Discover the wave of Chinese car brands entering Vietnam in 2026, from affordable SUVs to premium EVs and sports models. Learn more now!
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Vietnam’s automotive market. A fresh wave of Chinese manufacturers is set to arrive, bringing everything from low‑cost family SUVs to high‑end electric sports cars. Drivers can now expect a far broader choice than ever before.
Zeekr’s Dual Debut: 7X SUV and 009 MPV
After months of speculation, Zeekr confirmed a June rollout in Vietnam featuring two flagship models – the 7X compact SUV and the luxury MPV 009. The 7X, built on Zeekr’s PMA2+ platform, measures 4.825 m × 1.930 m × 1.666 m and competes directly with D‑segment rivals such as the Mazda CX‑8 and Kia Sorento.
Tech‑savvy buyers will appreciate the 12‑LiDAR sensor suite, Level‑2 driver assistance, and a minimalist cockpit dominated by a 16‑inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. Powertrain options include a rear‑motor 415 hp version and an all‑wheel‑drive variant that pushes 636 hp.
Two battery choices are on offer: a 75 kWh LFP pack delivering up to 605 km (CLTC) and a 100 kWh NMC pack extending the range to roughly 780 km on a single charge.
The MPV 009, unveiled later in the year, mirrors the size of the Kia Carnival and GAC M8 with a length of 3.205 m. It will be sold in 4‑ or 7‑seat configurations. A recent launch in Thailand priced the model at around US$94,370, positioning it against the Kia Carnival, Volkswagen Viloran, GAC M8 and Toyota Alphard in the Vietnamese market.
Lotus Expands Beyond the UK – New Models for Vietnam
Once a quintessential British sports‑car name, Lotus is now under Geely’s umbrella and is preparing its Southeast Asian entry. The brand’s Vietnamese website lists three upcoming models: the Emira, Emeya and the fully electric Eletre.
The Emira is the last Lotus to retain an internal‑combustion V6 engine – a 3.5‑litre twin‑turbo unit delivering 406 hp and 420 Nm of torque, paired with a six‑speed manual gearbox.
The Eletre is Lotus’s answer to high‑performance electric SUVs. The standard and S trims sport a single 112 kWh battery and a 450 kW (603 hp) motor, achieving 0‑120 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a WLTP‑rated range of 600 km. The top‑speed is limited to 258 km/h. The ultra‑performance Eletre R adds a second motor, boosting output to an astonishing 905 hp and 985 Nm of torque.
Jaecoo J6 and Omoda C7 – Home‑Made and Hybrid Options
Chery’s sub‑brand Jaecoo is set to introduce two new models, the J6 SUV and the C7 crossover, both aimed at the youthful Vietnamese buyer.
The J6 will be assembled locally, marking the first domestically produced Jaecoo vehicle. It’s a boxy, off‑road‑styled pure‑electric SUV offered only in an all‑wheel‑drive configuration. Dual motors generate 275 hp and 385 Nm, while a 69.77 kWh battery provides up to 364 km of WLTC range.
The C7 slots into the compact C‑segment, competing with the Ford Territory, Mazda CX‑5 and Hyundai Tucson. It will be available with two powertrains: a 1.6‑litre turbo‑charged gasoline engine (183 hp, 275 Nm) and a hybrid that pairs a 1.5‑litre turbo gasoline unit with an electric motor for a combined 204 hp.
What This Means for Vietnamese Car Buyers
The arrival of Zeekr’s premium EVs, Lotus’s high‑tech sport and utility models, and Jaecoo/Omoda’s locally assembled SUVs signals a decisive shift in Vietnam’s automotive landscape. No longer limited to traditional Japanese and Korean offerings, consumers now have access to a spectrum that includes cutting‑edge electric technology, upscale MPVs, and rugged off‑road vehicles built at home.
For anyone watching the market trends, 2026 will be the year the Vietnamese road truly goes global – and Chinese manufacturers are leading the charge.