Lantu Taishan X8 Launches: A $42K SUV Taking on $140K Off-Roaders

On May 22, Voyah officially launched the Taishan X8. The vehicle is available in both hybrid and all-electric powertrains, with all-wheel drive standard across the entire lineup. Pricing starts at RMB 292,900 for the Max hybrid variant. The Ultra trim—equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS intelligent driving system featuring four LiDAR units—is priced at RMB 329,900 for the hybrid version and RMB 339,900 for the all-electric version. The top-tier Ultra+ variant, fitted with Huawei’s 896-line LiDAR, is priced at RMB 359,900 for the hybrid and RMB 379,900 for the all-electric model. With a limited-time cash subsidy of RMB 10,000 and additional discounts on optional packages, the effective starting price drops to RMB 282,900 for the entry-level model, while the fully loaded Ultra+ with all options included costs RMB 369,900. Measuring 5,200 mm in length with a 3,090 mm wheelbase, the Taishan X8 is positioned as a five-seat full-size SUV. It garnered 15,000 pre-orders within just 53 minutes of its pre-sale launch and surpassed 50,000 cumulative orders within 30 days, with 93% of buyers opting for the high-end Ultra trim or above. The Taishan X8 features China’s first mass-produced triple-chamber air suspension system, paired with Voyah’s Driving Platform 2.0. It completed a test run through Panlong Ancient Road in Xinjiang—a route with 288 hairpin turns—in just 9 minutes and 42 seconds. In off-road performance tests, the vehicle successfully climbed a 100% gradient (45-degree slope) and navigated an 80 cm cross-axle obstacle without any modifications. It also maintained stability during a simulated blowout at 140 km/h. The body boasts a torsional rigidity of 31,670 N·m/degree. For handling, the Taishan X8 is equipped with a rear-wheel steering system offering ±16 degrees of steering angle, achieving a turning radius of approximately 5 meters—comparable to that of a MINI Cooper. It also features 105 mm of air suspension travel and supports automatic chassis lowering for easier entry and exit. All variants come standard with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS intelligent driving system. The Ultra trim includes four LiDAR sensors for full 360-degree coverage, while the entire lineup features five standard 4D millimeter-wave radars capable of detecting obstacles in adverse weather conditions like rain and fog. The Ultra+ variant is further upgraded with Huawei’s 896-line dual-optical-path imaging-grade LiDAR, capable of identifying fist-sized objects up to 120 meters away. In terms of powertrain and charging, the hybrid version features a 65 kWh battery, delivering a CLTC pure-electric range of 370 km. Its combined system output reaches 490 kW with 915 N·m of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. The CLTC combined range extends up to 1,506 km, with a WLTC fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km under low-battery conditions. The all-electric variant packs a 120 kWh battery, offering a CLTC range of 727 km. All models support an 800V high-voltage architecture and 5C ultra-fast charging, enabling a 20%–80% charge in just 12 minutes. Inside the cabin, frequently touched surfaces are wrapped in soft materials, and the headliner uses velvet fabric. The interior features 256-color ambient lighting. The rear seats offer zero-gravity seating, mechanical massage functionality, and a fully automatic “one-touch bed” feature that transforms into a 2-meter-long bed in about one minute. The vehicle also supports 6 kW external power output and includes a 220V power outlet in the trunk. Voyah stated that the Taishan X8 aims to disrupt the premium full-size luxury SUV segment—traditionally dominated by million-yuan vehicles—by offering comparable capabilities at a significantly more accessible price point in the RMB 300,000 range.