In Chinese culture, the number "9" has always shone with inherent glory. The implication of "Nine-Five Supreme" makes it a synonym for perfection and nobility. When this number is inscribed into the naming of cars, it destined these models for flagship status—they are the culmination of brand technology and the game-changers in market competition. Standing at the crossroads from "unbridled growth" to "stock competition," China's auto market in 2026 witnesses slowing domestic sales growth alongside a surge in exports, with policy adjustments forcing the industry to transition towards high-end and intelligent development. Against this backdrop, a batch of new cars with "9" in their names is set to make a collective debut. They come with their respective "ambitions," serving both as market competitors and trendsetters. Today, we decode the strength and aspirations of these "9-series" flagships.

First, looking at the independent brand camp, these "9-series" contestants each possess unique skills and are already gearing up for action; meanwhile, representatives of joint-venture brands are not to be outdone, attempting to seize the high-end new energy market with German heritage. Each car is like a martial artist with exceptional skills, ready to shine in the 2026 auto market arena.

Independent Brand Flagships: Showing Their Prowess, Targeting High-End and Global Markets

NIO ES9: The "All-Round King" of Pure Electric Flagships

If the NIO ET9 is a "pioneer" in technological exploration, the ES9 is set to carry the sales torch as the "all-round king." This large SUV, over 5.3 meters in length, exudes an inherent "dominance" through its size alone. With a 3250mm wheelbase and optional 6-seat or 7-seat layouts, it maximizes the "spatial dignity a flagship deserves." It spares no effort in democratizing technology—core configurations from the ET9, such as the Tianxing Chassis, steer-by-wire, and full-active electro-hydraulic suspension, are all fitted, while the triple-lidar hardware setup provides ample confidence for intelligent driving. In 2026, when range anxiety has not yet been fully alleviated, NIO's mature battery swap system stands as its "unique trump card."

In terms of market expectations, the pricing range of 500,000-600,000 yuan precisely targets mid-to-high-end family and business users. The BaaS (Battery as a Service) model is expected to lower the entry threshold to around 400,000 yuan, likely becoming a new growth driver for NIO's sales. For exports, NIO has long laid out plans for the European market, aiming to enter seven European countries between 2025 and 2026. As a pure electric flagship, the ES9, with its luxury configurations and battery swap advantages, is poised to carve out a share in Europe's high-end new energy market and emerge as one of China's representatives of premium pure electric SUVs going global.

AITO V9: The "Pioneer" of HarmonyOS MPVs

As the first MPV in the HarmonyOS Intelligent Mobility family, the AITO V9 comes with the mission to "break inherent perceptions of MPVs." Measuring 5359mm in length with a 3250mm wheelbase, its 7-seat layout optimizes space utilization to the fullest. The second-row zero-gravity seats with 180-degree rotation transform the interior into a "mobile meeting room," while the largest rear ceiling screen in its class delivers top-tier comfort and entertainment. As a flagship empowered by Huawei's technology, it is equipped with the latest Huawei Kunlun Intelligent Driving hardware, boasting intelligent driving capabilities comparable to experienced drivers. The integration of HarmonyOS ensures smooth in-vehicle interaction, serving as its core competitive edge.

Market-wise, it precisely targets the new energy gap in the high-end MPV segment. Confronting the monopoly of traditional fuel-powered MPVs, the AITO V9 leverages intelligent and new energy advantages to break through, likely becoming the preferred choice for both business and family scenarios. For exports, relying on Huawei's global technological influence and channel resources, the AITO V9 is expected to follow in the footsteps of brands like Denza and enter MPV-demand markets such as Southeast Asia and Europe. With a combination of "intelligence + luxury," it aims to reshape overseas perceptions of Chinese MPVs.

Xiaomi YU9: The "Challenger" in High-End Breakthrough

Codenamed "Kunlun" internally, the Xiaomi YU9 is a large extended-range SUV over 5.2 meters in length, offering optional 6-seat or 7-seat layouts to perfectly meet the travel needs of Chinese families. In terms of power, the biggest expectation is whether it will be equipped with Xiaomi's self-developed extended-range system. Paired with a large-capacity battery pack, if it achieves a pure electric range of 300km and a combined range exceeding 1500km, it will completely eliminate range anxiety. The standard rear-wheel steering system makes this "large vehicle" agile and maneuverable.

Regarding market prospects, its pricing of 300,000-500,000 yuan accurately positions it in the mid-to-high-end family SUV market. Leveraging Xiaomi's brand appeal, ultra-long range, and intelligent configurations, it is expected to gain a foothold in the fierce competition. For exports, Xiaomi plans to enter the European market in 2027, and the YU9, as a flagship SUV, is likely to become a core model in its overseas layout. With the expansion of Xiaomi Home stores abroad, it will gradually open up the global market.

Maextro S900: The "Disruptor" of Million-Level Luxury

A joint effort between Huawei and JAC Motors, the Maextro S900 is a "luxury market disruptor," with a price range of 600,000-1,200,000 yuan directly challenging traditional luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It offers two wheelbase options (long and short) and optional 4-seat or 7-seat configurations. The coach door design paired with "Bright Galaxy" taillights maximizes ceremonial sense, while the combination of a 32-inch retractable central screen, zero-gravity seats, and starry sky roof redefines the standard for luxury cockpits. In terms of power, it is available in both pure electric and extended-range versions, with a maximum power of 750kW. The reserved solid-state battery interface demonstrates its forward-looking vision, and Huawei's self-developed chassis and intelligent driving system form its technological backbone.

Market-wise, it breaks the inherent perception that "luxury = foreign-owned." With end-to-end self-developed technology and high-end configurations, it is expected to gain a firm foothold in the million-level new energy SUV market, promoting direct competition between domestic luxury brands and international giants. For exports, as a representative of domestic high-end luxury, the Maextro S900 is likely to first enter premium auto markets such as Europe and the Middle East, reshaping overseas perceptions of Chinese luxury cars through technological strength.

Formula Leopard‌ Mei 9: The "Beast" of Performance Coupes

The Formula Leopard‌ Mei 9 is an "unconventional performance fanatic," and it can be predicted that the car will deliver outstanding power performance. Backed by BYD's "technology repository," both its power and chassis performance are highly anticipated. Why is it "unconventional"? Beyond performance, numerous sources indicate that the "Mei 9" will bet heavily on high-level intelligent driving. In conjunction with Formula Leopard‌ cooperation with Huawei, it is highly likely to adopt Huawei's Kunlun system.

Market-wise, its performance-oriented label is expected to attract a large number of young consumers pursuing speed and excitement. However, the brand's transition from rugged off-road vehicles to sports coupes, the somewhat crowded product matrix within BYD, and the need to validate its intelligent driving capabilities through real-world testing are all significant challenges. For exports, relying on Denza's overseas expansion plan, Formula Leopard‌ has confirmed its entry into markets such as Australia and the UK. With its extreme performance and affordable price, the Mei 9 is likely to become a core model in the overseas lineup, stirring a "Chinese storm" in the global performance car market.

Leapmotor D19: The "Pragmatist" of Flagship Advancement

The Leapmotor D19 marks Leapmotor's entry into the 9-series flagship lineup, fully equipped with top-tier features. Over 5.2 meters in length and with a wheelbase exceeding 3.1 meters, it offers spacious three-row seating. The extended-range version is equipped with an 80.3kWh large battery, delivering a pure electric range of 500km, while the pure electric version adopts a 1000V high-voltage platform with a range of 720km, eliminating concerns about range and charging. The interior features an automotive-grade oxygen generator with an oxygen output of 8L/min, creating a "forest oxygen bar." Coupled with dual 8797 chips and the VLA Intelligent Driving System, it achieves both top-tier intelligence and comfort.

Market-wise, leveraging its cost-performance advantage, Leapmotor expects the D19 to become an "affordable option" in the high-end flagship market, further enhancing brand influence. For exports, Leapmotor has established a joint venture with Stellantis Group to accelerate overseas expansion through its global channels, and a European manufacturing base is set to start production soon. As a flagship model, the D19 is likely to become a key model in the European market, winning over overseas consumers with its comprehensive product strength.

Joint-Venture Representative: SAIC Volkswagen ID. ERA 9X – The "Defender"

As the sole joint-venture representative, the SAIC Volkswagen ID. ERA 9X is a "new energy transformation work" of German flagships. Positioned as a 6-seat extended-range SUV, it measures 5207mm × 1997mm × 1810mm with a 3070mm wheelbase, inheriting German-style spatial practicality. It is equipped with the EA211 engine as an extender, paired with a 65.2kWh large battery, delivering a pure electric range of over 400km and aiming to lead the extended-range market into the 3.0 era. In terms of design, it integrates Eastern philosophy with German aesthetics, featuring the highly recognizable "Universal Light Wing" through-type light strip.

Market-wise, it attempts to gain a foothold in the high-end new energy market through the combination of German craftsmanship and Chinese intelligent technology. Facing fierce competition from independent brands, it is likely to attract traditional joint-venture users with Volkswagen's brand heritage. For exports, as Volkswagen's first global 9-series flagship, it is expected to become a "global model," being reverse-exported to markets such as Europe and showcasing the new strength of German new energy vehicles.

The Assembly of "9-Series": Three Key Trends Shaping the 2026 Auto Market

The collective debut of these "9-series" flagship new cars not only intensifies market competition but also reveals the development code of the 2026 auto market. Firstly, high-endization and intelligence have become the core track. From the Zunjie S900's million-yuan pricing to the standard lidar and intelligent driving systems across models, it is evident that pure price wars are a thing of the past—technological upgrading and experience improvement are the core of competition, and the popularization of L2+ level intelligent driving has become an inevitable trend. Secondly, diversification and coexistence of new energy technology routes. Extended-range and pure electric models are advancing hand in hand, with 800V and 1000V high-voltage platforms gradually becoming mainstream. The combination of large batteries and efficient extenders has become the norm, effectively addressing users' range anxiety. Thirdly, accelerated global layout. Independent brands are no longer confined to the domestic market; instead, they are expanding overseas through joint ventures, self-built factories, and other models. Europe, ASEAN, and Latin America have become core battlefields, and new energy vehicle exports have emerged as the core driver of industry growth.

In the 2026 auto market arena, the competition among "9-series" flagships has just begun. Carrying the glory of "Nine-Five Supreme" and embodying their brands' technology and ambitions, they will not only reshape the pattern of the domestic high-end market but also showcase the strength of Chinese automobiles on the global stage. Who will ultimately stand out as the true "Nine-Five Supreme"? Let's wait and see.