China's Sept. car market heats up with launches from FANGCHENGBAO, Lynk & Co, AITO, NIO and more

September will see a wave of major model launches in the Chinese auto market, with more than ten significant new vehicles expected for launch. Among the highlights are BYD's FANGCHENGBAO TAI 7, the new AITO M7, the all-new IM LS6, the SAIC Audi E5 Sportback, and the all-new NIO ES8. This overview looks at the most notable new arrivals set to hit the market this month.

Already launched

2026 Kia Carnival

The first debut came on September 1 with the market launch of the 2026 Kia Carnival MPV. Offered in four trims, the model is priced between 288,900 yuan and 339,900 yuan, though Kia is offering a limited-time promotional price starting from 218,900 yuan until September 30, 2025.

Photo credit: Kia

The new Carnival stretches 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,795 mm in height, with a 3,090 mm wheelbase. Its flexible 2+2+3 seating layout offers sliding, folding, and stowable seats, providing more versatility than traditional MPVs.

Under the hood, the 2026 Carnival features Kia's Smartstream G2.0 T-GDI engine with direct injection technology, producing 233 PS and 353 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.75 liters per 100 km under WLTC testing.

Coming soon

Lynk & Co 10 EM-P

The Lynk & Co 10 EM-P will hit the market on September 8. Pre-sales have already opened, starting from 192,000 yuan.

Built on the CMA Evo electrified platform, the midsize sedan measures 5,050 mm long, 1,966 mm wide, and 1,487 mm tall, with a 3,005 mm wheelbase. Its styling borrows heavily from the brand's The Next Day concept, giving it a futuristic appearance.

Photo credit: Lynk & Co

All trims come equipped with the G-Pilot H7 driver-assistance system, powered by NVIDIA's Thor chip delivering 700 TOPS of computing power. LiDAR as a standard feature enables highway and urban pilot functions, along with enhanced parking capabilities.

Power comes from a hybrid setup pairing a 1.5T EVO engine with a DHT EVO hybrid drive. The system delivers a combined output of 390 kW and 755 Nm, with CLTC fuel consumption rated at just 4.2 liters per 100 km when running on petrol alone.

FANGCHENGBAO TAI 7

BYD's FANGCHENGBAO brand will begin sales of its new mid-to-large SUV, the TAI 7, on September 9.

The model adopts a fresh design language distinct from other FANGCHENGBAO products, featuring a slim closed grille, split headlights, and a two-tone bumper that give it a more rugged, futuristic look.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

It is powered by a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5T engine (115 kW) with an electric motor (200 kW). The base version comes in two-wheel drive with a shorter range, while the higher trim offers all-wheel drive with a larger battery pack. The CLTC battery-powered range extends to 180 km.

Chery Fulwin X3L

Chery Group will also put its Fulwin X3L onto the market on September 9. The compact range-extended electric SUV made its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show 2025.

Photo credit: Chery Fulwin

With its boxy silhouette, side-hinged tailgate, and rear-mounted storage "backpack," the model blends rugged retro styling with EV-inspired details. Compared with the existing Fulwin X3, the X3L offers a longer wheelbase—up by 68 mm—for greater interior space.

Powertrain options include a 1.5T range-extender engine paired with either a single-motor (185 kW) or dual-motor (315 kW) setup. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes as little as 4.7 seconds. The model provides 215 km of battery-powered range and a combined driving range exceeding 1,000 km.

All-new Sagitar L

FAW-Volkswagen has confirmed that the all-new Sagitar L will officially go on sale on September 9. Pre-sales of began at this year's Chengdu Auto Show, with prices ranging from 119,900 yuan and 135,900 yuan.

Photo credit: FAW-VW

Inside, the sedan is fitted with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 chip and runs on a dual Linux + Android system. A new voice assistant, powered by iFlytek's hybrid cloud solution, supports Mandarin, Sichuan dialect, and Cantonese, achieving over 95% accuracy. Response times have improved by 30% compared with the previous generation, reacting within 1.5 seconds offline and about 2 seconds online.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 118 kW, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

All-new IM LS6

IM Motors will begin selling the all-new LS6 SUVs on September 10. Pre-sales have started with promotional prices starting from 209,900 yuan.

The all-new LS6 adopts a redesigned front fascia with a closed grille, a striking T-shaped headlight layout, and a repositioned logo now located on the hood. A large black intake at the lower bumper adds a sportier presence.

Photo credit: IM Motors

Underpinning the SUV is IM Motors' "Hengxing" REEV-dedicated powertrain, pairing a 1.5T engine with a 66 kWh Super Freevoy MAX battery. The setup delivers up to 450 km of battery-powered CLTC range and a combined range of 1,502 km. With its 800V ultra-fast charging platform, the battery can recover 310 km of range in just 15 minutes. The dual-motor system produces 500 kW and 800 Nm of torque, allowing the all-new LS6 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.48 seconds.

ARCFOX T1

BAIC Motor's NEV brand ARCFOX is preparing to introduce the Arcfox T1 onto the market on September 11, with pre-sale prices ranging from 68,800 yuan to 93,800 yuan.

Photo credit: ARCFOX

The compact SUV measures 4,337 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,572 mm in height, riding on a 2,770 mm wheelbase. Its design language, called ARC-FLOW, features a glacier-inspired light bar dubbed "Ice Crystal Flow." The front adopts a closed grille, integrated daytime running lights, and sculpted bumper details to enhance visual depth.

It is powered by a front-mounted single motor delivering 70 kW, with two battery options of 33.4 kWh and 42.3 kWh. Depending on the pack, the CLTC range is rated at 320 km or 425 km.

STELATO S9T

On September 16, Huawei, BAIC-backed STELATO will release its first wagon, the STELATO S9T, derived from the STELATO S9 sedan. Pre-sale prices start from 328,000 yuan for the REEV version and 348,000 yuan for the BEV.

Photo credit: STELATO

The model retains the family design with a closed front face and headlamp styling similar to the STELATO S9 sedan, while debuting the brand's new "Star of the Universe" logo. At 5,160 mm long, 2,005 mm wide, and 1,492 mm tall, with a 3,050 mm wheelbase, the STELATO S9T adopts the elegant proportions of a classic wagon, enhanced by hidden door handles and multi-spoke luxury wheels.

The REEV version is offered with 37 kWh and 53.4 kWh battery packs, providing up to 354 km of CLTC range on battery power alone and as much as 1,305 km in combined range. The BEV variant carries a 100 kWh battery, offering a maximum CLTC range of 801 km.

AUDI E5 Sportback

SAIC Audi has confirmed that the AUDI E5 Sportback will officially hit the market on September 16, following the start of pre-sales in mid-August at a limited-time introductory price from 235,900 yuan.

Photo credit: SAIC Audi

As a key milestone in Audi's electrification push in China, the AUDI E5 Sportback blends elements of a coupé and a wagon, echoing the RS6 and first-generation TT in its flared arches and flowing side profile. Its lighting design draws from the brand's Sphere concept, debuting a distinctive circular "breathing" light signature.

Built on an 800-volt platform, the model comes with a wide range of powertrain options. Rear-wheel-drive versions offer outputs of 220 kW and 300 kW, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups reach up to 379 kW at the rear plus 200 kW at the front. Battery choices include 76.2 kWh, 83.3 kWh, and 100 kWh packs, with maximum CLTC range of 773 km. The model can sprint from 0–100 km/h in as low as 3.4 seconds.

New AITO M7

AITO will unveil the all-new M7 on September 23. Built on a fresh platform with the brand's updated family styling, the SUV grows to a 3,030 mm wheelbase and will be available in both five- and six-seat configurations.

Photo credit: AITO

The model is equipped with Huawei's ADS 4 advanced driver-assistance system, offered in two configurations: one with in-cabin LiDAR and another with a roof-mounted LiDAR system featuring 192 lines for enhanced sensing capability.

Powertrain choices include an REEV version combining a 1.5T generator with an electric motor and 37 kWh or 53 kWh battery packs, delivering a maximum driving range of over 1,600 km. The BEV variant with Huawei’s integrated seven-in-one high-voltage drive system uses a 100 kWh battery to achieve more than 700 km under CLTC testing.

All-new NIO ES8

NIO has announced that its flagship ES8 SUV will go on sale at the NIO Day 2025, scheduled for late September in Hangzhou.

Photo credit: NIO

The redesigned ES8 builds on NIO's original design language with sharper styling cues and new diamond-cut daytime running lights. At the technology level, it features the flagship AQUILA sensing suite, including three LiDAR units in a "watchtower" configuration with long-range front LiDAR, dual side wide-angle units, and 4D imaging radar for redundant perception, aiming to deliver top-tier safety and autonomous driving capabilities.

Power remains supplied by a dual-motor setup with maximum output of 520 kW, paired with CATL's ternary lithium battery packs. The SUV also supports NIO's latest 900V ultra-fast charging and battery swap system, capable of handling voltages up to 925V.