Kaiyi X-3 Pro

Model Overview

The Kaiyi X3 Pro is a compact B-segment SUV developed by Kaiyi Auto for global markets, serving as a cornerstone product under the brand's "dual-track, global layout" strategy. Its product portfolio is split into two distinct yet complementary model lines: the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol variant aimed at family buyers in emerging markets (such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America); and the pure electric X3 Pro EV, which represents the brand's electrification roadmap. The latter is the export badge of the Chinese-market "Xuanjie Pro EV", tailored specifically for right-hand-drive (RHD) markets such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Built at Kaiyi's Chengdu manufacturing plant in Sichuan, the X3 Pro EV is priced from approximately RM119,900. In China, the petrol-powered X3 Pro is closely twinned with the standard Xuanjie Pro. As of May 2026, the 2026 Kaiyi X3 Pro petrol model has received an annual facelift in the UAE featuring updated front-end styling and enhanced equipment, retailing between AED 57,000 and AED 65,000 (approx. RM112,000–RM128,000), while starting from around PHP 968,000 (approx. RM120,000) in the Philippines. In Hong Kong, the X3 Pro EV carries an indicative price tag below HKD 200,000, with plans to deploy around 5,000 units into the local electric taxi fleet.

Design Language

The petrol and pure electric variants of the X3 Pro adopt differentiated exterior styling approaches to reflect their respective market positioning and powertrain characteristics.

Petrol Variant: Styled with a youthful, sporty aesthetic, the facelifted model sports a bold dot-matrix front grille flanked by sharp LED headlamps, creating an aggressive front fascia. Dimensions come in at 4,400 mm in length, 1,831 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, riding on a 2,632 mm wheelbase. The side profile features sculpted dual character lines for a muscular stance, complemented by 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 R18 tyres. The rear end incorporates a sporty tailgate spoiler and full-width LED tail lamps. With the 2026 facelift, the front bumper has been revised for a sportier look, aligning its visual appeal with segment rivals such as the MG ZS and Changan CS35.

X3 Pro EV (Electric Variant): Features an enclosed front fascia distinct from the ICE version to accentuate its EV credentials. Carrying over the styling cues of the Chinese-market Xuanjie Pro EV, it features sharp fang-inspired headlamps and a body-coloured sealed grille, lending it a futuristic and commanding look. Dimensions for the EV variant stand at 4,266 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,653 mm tall, sharing the same 2,632 mm wheelbase. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and features full-width tail lamps alongside a panoramic glass roof.

Inside, both iterations of the X3 Pro sport a driver-centric wraparound cockpit. The petrol variant is equipped with a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The international-spec EV raises the bar with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a massive 14.6-inch 1080p floating infotainment display powered by the "Hello Xiaoyi" intelligent voice assistant, paired with a diamond-cut crystal gear selector and newly embossed, contrast-stitched upholstery for a more upmarket feel.

Powertrain & Performance

The petrol and fully electric variants feature distinct powertrain architectures tailored to their respective segments.

Petrol Variant: Powered across the board by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 108 kW (around 147 PS; tuned up to 156 PS in select export markets) and 210–230 Nm of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels (FWD). Combined fuel consumption on the WLTC cycle is rated at 7.4–7.8 L/100 km, with an official 0–100 km/h sprint time of 10.0 seconds (China-spec data). It runs on RON 92 petrol and meets Euro 6 emission standards. The 2026 Middle East specification receives revised tuning, shaving the 0–100 km/h acceleration down to 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 180 km/h.

X3 Pro EV (Electric Variant): Driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) churning out 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, completing the 0–50 km/h sprint in 3.77 seconds. It is powered by a 53.6 kWh CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a rated range of 401 km on the CLTC/NEDC test cycles. For charging, it supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW, taking approximately 30 minutes to replenish from 20%/30% to 80% State of Charge (SoC). It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse charging capabilities to power external electrical appliances.

Chassis & Handling

The chassis setups differ noticeably between the two variants, reflecting platform and cost-strategy distinctions.

Petrol Variant: Employs a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension—a tried-and-tested configuration common among entry-level compact SUVs. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Steering is managed via Electric Power Steering (EPS), riding on 215/55 R18 tyres, with the overall setup biased towards family comfort and lower maintenance costs.

X3 Pro EV (Electric Variant): Boasts a more sophisticated chassis setup featuring all-round independent suspension, pairing front MacPherson struts with a rear multi-link independent setup. Co-developed on a shared platform with the Chery Tiggo 5x, this architecture offers superior ride compliance, bump absorption, and handling stability over the petrol variant's torsion beam. The EV is also front-wheel drive, featuring three-stage adjustable regenerative braking (Low, Medium, High). The Hong Kong-spec electric taxi version also comes factory-fitted with an underbody battery bash plate for enhanced protection across challenging road surfaces.

Cabin & Equipment

The petrol variant's cabin prioritises functional convenience and value. Standard kit includes a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry with push-start ignition, rear air-conditioning vents, and cruise control. Higher-spec grades add a wireless smartphone charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Audio is delivered via a 4-to-6-speaker setup, while the boot offers a practical 360-litre cargo capacity.

The international-spec EV cabin leans heavily into tech and refinement. Key highlights include the 12.3-inch digital cluster, 14.6-inch floating central infotainment screen, "Hello Xiaoyi" voice command suite, built-in GPS navigation (powered by AutoNavi), and smartphone app remote telematics (enabling remote climate pre-conditioning, central locking control, and charging management). The cabin also features sporty leatherette upholstery, a crystal gear shifter, and an openable panoramic glass roof. Standard safety on the international EV includes front side airbags and Auto Hold. Charging options comprise 220V domestic AC charging and DC fast charging, alongside V2X/V2L capabilities for outdoor lifestyle or emergency backup power. While the petrol variant offers a 360-litre boot, the EV focuses its packaging on rear cabin legroom and passenger comfort.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety equipment varies between the ICE and EV versions, with the electric model offering a more comprehensive driver-assistance suite.

Petrol Variant: Comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). High-spec trims add front side airbags, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The 2026 Middle East model is upgraded to 4 airbags (dual front + front side), Bosch ESP 9.3, a high-definition reversing camera, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) are reserved for the range-topping grade.

X3 Pro EV (Electric Variant): Provides an extensive suite of active and passive safety features. Dual front airbags and front side airbags are standard across the range, with selected export markets gaining full-length curtain airbags on top trims. The international EV model comes factory-fitted with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), a 360-degree camera with transparent chassis display, cruise control, and Auto Hold. Reversing clarity is top-notch, supported by an array of ultrasonic parking sensors and HD cameras. Structurally, a high-strength cage body and dedicated battery protection casing ensure robust collision and water-wading safety. Furthermore, the standard CATL LFP battery boasts high thermal stability, excelling in thermal runaway assessments to safeguard occupants.

Market Performance & Review

Since its introduction, the Kaiyi X3 Pro has focused its strategic weight on overseas market expansion. In the ICE category, the 2026 X3 Pro has expanded its footprint across the UAE, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, positioning itself as a high-value compact SUV taking on established rivals like the MG ZS, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Creta. In 2026, Kaiyi inaugurated its new flagship showroom in Dubai, rolling out the 2026 facelifts for both the X7 and X3 Pro to cement its presence in the Middle East.

However, the pure electric X3 Pro EV represents the brand's primary strategic investment. In September 2024, the international-spec X3 Pro EV made its global debut at the 3rd World Power Battery Conference before being swiftly exported to Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Its most high-profile breakthrough came in Hong Kong, with an initiative to introduce around 5,000 units as electric commercial taxis under the local government's New Energy Transport Fund. With an indicative price below HKD 200,000, it stands out as a formidable contender in Hong Kong's green mobility fleet sector. In emerging RHD markets like Malaysia and Pakistan, the X3 Pro EV has entered local retail networks via imported CKD/assembly channels. In Pakistani market comparisons, the X3 Pro EV (PKR 6,790,000) goes head-to-head with the BYD Atto 2 (PKR 7,290,000), drawing strong interest from private buyers and ride-hailing fleet operators thanks to its competitive pricing and CATL battery reliability.

Conversely, the domestic Chinese market performance of the EV has remained modest. In July 2024, the domestic Xuanjie Pro EV recorded sales of just 159 units, placing 141st in the monthly electric vehicle charts. This sluggish performance is largely attributed to intense domestic competition in the RM130,000 price bracket—dominated by heavyweights like the BYD Yuan PLUS and GAC AION Y—as well as lower consumer brand recall for Kaiyi in China's passenger car segment.

From an automotive journalism perspective, the X3 Pro EV earns praise for its accurate real-world range, swift DC fast charging, composed ride quality courtesy of its rear multi-link setup, generous equipment levels, and low running costs. Areas for improvement include the noticeable use of hard plastics inside the cabin, sluggish CVT kickdown response during spirited driving on the petrol variant, motor thermal management under sustained high-speed cruising on the EV, and relatively low global brand recognition outside Chinese-speaking territories.

On the whole, the Kaiyi X3 Pro stands as a textbook example of China's "Built in China, Built for the World" automotive expansion, successfully evolving from a domestic-only offering into a global vehicle platform. The petrol X3 Pro provides consistent sales volume in developing regions like the Middle East, while the X3 Pro EV serves as the vanguard for Kaiyi's push into overseas fleet and mobility markets. As Kaiyi continues to reinforce its export after-sales infrastructure, elevate trim specifications, roll out dedicated RHD engineering, and refine its EV platforms, the X3 Pro lineup offers a compelling case study of an emerging Chinese carmaker charting its course from an industry follower to a global market competitor.