Introduction:
Step into a realm of affordable luxury on four wheels! In this blog, we delve into the realm of German-origin, entry-level premium SUVs, all meticulously crafted and proudly made in China. If you’ve ever envisioned owning a vehicle that seamlessly combines the precision of German engineering with the allure of a premium SUV, you’re in the right place. These models redefine luxury accessibility, with enticing price points starting at just $30,000+. Join us on a journey to explore the perfect synthesis of German heritage and affordability within the Chinese automotive market.
Sleek Design and Roomy Comfort: The 3rd Gen. X1 Elevates Luxury of BMW China
The first recommendation is the recently upgraded 3rd Gen. of BMW X1. The major difference in the Chinese version of this BMW lies in the powertrain options, extended wheelbase and larger interior space. There are two available powertrains, totaling five models. The first is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, model B38A15R, delivering a maximum output of 156 horsepower and 230 Newton-meters of torque. The second option is the classic B48A20R engine, producing a maximum of 204 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque.
The 1.5-liter variant is represented by the SDrive20Li, a front-wheel-drive model. This choice introduces people to the BMW brand, showcasing its luxury craftsmanship and the amplified interior space and extended wheelbase tailored for the Chinese market. Regardless of engine size, all models share the same dimensions: a length of 4,616mm, width of 1,845mm, height of 1,641mm, and a wheelbase of 2,802mm. In comparison to the X1 versions in Germany and the United States, where the length is 4,500mm and the wheelbase is 2,692mm, the extended wheelbase in the Chinese version provides ample rear-seat space.
The 2.0-liter variant offers both two-wheel-drive (SDrive25) and four-wheel-drive (XDrive25) versions, along with the availability of M Sport and X Design packages. Standard features include six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, active braking, collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking. The X1 also comes with power-adjustable rear seats, LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.7-inch central display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as automatic climate control.
The new X1 boasts a sharp design language, and the locally produced Chinese version comes with a competitive price tag. The 1.5-liter SDrive20 L X Design variant starts at an FOB price of $43,981. For the first three customers in November (limited to the first three customers), we offer discounts of up to $12,000, reducing the entry price to just over $30,000. The 2.0-liter SDrive25 and XDrive25 models have FOB starting prices of $48,244 and $53,268, respectively. Early bird customers, also limited to the first three, can enjoy significant discounts of up to $13,000. Of course, you have the option to choose between the X Design or M Sport packages for your preferred model.”
Model | FOB Price (USD) | Early Bird Discount (USD) 5 Seats Only |
1.5 Turbo FWD sDrive20 Li | $43,981 | $12,000 |
2.0 Turbo FWD sDrive25 Li | $48,244 | $13,000 |
2.0 Turbo 4WD xDrive25 Li | $53,268 | $13,000 |
Seamless Access to Luxury: The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA of Mercedes China
“The second recommended model is the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Mercedes-Benz has been assembling vehicles in China since 2003, marking 20 years of successful production that has even surpassed their output in Germany. The locally produced GLA in China comes with two powertrain options: a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine matched with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 1.3-liter engine, model 282 814, is utilized in several entry-level Mercedes-Benz models, delivering a maximum of 163 horsepower and 270 Newton-meters of torque. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, model 260 920, offers a peak output of 190 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque. These power figures may not seem exceptionally high compared to other countries, primarily due to China’s stringent adoption of the Euro 6 emission standard. Manufacturers must strike a balance between power and emissions compliance.
In terms of dimensions, the GLA measures 4,427mm in length (4WD 2.0 version: 4,438mm), 1,834mm in width, and 1,610mm in height (4WD 2.0 version: 1,615mm). It features 18-inch wheels, front and rear six airbags, knee airbags, tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, active safety systems, fatigue detection, collision warning, engine start-stop, reverse camera, roof rails, LED lighting, electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch central display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with automatic climate control. The 4WD version comes with 19-inch wheels.
Here’s a summary of the standard FOB prices and November discounts for the corresponding models:
Model | FOB Price (USD) | Early Bird Discount (USD) 3 Seats Only |
2023 GLA200 1.3L Turbo 2WD | $43,814 | 12,000 |
2023 GLA220 2.0L Turbo 2WD | $48,076 | 13,000 |
2023 GLA220 2.0L Turbo 4WD | $52,491 | 13,500 |
Elevate Your Drive with Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback: Power, Prestige, and Dynamic Design of Audi China
“The third recommendation is the Audi Q3. Audi, as one of the earliest luxury brands to enter China, has a history of over 30 years, having produced and sold over 8 million Audi vehicles. Quite impressive, isn’t it? The Audi Q3 lineup we recommend today includes various models. First, it can be divided into the standard SUV and Coupe versions, known as the Q3 Sportback. These models come with two engine options: the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, model DSV, delivering 160 horsepower and a maximum torque of 250 Newton-meters, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the third-generation EA888 family. The 2.0-liter engine offers both high-power and low-power versions, with the low-power variant producing 186 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters of torque, while the high-power version provides an impressive 220 horsepower and 350 Newton-meters of torque, available in 4WD. This makes it the most diverse and powerful engine lineup among the three recommended SUVs.
The Q3 dimensions are as follows: length 4,498mm, height 1,848mm, and a height of 1,614mm, with a wheelbase of 2,680mm. The Q3 Sportback retains the same wheelbase at 2,680mm while having a length of 4,516mm, a height of 1,843mm, and a height of 1,569mm. The Q3 comes standard with 19-inch wheels, providing a sturdy footprint on the road. It features eight airbags, tire pressure warning, active safety systems, fatigue alerts, collision warnings, engine start-stop, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. Other features include adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic parking, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with CarPlay support, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, electric adjustments for both driver and passenger seats, automatic climate control, and 30-color ambient lighting. These standard features make the Q3 stand out among the recommended SUVs in this series.
The Q3 Sportback places an emphasis on dynamic performance. There are only two models with the 1.5-liter engine, mainly to offer more customer experience opportunities. The configuration remains consistent with the standard Q3, but the Coupe-style design adds a sportier and more powerful look, albeit with some compromises in rear headroom.
To provide you with a clear overview, we’ve listed the models, prices, and the discounts available to you.”
Model | FOB Price (USD) | Early Bird Discount (USD) 5 Seats Only |
2024 Audi Q3 1.5T 160PS | ||
35 TFSI Trendline (Elegance & Sport) | 42,596 | 9,300 |
35 TFSI Modern (Elegance & Sport) | 45,032 | 10,000 |
35 TFSI RS Set Sport | 46,021 | 10,200 Low Stock |
2024 Audi Q3 2.0T 186PS | ||
40 TFSI Modern Sport | 46,554 | 11,200 |
40 TFSI Modern Sport Marketed Edition | 47,863 | 11,500 |
40 TFSI RS Set Sport | 47,544 | 11,400 |
2024 Audi Q3 2.0T 220PS 4WD Quattro | ||
45 TFSI Quattro Modern Sport | 50,208 | 11,600 |
45 TFSI Quattro Modern Sport Marketed Edition | 51,136 | 11,800 |
Model | FOB Price (USD) | Early Bird Discount (USD) 5 Seats Only |
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 1.5T 160PS | ||
35TFSI Trendline | 44,575 | 8,300 |
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 2.0T 186PS | ||
40 TFSI Modern | 47,163 | 9,400 |
40 TFSI RS Set Sport | 47,924 | 9,600 |
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 2.0T 220PS 4WD Quattro | ||
45 TFSI Quattro Modern | 50,969 | 10,700 |
45 TFSI Quattro Marketed Special Edition | 51,928 | 11,000 |
Conclusion:
As we wrap up our exploration of these Chinese-made, German-inspired entry-level premium SUVs, a world of excitement and possibilities awaits. The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, offering younger generations a chance to savor luxury and performance like never before. With starting prices as low as $35,000, these vehicles epitomize the seamless fusion of German craftsmanship and accessibility. Whether you’re a first-time luxury car buyer or a seasoned enthusiast, these SUVs provide a gateway to a world of style, technology, and prestige. The road ahead beckons with thrilling adventures, and these SUVs are your key to a remarkable journey of automotive excellence.