The Rise of Station Wagons in China's New Energy Market

The once niche segment of station wagons is quietly gaining popularity in China, driven by the wave of new energy vehicles. From the luxurious 'performance shooting brake' Zeekr 001 to the recently launched affordable Seagull 06 DM-i wagon and the upcoming flagship Xiangjie S9T, more domestic brands are venturing into the station wagon market. This trend is supported by the enhanced space and reasonable proportions offered by new energy platforms, as well as a growing consumer demand for vehicles that are spacious, efficient, and aesthetically appealing. This article reviews several popular models on the market to offer insights for those interested in this segment. The Seagull 06 DM-i wagon is positioned in the price range of 100,000-150,000 RMB, making it unique in the new energy market. Priced between 109,800 to 129,800 RMB, it is only 10,000 RMB more than its sedan counterpart. While the wagon is just 20mm longer than the sedan version, its design significantly enhances its cargo capacity, rivaling many SUVs. It features BYD's DM5.0 technology with an NEDC fuel consumption of 3.15L/100km, providing a total range of up to 2000km on a full charge and fuel tank, sufficient for a round trip from Shanghai to Xiamen. Additionally, the wagon version comes with more features than the sedan, including a dual-use compressor for heating and cooling, front seat heating and ventilation, a comprehensive driving assistance system, and a panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade, making the price difference worthwhile. Zeekr is currently the most enthusiastic domestic brand regarding station wagons, with its first model, the 001, being a large electric shooting brake. This year, they launched the new 007GT based on the 007 model. Both vehicles are built on the vast architecture, supporting an 800V high-voltage system, and are equipped with the same advanced driving assistance system. However, they target different audiences. The 001’s dimensions align with C-class vehicles, approaching 2 meters in width, and its rear seats can fold flat, making it suitable for families and those seeking luxury and comfort. In contrast, the 007GT adopts a sporty design and emphasizes driving enjoyment with multiple driving modes, appealing to younger drivers and enthusiasts. The NIO ET5T is a significant contributor to NIO’s sales, accounting for one-third of its total sales. Compared to other electric wagons, it stands out due to its support for battery swapping and BaaS options when purchasing. Recently upgraded, the ET5T features new ADB headlights similar to the ET9, a horizontal screen layout, and a new gear shift design. The 2025 ET5T is equipped with a new self-developed driving assistance chip and an advanced perception system. It includes a long-range lidar, 4D imaging radar, and improved comfort features. Notably, while it has an onboard OBC module, it lacks an AC charging port, requiring an adapter for those needing slow charging or external power. Last week, Hongmeng Zhixing announced the Xiangjie S9T, marking its first foray into the station wagon segment. The new vehicle retains much of the sedan version's design and introduces a new green color. It features a redesigned emblem, intricate wheel patterns, and a new tail light design, presenting a luxury shooting brake aesthetic. Expected features include a smart laser projection screen, HarmonySpace 5, and a vehicle communication system. The S9T is anticipated to launch in September, with pre-orders starting next month, making it worth the wait for those interested in the Xiangjie S9. The Audi E5 Sportback is the brand's first model without the four-ring badge, designed by a former Audi RS6 designer on the ADP platform. It will include a high-performance all-wheel-drive variant with a maximum power output of 579kW and a projected 0-100 km/h acceleration of under two seconds. It will offer features like rear-wheel steering, advanced driving assistance, and an independent AUDI OS system with a 59-inch display and a virtual assistant, transforming the user experience compared to current Audi models. The E5 Sportback represents an important step for Audi in China’s transition to new energy vehicles. As more domestic brands take station wagons seriously, this segment is shifting from being a niche choice to a mainstream option. Whether you prioritize value, family utility, design, or driving dynamics, there are increasingly more options for long-distance travel, practicality, and handling performance. The next hot category after SUVs may very well be on the horizon.