Fresh GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L spy shots have emerged from China, showing what looks set to become a longer, more limo-like six-seat sibling to the current Xiangwang S9 SUV. The mule retains the styling DNA of the existing model — a mid-to-large PHEV co-developed with Huawei under GAC’s “Xiangwang” sub-brand — but with extra metal between the axles to liberate genuine second- and third-row space. For context, the current Xiangwang S9 lists at ¥229,900 to ¥259,900 (about $31,710 to $35,848 at 1 USD ≈ ¥7.25) for the headline 6-seat PHEV and full-EV variants, and measures 5,060 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,760 mm tall.
GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L Spy Shots: Stretched for Family Buyers
The newly leaked GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L spy shots confirm a meaningful wheelbase stretch over the current S9. While the test mule still wears partial camouflage, side-on photos clearly show extended rear doors and a longer rear quarter window, both of which directly translate into more legroom for second- and third-row occupants. The “L” suffix follows the well-established Chinese-market convention used by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW for long-wheelbase variants of regular SUVs and sedans, and signals a clear intent: GAC wants to push Xiangwang upmarket toward chauffeur-grade family buyers rather than pure driver-focused enthusiasts.
Exterior Design Carries Over
Most of the surface design language carries over from the current S9. The fascia keeps the full-width DRL and headlight signature with deep air intakes on either side, while the rear retains a unified taillight bar, a discreet roof spoiler and dual-exhaust visual outlets. The body lines remain assertively crisp, blending hard SUV cues with crossover-style flair — a look that has helped the current Xiangwang S9 stand out in a segment otherwise crowded with softly-styled Chinese family SUVs.
Interior Direction: 6-Seat Captain-Chair Cabin Confirmed
The interior spy shots show that, at least at this stage, the Xiangwang S9L retains the current S9’s dashboard architecture: a two-spoke steering wheel, a separate digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen, with a wireless charging pad and twin cupholders sitting below the screen. Critically, the test car uses two individual captain-style seats in the second row, strongly hinting at a 2+2+2 six-seat layout for the L variant. The current Xiangwang S9 offers both 5- and 6-seat configurations; the L is expected to make the 6-seat layout the headline trim and the primary reason to choose this car over the standard S9.
HIMA’s HarmonyOS Cockpit, used today in the regular S9 thanks to the Huawei collaboration, is also expected to carry over to the S9L. That keeps the Xiangwang sub-brand in lock-step with the wider Huawei-aligned ecosystem that includes models like the Luxeed V9 MPV and the AITO M-series SUVs.
Powertrain: Expected to Continue With CATL-Backed PHEV
While GAC has not officially detailed the S9L’s powertrain, the most likely outcome is a carry-over of the current Xiangwang S9 plug-in hybrid system. That setup pairs a 118 kW 1.5T gasoline engine with a dual-motor electric drive — 170 kW at the front axle and 80 kW at the rear — for a standard AWD layout. A 44.5 kWh CATL “Freevoy” range-extender-grade lithium pack supplies 252 km of CLTC pure-electric range and a combined cycle of 1,200 km, comfortably enough to make weekend trips without recharging.
If GAC keeps the same hardware in the stretched S9L, the additional wheelbase and slightly higher curb weight will marginally cut EV-only range — perhaps to the 230-240 km bracket — but should leave the combined cycle north of 1,100 km. A pure-electric S9L variant is also a strong possibility given that the regular S9 already offers a battery-electric trim.
How the Xiangwang S9L Slots In Against Chinese Rivals
A long-wheelbase 6-seat PHEV SUV with Huawei tech under the skin and a likely sub-¥300,000 price tag puts the GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L on a collision course with the Li Auto L9, Denza N9 and AITO M8. For shoppers cross-shopping the segment, the appeal of the S9L will hinge on three things: how much extra rear-cabin space it actually unlocks, whether GAC keeps the headline price below the ¥300,000 mark with the 6-seat layout standard, and how much Huawei content makes it past the homologation phase. Buyers tracking the GAC group should also watch the parallel rollout of the Hyptec S600 from GAC Aion and the Hongqi global SUV co-developed with Leapmotor, which together highlight the rapid premium-EV reshuffling underway across Chinese state-owned automakers.
FAQ: GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L Spy Shots
What do the GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang S9L spy shots reveal?
The leaked images show a stretched, six-seat version of the current Xiangwang S9 SUV with longer rear doors, an extended rear quarter window and two individual captain chairs in the second row, all targeted at premium family use.
What is the relationship between Xiangwang and Huawei?
Xiangwang is a sub-brand of GAC Trumpchi developed in partnership with Huawei. The current Xiangwang S9 uses Huawei cockpit and driver-assist technology, and the S9L is expected to keep the same Huawei-aligned ecosystem in place.
What powertrain will the Xiangwang S9L use?
While not officially confirmed, the S9L is widely expected to carry over the current S9’s 1.5T PHEV system: a 118 kW engine, dual electric motors totaling 250 kW, a 44.5 kWh CATL battery, 252 km of EV-only range and a combined 1,200 km on the CLTC cycle. A pure-electric variant is also possible.
How much could the Xiangwang S9L cost?
Pricing is not yet announced. As a reference, the current 5- and 6-seat Xiangwang S9 lineup runs ¥229,900 to ¥259,900 (around $31,710 to $35,848), so a stretched 6-seat S9L is expected to start higher within or slightly above that band.
Source: Autohome.com.cn
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