The Changan CS95 is a flagship mid-to-large SUV launched under Changan Automobile's Gravity series. Officially introduced on 28 March 2017, the model debuted with eight variants priced between RM159,800 and RM229,800. As the fourth entry in Changan's CS SUV portfolio, the CS95 was the most technologically advanced and largest SUV in the brand's lineup at the time. Positioned as a "high-performance full-size flagship SUV", it went head-to-head with the GAC Trumpchi GS8, with both models spearheading Chinese domestic brands' push to break through the RM200,000 price ceiling.
The first-generation CS95 was offered in both five- and seven-seater configurations, tackling the mid-to-large SUV segment with substantial body dimensions of 4,949 × 1,930 × 1,785 mm. It subsequently underwent multiple iterations, including a mid-life facelift in 2019 and a comprehensive PLUS overhaul in 2023. The latest 2025 CS95PLUS is powered by a new-generation Blue Whale 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with an Aisin 8-speed automatic gearbox, with pricing spanning from RM175,900 to RM199,900. As of May 2026, the CS95 remains on sale in markets such as mainland China and Saudi Arabia, though it has essentially reached the tail end of its product lifecycle.
The CS95's styling underwent a marked transformation from an unapologetic "rugged look" to a more refined aesthetic. The pre-production version unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show drew criticism over its meander-pattern ("回"-shaped) front grille. Changan promptly responded to market feedback by revealing the finalised production model with the patterned grille removed at the Guangzhou Auto Show later that year. The production version adopted a multi-slat horizontal grille integrated seamlessly with sharp headlamps on both sides, accentuating the muscular stance expected of a mid-to-large SUV. In profile, a straight character line runs across the body, complemented by a floating roof design and large alloy wheels for an authoritative, rugged presence—drawing stylistic comparisons to contemporary Land Rover design cues.
The 2023 CS95PLUS facelift introduced a chrome-studded dot-matrix front grille sporting a "digital climbing wall" design language that substantially amplifies its visual road presence. At the rear, smoked full-width LED taillights and quad rectangular exhaust outlets add a sporty, structured touch. Inside, the CS95PLUS adopts the Gravity CMF design scheme, offering premium cabin colourways such as dark green, alongside generous use of Nappa-grain leather upholstery and matte darkened metal trim accents. The dashboard houses a full digital instrument cluster paired with an integrated 12.3-inch central touchscreen, striking a balance between modern tech appeal and intuitive ergonomics.
The CS95 is powered across the range by Changan's in-house developed Blue Whale 2.0T turbocharged petrol engine. On the 2017 to 2019 models, the unit delivers a maximum output of 171 kW (233 PS / 229 hp) and 360 Nm of torque. The 2023 PLUS facelift upgraded to the new-generation Blue Whale 2.0T high-pressure direct-injection engine, raising peak torque to 390 Nm while retaining the 171 kW output. The upgraded powerplant benefits from over 20 core technical enhancements spanning four primary systems—combustion, thermal management, low-friction reduction, and NVH control—delivering punchier and more efficient performance.
In terms of transmission pairing, early 2017 to 2019 iterations were equipped with an Aisin 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, whereas the CS95PLUS swapped it for an imported Aisin 8-speed automatic, improving shift responsiveness by over 20% while optimising highway cruising fuel economy thanks to closer gear ratios. Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive (FWD) and a BorgWarner NexTrac active on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with selectable 2WD, Auto 4WD, and 4WD Lock modes. Tipping the scales at over two tonnes, the SUV achieves an official 0–100 km/h sprint time of 10.5 seconds. While the 2023 PLUS variant claims a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 9.43 L/100 km, real-world owner feedback routinely clocks over 10 L/100 km, making high fuel consumption one of its most commonly cited drawbacks.
Under the skin, the CS95 comes standard with an all-round independent suspension setup featuring front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link layout, tuned with a clear bias towards ride comfort. Over speed bumps and uneven, broken surfaces, the chassis absorbs road imperfections and harsh vibrations effectively. Variants equipped with the BorgWarner NexTrac active AWD system deliver sure-footed stability and enhanced traction on wet and slippery roads.
Drivers can choose from four selectable drive modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, and Snow. Eco mode provides smooth, progressive power delivery, whereas Sport mode holds lower gears to ensure instantaneous throttle response on tap. That said, constrained by its near two-tonne kerb weight and pliant suspension setup, body roll is noticeable under spirited cornering with modest lateral support. The steering weighting is on the lighter side, making daily urban manoeuvres effortless, though front-end feedback and road feel naturally fall short of sharper, sportier rivals in the segment.
In-cabin technology has been the primary focal point of the CS95's continuous evolution. The SUV comes standard with a 12.3-inch HD central touchscreen running the iFlytek Feiyu 3.0 infotainment system. Beyond standard navigation and media functions, it supports natural voice interaction, continuous dialogue, and voiceprint recognition via Intelligent Voice 4.0. Mid-to-high-spec variants gain an accompanying 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster with dual-screen synergy. Connected car capabilities include real-time online navigation, over-the-air services, and remote smartphone vehicle control.
In terms of seating, the CS95 is configured as a practical three-row, 7-seater (2+3+2). Benefiting from its 4,949 mm length and 2,810 mm wheelbase, the third row provides genuine usable room rather than being merely an occasional seat, offering decent headroom and legroom. Boot space measures 465 litres with the third-row seats folded flat, and expands to upwards of 2,000 litres with both the second and third rows stowed, providing immense cargo versatility. Creature comforts include an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, heated and ventilated front seats, dedicated rear air-conditioning controls, and tri-zone automatic climate control. A massive 1.14 m² panoramic glass roof pairs with the tall cabin architecture to give an airy, open feel throughout. Additional conveniences include a smart hands-free power tailgate, a 220V power socket, and a one-touch rest mode.
On the passive safety front, the CS95 employs Changan's HEEAB high-rigidity energy-absorbing body structure, comprising 40% high-strength steel with a maximum yield strength of 1,200 MPa and sheet thickness of up to 2.66 mm. In July 2017, the Changan CS95 2WD Zhiyuan Edition clinched a five-star C-NCAP safety rating with an overall score of 54.1 points, bagging 15.99 points in the full-frontal crash test, 13.47 points in the 40% offset frontal crash test, and a full 18 points in the side impact test. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard fitment, bundling ABS, EBD, TCS, and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Range-topping variants boast up to nine airbags for comprehensive cabin occupant protection.
The 2023 PLUS model features a Level 2 Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) suite capable of lane centring and traffic following. The active safety suite encompasses Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Speed Limit Info, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), as well as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. Other driver aids include a 540-degree transparent chassis camera system, auto high beam, active blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and lane keeping assist (LKA) to ease long-distance driver fatigue. The upcoming 2026 iteration is reportedly slated to feature full-speed ACC and lane centring upgrades, with LiDAR-based urban navigation pilot assist offered on flagship trims.
The CS95's commercial journey experienced a dramatic reversal, going from an ambitious "Toyota Highlander rival" at debut to sliding into sales obscurity. At its 2017 launch, monthly deliveries quickly surpassed 5,000 units, making major waves across the industry. However, volumes steadily cratered over time—dropping to 2,301 units for the whole of 2022, sliding to 1,563 units in 2023, and suffering a cliff-edge plunge to just 76 units in 2024, with only a solitary unit registered nationwide in August 2025. In 2025, an initial rebound to 465 units in February was swiftly followed by a tumble to 11 units in March, wrapping up the year at roughly 472 units total. Sales remained near negligible entering 2026, recording around 12 units in February.
The reasons behind the sales slump are multifaceted. Styling-wise, the model was often criticised for lacking a distinctive brand identity, with an overly conservative front fascia that failed to stand out among homegrown Chinese contenders. Amid the rapid surge of new energy vehicles (NEVs), the purely petrol-powered CS95's real-world thirst exceeding 10 L/100 km significantly dampened its appeal among budget-conscious family buyers. In terms of product lifecycle, the platform remains tethered to 2017 underpinnings, leaving its in-car tech and smart cabin features overshadowed by modern electrified rivals in the same price bracket. Furthermore, Changan's badge equity in the premium SUV segment still struggled to command the brand premium enjoyed by mainstream joint-venture marques. As a result, the CS95 lost relevance in an already niche mid-to-large SUV space. While owners have commended its cavernous interior, smooth gearbox, robust chassis, and generous equipment list, this "critical acclaim without sales success" underlines that simply piling on spec sheets is no longer enough to win buyers today.
The CS95's decline serves as a textbook example of traditional, large-displacement petrol flagship SUVs being squeezed out by the industry's sweeping electrification wave. As one of Changan's early flagship efforts to push upmarket, it demonstrated Chinese automakers' genuine engineering capabilities and ambition to contest the premium sphere. Yet its eventual market trajectory delivers a clear takeaway: amidst an irreversible shift towards electrification and smart cockpits, sheer size, engine displacement, and spec-sheet loading are no longer adequate pillars of market competitiveness. Whether the CS95 can mount an eleventh-hour comeback with its proposed 2026 update remains to be seen.
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