testing on a Geely Galaxy M9, a hybrid SUV that retails for approximately $25,000 in China, marking the first time the popular car-shopping platform has evaluated a Chinese vehicle. The decision came amid rising American consumer curiosity about affordable, technology-rich Chinese automobiles, despite these vehicles being essentially prohibited from entering the US market.
Following extensive testing at Edmunds’ Los Angeles facility, Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver concluded that numerous features of the M9 are “ahead of the vehicles that we’re driving in the U.S.” He praised the vehicle’s technological capabilities, stating “The technology is terrific.”
The testing process involved both real-world driving scenarios over three weeks and a comprehensive 227-point performance assessment covering acceleration, braking, driving range, and various functionality measures.
Current market barriers including regulatory restrictions, legislative opposition, and tariffs approaching 100% prevent Chinese vehicles from entering the American marketplace. However, recent Cox Automotive research indicates growing consumer interest in Chinese automotive brands, with some buyers exploring ways to import these vehicles through Mexico or Canada.
Geely clarified that providing the test vehicle aimed to showcase their technological advancement globally rather than signal intentions to enter the American market. A company representative stated, “Geely continuously evaluates global markets, but our current commercial focus for the Galaxy M9 remains on China.”
The connection between Edmunds and Geely developed during this year’s CES technology conference. While importing new Chinese vehicles for sale remains prohibited, Edmunds legally borrowed the vehicle for testing purposes on American roads.
Testing revealed that the three-row Galaxy M9 competes effectively with vehicles priced at double its cost, including fully-equipped versions of the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. Edmunds determined the vehicle would remain competitive even if priced at twice its current Chinese retail cost for the American market.
Notable features include a 30-inch entertainment display that Edmunds found comparable to Tesla’s responsiveness, plus distinctive amenities popular in Chinese vehicles such as an integrated refrigerator, external speakers, and a retractable entertainment screen for rear passengers.
The plug-in hybrid’s projected 808-mile range exceeds estimates for comparable products planned by American manufacturers. This extended-range hybrid technology uses substantial batteries for electric-powered driving combined with small gasoline engines functioning primarily as charging generators. Edmunds’ evaluation showed the M9 travels roughly 100 miles on electric power before requiring generator assistance.
Chinese manufacturers have utilized extended-range hybrid technology for several years, while major American automakers including Ford and Stellantis are preparing to introduce similar systems as alternatives to slower-selling electric vehicles.
According to Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights consulting firm, China’s intensely competitive automotive market has driven manufacturers to develop increasingly feature-rich models at reduced prices. Le warned that excluding these options from the American market, particularly as domestic prices increase, will frustrate consumers.
“We’re seeing some of the most innovative products at the lowest prices, and consumers around the world are benefiting,” Le explained. “To keep them out 100%, full stop, that’s what’s going to upset people.”
