Introducere
The Chinese automotive market is a behemoth, drawing the attention of car manufacturers worldwide. However, it’s a curious phenomenon when certain car models, highly acclaimed elsewhere, struggle to find their footing in China. Today, we introduce you to six such midsize to large sedans, which, despite their global popularity, find themselves in a chilly spot in the Chinese market. These models hail from renowned automakers like Buick, Peugeot, Ford, Kia, and Hyundai. It’s essential to note that the models we recommend tend to be high-powered or feature large engines. Still, we’re here to assist you in exploring low-power or small-engine options to meet your specific needs. Let’s delve into the stories behind these underdog models and unravel the mysteries of their performance in the Chinese market.
The Buick Regal 2024 28T Enjoyment Edition
Performance and Dimensions
The first car we recommend is the 2024 Buick Regal 28t Enjoyment Edition from General Motors. This car is equipped with the LSY 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 237 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it offers a smooth and powerful driving experience.
Key Features: Notable Features:
Exterior: The Buick Regal boasts an elegant design with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety: It comes equipped with advanced safety features, including six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.
Convenience: The Regal offers a range of conveniences such as cruise control, keyless entry, remote start, and dual USB charging ports for both front and rear passengers.
Interior Comfort: Inside, you’ll find leather and suede upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and split-folding rear seats for versatility.
Infotainment: Stay connected with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports CarPlay and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster.
Climate Control: Enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and PM2.5 cabin air filtration.
Sound System: The Regal comes with a six-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience.
Affordability: This premium car comes at an affordable FOB starting price of $26,763, with discounts exceeding $5,000.
Advanced Engine Technology:
Under the hood, the Buick Regal 28t Enjoyment Edition features advanced engine technology. The LSY 2.0T turbocharged engine is known for its efficiency and power delivery. One of the standout features is its variable cylinder technology, which allows the engine to optimize fuel consumption by deactivating cylinders when full power isn’t required. This technology not only enhances fuel efficiency but also reduces emissions, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
2023 Buick LaCrosse 28T – A Luxurious Choice
Power and Performance:
The 2023 Buick Lacrosse 28T Joy Edition is powered by the LXH 2.0T turbocharged engine with a transverse layout, delivering an impressive 237 horsepower and 350 Nm of peak torque. This powertrain is mated to a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a delightful driving experience. When it comes to dimensions, the Lacrosse measures 4,996 mm in length, nearly reaching the five-meter mark. Its width stands at 1,866 mm, height at 1,472 mm, and it boasts a generous wheelbase of 2,905 mm. Additionally, Buick has incorporated a 48V mild hybrid system, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Key Features:
The Buick Lacrosse offers a plethora of noteworthy features that elevate your driving experience:
Exterior and Safety Features: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels provide both style and performance. Safety is paramount with six airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Convenience and Technology: The Lacrosse offers various driving modes, engine start-stop functionality, and hill start assist for convenience. Parking is a breeze with the rear parking radar and reverse camera. Additional conveniences include cruise control, keyless entry, and remote start.
Comfort and Connectivity: Experience the luxury of LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof, creating a spacious ambiance. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a massive 30-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with CarPlay support, powered by the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset. Connectivity is made easy with abundant USB and Type-C ports. The seats are luxuriously upholstered in faux leather and feature power adjustments and heating for the front seats. The rear seats can be folded down in an 8:2 ratio. The audio system comprises eight speakers, and there are 121-color ambient lights to set the perfect mood. Furthermore, the Lacrosse includes an advanced automatic climate control system with PM2.5 air filtration.
Pricing and Options:
This premium Buick Lacrosse is competitively priced, with an FOB starting price of $30,432 at CrissCross Auto. Customers can benefit from discounts exceeding $5,000, making this luxury sedan an excellent value proposition. Additionally, for those seeking a more fuel-efficient option, there’s a 1.5T engine variant available.
Introducing the Peugeot 508L 2023 Flagship with Outstanding Value
Our fourth recommended model is the Peugeot 508L 2023 400THP Flagship. As expected, this 508 model has undergone an extension in China, hence its name 508L. It measures 4870 millimeters in length, 1855 millimeters in width, 1455 millimeters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2848 millimeters. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 1.8T turbocharged engine from the PSA Group, delivering a maximum of 211 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque. It features a unique continuously variable timing system and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive car comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and is equipped with front and rear six airbags, as well as a tire pressure warning system. It also includes a fatigue driving reminder.
Diverse Driving Modes and Practical Features
The Peugeot 508L offers three distinct driving modes: Sport, Economy, and Standard. It also features engine start-stop functionality and hill-start assist as standard driving control assists. Additionally, it comes with rear parking radar, although it does not provide a rearview camera. Other notable features include cruise control, keyless start, and LED headlights. While it lacks a sunroof, it does offer a generous 10-inch central touchscreen that supports Carlife, paired with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument display. For connectivity, there are two USB and type C ports in the front. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather material, with power adjustments for both the driver and passenger. The rear seats can be folded in a proportional split. The sound system consists of eight speakers, and its automatic air conditioning system supports rear vent temperature zoning and PM2.5 filtration.
Affordable Pricing and Versatile Engine Options
The Peugeot 508L is attractively priced, with a starting FoB price of $24,921 on the CrissCross Auto platform, along with discounts of over $3,000. Compared to its original price in France, it offers a substantial 30% discount. This model is also available with a 1.6T engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission if you have specific preferences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales team for more information.
Introducing the Kia K5 2021: Affordable and Feature-Packed
Our fifth recommended model is the Kia K5 2021 GT-Line Plus, a globally popular choice. It measures 4980 millimeters in length, 1860 millimeters in width, 1445 millimeters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2900 millimeters. Under the hood, it’s powered by the highly acclaimed G4NN 2.0T turbocharged engine, which has earned recognition as one of Ward’s Global 10 Best Engines. It delivers an impressive 240 horsepower and 353 Newton-meters of peak torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, this model offers both power and style. It comes with front and rear six airbags, along with a tire pressure display for added safety.
Advanced Safety and Versatile Driving Modes
The Kia K5 GT-Line Plus is equipped with a comprehensive active safety system, including lane departure warning, active braking, fatigue driving alert, road rescue calling, and forward collision warning. It offers three distinct driving modes: Sport, Economy, and Standard, catering to various driving preferences. Additionally, it features engine start-stop, automatic parking, and hill start assist. For parking convenience, it comes with front and rear parking radar and a rearview camera. This model also offers Level 2 advanced driver assistance functions, including lane keeping, lane centering, road traffic sign recognition, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. It provides keyless start, keyless entry, and a rare feature in its class, a sensor-activated trunk.
Impressive Features and Unbeatable Pricing
The Kia K5 GT-Line Plus boasts features like LED headlights with adaptive high beam and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, you’ll find a generous 12.3-inch central touchscreen and an equally sized LCD instrument display. There are USB charging ports for the front and rear passengers, along with wireless charging for smartphones. The seats are upholstered in leather material, and you have the option to add ventilation and heating to the front and rear seats. The sound system consists of six speakers, and its automatic air conditioning system supports rear vent temperature zoning, in-cabin purification, and PM2.5 filtration.
In terms of pricing, the Kia K5 is exceptionally affordable, starting at just $29,960 on the CrissCross Auto platform, with discounts exceeding $5,000. This makes it one of the most competitively priced Kia K5 models globally. Additionally, there’s a 1.5T engine version available if it better suits your needs. Feel free to reach out to our sales team for more information.
Discover the Hyundai Sonata 2022 20th Anniversary Edition
Our sixth recommendation brings you the Hyundai Sonata 2022 20th Anniversary Edition, a lesser-known gem in the lineup. Interestingly, it shares its powertrain with the Kia K5 we introduced earlier, featuring the G4NN 2.0T turbocharged engine. This engine pumps out a robust 240 horsepower and 353 Newton-meters of peak torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It distinguishes itself with slightly larger 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, providing both style and performance. Safety-wise, it comes with front and rear six airbags and a tire pressure display.
Comprehensive Safety and Advanced Features
The Hyundai Sonata 20th Anniversary Edition boasts a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including lane departure warning, active braking, fatigue driving alert, road rescue calling, and forward collision warning. It offers a trio of driving modes: Sport, Economy, Standard, and Comfort, catering to diverse driving preferences. Notably, it includes engine start-stop, automatic parking, and hill start assist. For enhanced safety and parking ease, it provides a 360-degree surround-view camera system and front and rear parking radar, as well as side blind spot monitoring—offering more than what the Kia K5 delivers. It features full-speed adaptive cruise control as part of its cruise system, and it also offers Level 2 advanced driver assistance features such as lane keeping and lane centering. Additionally, it comes equipped with keyless entry, keyless start, and remote start functionality.
Luxurious Features and Competitive Pricing
The Hyundai Sonata 20th Anniversary Edition surprises with its sensory features, including sensor-activated trunk release. While its sunroof is slightly smaller compared to the Kia K5, it still adds to the appeal. The interior features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with CarPlay support and a matching 12.3-inch LCD instrument display. However, it’s worth noting that there are USB charging ports for the front passengers but none for the rear passengers. The seats are upholstered in faux leather, and the driver’s seat includes power adjustments, while the passenger seat does not. The audio system stands out with its impressive JBL brand seven-speaker setup, complemented by ambient lighting with 64 color options. The automatic air conditioning system provides rear vent temperature zoning, in-cabin purification, and PM2.5 filtration, ensuring a comfortable environment.
In terms of pricing, the Hyundai Sonata 20th Anniversary Edition offers exceptional value, with a starting FoB price of just $27,981 on the CrissCross Auto platform, accompanied by discounts exceeding $4,000. Additionally, the Sonata lineup includes a 1.5T engine version if that better suits your preferences. Feel free to reach out to our sales team for more details.
| Model | Size (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Standard FoB Price (USD) | Discounts (USD) |
| Toyota BZ3 2023 Elite Pro | 4725 x 1835 x 1480 | 2880 | $23,748 | Up to $5,000 |
| Buick Lacrosse 2023 28T Enjoyment | 4996 x 1866 x 1472 | 2905 | $30,432 | $5,000+ |
| Ford Mondeo 2022 EcoBoost 245 Deluxe | 4935 x 1875 x 1500 | 2945 | $27,372 | $3,000+ |
| Peugeot 508L 2023 400THP Flagship | 4870 x 1855 x 1455 | 2848 | $24,921 | $3,000+ |
| Kia K5 2021 380 GT-Line | 4980 x 1860 x 1445 | 2900 | $29,960 | $5,000+ |
| Hyundai Sonata 2022 20th Anniversary | 4955 x 1860 x 1445 | 2890 | $27,981 | $4,000+ |
Conclusion
While these models might not be household names in the Chinese market, they enjoy a widespread reputation and success worldwide. Whether it’s the Buick LaCrosse or the Kia K5, they represent automakers’ craftsmanship in design and performance. While the Chinese market poses its challenges for these models, we believe that with the growing demand from Chinese consumers for diverse car choices, these underdog models have the potential to shine in the future. If you’re interested in any of these models or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales team. Thank you for your interest, and let’s continue to monitor the development of these highly anticipated midsize to large sedans in the Chinese market.