MPV gets the Chinese answer. Who can reshape the landscape?

Over the past decade, the wave of electrification has swept across China. Both high - end SUVs and sedans have found their respective "next - generation" models. Only the product formula of high - end MPVs has remained unchanged. It's not that no one is involved in this segment. MPVs are getting more and more expensive, but can they be made smarter? The size of cars is getting larger, but can the space allocation be more equitable? As a result, although more and more brands are entering the market, few domestic brands can achieve the influence of Toyota Sienna and Buick GL8.

Just when everyone thought that MPVs would continue to waver between "upgraded business vehicles" and "enlarged family cars", the entry of Hongmeng Zhixing has brought new possibilities. On November 20th, Yu Chengdong brought a "ONE MORE THING" at the press conference, officially announcing that Hongmeng Zhixing will launch a "Series 9 flagship" MPV model.

A silhouette of the product is enough to make the entire industry rethink a question. If the future of MPVs is not about "lengthening" and "piling up materials", but a system - level reconstruction, what will the answer be like? Can Hongmeng Zhixing, with its full - stack intelligent technology and experience in mature high - end products, provide the "standard answer" that everyone is looking forward to?

Hongmeng Zhixing's Opportunity: Building a High - end Intelligent MPV for the Chinese

The MPV market is a typical "contradictory" market. Currently, the growing demand in driving scenarios such as multi - child families, three - generation households, and dual - purpose business and passenger use has made this concept very popular. However, the overall scale of the market has always been limited. With a market share of less than 5% for MPV models, it is just a "fraction" compared to segments like SUVs.

According to the monthly report of the Passenger Car Market Information Joint Committee of the China Automobile Dealers Association, from January to October 2025, the cumulative sales of MPV models reached 867,000 units, with a year - on - year growth rate of 2.1%, nearly 6% lower than the total growth rate of the passenger car market. As Chinese automakers are betting on the intelligentization segment, the market has witnessed the potential of technology to reshape product forms, but few brands can truly break through the inherent product logic constraints of MPVs.

The reason lies in three fundamental pain points in this segment.

Firstly, the equality of space. How to completely end the embarrassing situation of "paradise in the second row, hell in the third row" and ensure that every passenger can have a comfortable riding experience.

Secondly, the balance of roles. How to enable the vehicle to provide both an "immersive riding experience" and an "engaging driving experience", so that the driver is not confined to the role of a chauffeur and can seamlessly switch between various driving scenarios.

Thirdly, the scenario - based application of intelligence. How to make the intelligent cockpit truly adapt to the complex scenarios of multiple passengers and multiple tasks in an MPV, and achieve precise service transfer, rather than simply transplanting the interaction logic of sedans or SUVs into a larger space.

The complexity of these product requirements happens to align with Hongmeng Zhixing's technological "comfort zone". Previously, Hongmeng Zhixing has proven its high - end capabilities in the Wenjie M9 and Zunjie S800. The former has redefined the value of a 500,000 - yuan - class luxury SUV, and the latter has set a standard in the million - yuan - class ultra - luxury sedan segment, a category where domestic brands have struggled to make breakthroughs for years.

The appearance of this new car means that Hongmeng Zhixing has finally completed the last piece of its product matrix puzzle, achieving a full - category high - end layout from sedans, SUVs to MPVs. As the Hongmeng Zhixing family continues to expand, Huawei has established a good reputation in all - dimensional safety, black - tech matrix, and HarmonyOS full - scenario intelligent interaction. For Hongmeng Zhixing, which has just exceeded the one - million - unit delivery milestone, this is not only an improvement of the product line but also a concentrated display of its system capabilities.

From a brand perspective, the combination of "first" MPV and "Series 9" flagship for Hongmeng Zhixing is like a powerful boost. The "first" label means that Hongmeng Zhixing will regard it as a showcase project, and the "Series 9 flagship" means that this car will leverage more mature and cutting - edge capabilities within the system.

From a user perspective, the product series under Yu Chengdong's leadership has formed a unique high - end perception. The Mate series and the Ultra Master in the mobile phone field, and the Wenjie M9 and Zunjie S800 in the automotive field have jointly built users' expectations and trust in the "Huawei - style high - end". This brand potential accumulated over the years is naturally extended to the upcoming Series 9 flagship MPV.

How the Series 9 MPV "Rewrites" the Imagination of Luxury

When it comes to the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV, the market is most concerned about the price.

Judging from the pricing range of the Wenjie M9, the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship is likely to be priced in the "450,000 - 550,000 yuan" range. Below this range, there are models like Denza D9 and Voyah Dreamer, which have achieved large - scale sales in the 300,000 - yuan class. In the same range, there are new - force players such as Li MEGA and Zeekr 009. Above it are traditional luxury benchmarks like the Alphard.

The 500,000 - yuan class is not only the ceiling of the luxury market but also a suitable price range for high - end "mental battle". This price range can accommodate high - cost intelligent and safety configurations and is sufficient to differentiate from traditional luxury MPVs with technology.

In the past high - end car market, consumers often had only two choices: either pay sky - high prices for luxury or choose mediocre performance and configurations. Some luxury car brands create a seemingly "unique" high - end experience through brand premium and expensive configuration packages, and consumers often have to pay a disproportionately high premium for it.

However, with the rise of Chinese automakers, this rule has been completely broken. Making million - yuan - class luxury experiences the standard in the high - end market is the new market logic led by Chinese automakers.

Space experience has always been the core competitiveness of MPVs. However, thanks to the natural advantages of the electric platform, the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV is expected to completely solve the "third - row discrimination" problem. By arranging the battery flatly to achieve a completely flat floor, each seat can provide a similar sitting experience.

In terms of interior, referring to other high - end "Series 9 flagship" products of Hongmeng Zhixing, luxury configurations such as zero - gravity aviation seats, Nappa leather, and solid wood trim panels are likely to appear in the new car. At the same time, intelligent designs such as intelligent lighting and hidden interaction will be incorporated, making luxury more textured and warm.

In terms of the chassis, the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV is likely to be equipped with a dual - chamber air suspension, combined with a continuously variable damping shock absorber and a dual - chamber air spring shock absorption system. With Huawei's self - developed digital chassis system, the vehicle can intelligently adjust the damping coefficient to filter out fine vibrations on the road surface, providing a riding experience like a "land first - class cabin". The upgrade of the rear - wheel steering technology is also worth looking forward to. This configuration, once exclusive to the top - end Alphard models, can significantly reduce the turning radius and solve the pain point of "difficult to handle large MPVs".

The biggest advantage of the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 MPV is the integration of core technologies such as the Hongmeng intelligent cockpit and Huawei's intelligent driving system, extending the million - yuan - class experience from physical comfort to intelligent experience. Relying on the new HarmonyOS 6 system, during the day, this car can be a mobile meeting room for corporate executives. The driver's account is responsible for navigation, road conditions, and driving - related reminders, while passengers can hold video meetings in the car. At night, the interior automatically switches to a family scenario, with content recommendation, usage permissions, and voice control all centered around family members.

For Hongmeng Zhixing, bringing down many million - yuan - class configurations is not simply a concession on cost but an inevitable result of technological iteration and market competition. For example, the mass - producible over - 500 - line lidar, the intelligent lighting in the cockpit, and gesture - controlled driving, the latest technological achievements of Hongmeng Zhixing, have significantly reduced the unit cost and improved the user experience.

For consumers, the million - yuan - class scale of Hongmeng Zhixing means that they can enjoy the comfort experience once exclusive to million - yuan - class models without paying extra for brand premium. For the market, equalizing configurations will accelerate the elimination of "pseudo - luxury" products and promote the transformation of high - end MPVs towards "technology - oriented and experience - first".

Judging from these possible upgrades, Hongmeng Zhixing's entry into the MPV market at this time seems more like a well - timed layout. The demand for high - end MPVs has been cultivated by previous generations of products, but the market still lacks a good enough product to make MPVs the mainstream choice.

The Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 MPV happens to hit the sweet spot. It not only brings down million - yuan - class hardware configurations but also is empowered by Huawei's cutting - edge technologies, precisely meeting the needs of 500,000 - yuan - class users who reject ineffective brand premiums and pursue core product values. Even before its release, this car already has the conditions to become a benchmark in the 500,000 - yuan - class market, and it will also push the high - end MPV market to completely bid farewell to the old era of "brand determines value".

Expanding the "Niche" Market, Hongmeng Zhixing Aims Higher

If the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV were just another SKU in the Hongmeng Zhixing product matrix, it wouldn't deserve so much industry attention. What really makes people look forward to is the path change it represents, a path that might push MPVs from a "niche advanced choice" to a long - term option for more families and businesses.

The sources of growth in the MPV market are scattered. Part of it comes from the policy dividends of new energy vehicles, part from the structural changes in multi - child families, part from the natural renewal of the business market, and a significant part from concentrated brand marketing. This makes it like a cake pushed forward by various demands, and no single brand has been able to truly "expand" this market.

The first - generation MPVs were dominated by joint - venture brands such as the Alphard and Buick GL8 in the "fuel era". The second - generation MPVs were created by new forces such as the Zeekr 009 and Li MEGA in the "electric era". The arrival of the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV may usher in the "intelligent era" of MPVs.

Just as the demand for high - end SUVs exploded because intelligent technology and space logic reshaped the user experience, making people more willing to change cars. In the MPV segment, Hongmeng Zhixing is not just entering the market but filling a gap, trying to complete the last piece of the puzzle for the high - end development of Chinese intelligent vehicles. A true disruptor in the market not only divides up the existing market but also creates new demand and expands the market - this is the logic behind Hongmeng Zhixing's entry.

It is reported that the first Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV is planned to be launched under the Jieshi brand. For the Jieshi brand, which has just completed independent operation, the new MPV product carries strategic significance far beyond a single product. In August this year, the Jieshi brand officially entered the 2.0 stage, with upgrades such as a multi - billion - yuan R & D investment, an expansion of the R & D team to 5,000 people, the establishment of the Jieshi New Energy Company, and independent operation of production, sales, and service integration, taking on more tasks of incubating and implementing Hongmeng Zhixing's cutting - edge technologies.

In today's in - depth competition in the intelligent vehicle market, the MPV segment may be a difficult - to - conquer fortress but also a highly valuable high - ground. MPV users care more about the stability of after - sales service and its urban coverage, which is directly related to their high - intensity usage and core usage scenarios. Once these users are convinced, they often become the most stable brand advocates. Once disappointed, their negative reviews will also have a magnifying effect. Placing the first Series 9 flagship MPV under the Jieshi brand is both a sign of trust and a source of pressure.

In the MPV segment, Hongmeng Zhixing is not starting from scratch. The intelligent luxury verified by the Wenjie M9 and the ultra - luxury experience standard polished by the Zunjie S800... These market - proven technological assets provide a high starting point for the Series 9 flagship MPV project.

More importantly, Hongmeng Zhixing, which has achieved one - million - unit delivery, has established a complete positive - feedback loop between "technology and market". Technological implementation generates market feedback, and market feedback drives technological iteration. This closed - loop ability is difficult for other brands still in the single - point breakthrough stage to match.

For the industry, if the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV can provide more mature solutions in terms of space equality, role balance, and intelligent scenario - based application, other players will find it difficult to stay on the upgrade path of simply adding a few configurations and updating the design. Instead, they will have to re - examine their shortcomings in safety, intelligence, service, and ecosystem. All these will force a reshuffle and acceleration in the high - end MPV segment.

Within this context, Hongmeng Zhixing's ambition is not just to build a better MPV but to redefine what a "better MPV" is. For Hongmeng Zhixing and Jieshi, the Hongmeng Zhixing Series 9 flagship MPV is a highly challenging task and an opportunity to prove that they can not only create a "blockbuster car" but also provide long - term solutions in complex scenarios.

Whether the MPV market will expand ultimately depends on the market. Delivery volume, resale value, repurchase rate, and user word - of - mouth will answer this question. But at least now, it is certain that this once "small and difficult" segment has welcomed a group of participants committed to changing the rules of the game.

This time, Chinese brands finally have the opportunity to tell their own new high - end story with a truly flagship MPV. This exciting chapter has just begun.