SAIC, the latest electric marque launched by MG and LDV’s parent SAIC Motor, has introduced an SUV that looks similar to the Porsche Cayenne. Called the SAIC Z9, the model appears in a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) as the brand’s third series, after the Z7 sedan and wagon, both of which also echo Porsche’s Taycan.
SAIC was launched in 2025 as part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), a partnership between automakers and Huawei. Other HIMA brands include Chery’s Luxeed and JAC’s Maextro. While these brands remain China-exclusive, Seres’ AITO brand plans to expand into export markets. The Z9 positions itself at the top of SAIC’s lineup, offering both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. Rear-wheel models deliver 280kW of power, while all-wheel variants add a 175kW front motor.
The SUV measures 5139mm in length, 2005mm in width, and 1776mm in height, with a 3086mm wheelbase. This makes it 209mm longer than a Porsche Cayenne on a wheelbase 191mm longer, and 154mm longer than a Cayenne Electric on a 63mm longer wheelbase. Unlike its Porsche counterparts, the Z9 features a third row of seating, accommodating six passengers. Kerb weight ranges from 2595kg to 2794kg, with ternary lithium-ion batteries supplied by CATL. Battery capacities remain undisclosed.
Design elements like slim headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and sculpted shoulders echo the Cayenne’s styling, though the resemblance is more subtle than outright copying seen in models like Zotye’s SR9. Porsche’s influence on Chinese EV design persists despite declining sales in the region. By September, Porsche sales in China fell 33% year-over-year to 21,493 units, continuing a downward trend that began in 2021 with 95,671 vehicles sold.
SAIC positions itself as a premium brand within SAIC Motor, focusing on electric and extended-range electric vehicles. Similar to IM Motors, it targets higher-end consumers, though current models like the IM5 and IM6 are already exported to markets including Australia. The Z9, however, remains China-exclusive for now.
