The HiPhi Y is yet another medium-sized fully electric SUV from China that was revealed today ahead of its world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show. While the vehicle’s styling is less polarizing than some other models from the brand, the split rear doors that combine traditional and gullwing elements are certainly attention-grabbing. Additionally, the HiPhi Y boasts impressive specifications that make it a compelling option in China’s growing electric crossover segment.
For those not familiar with HiPhi, the Chinese brand was established in 2019 by the Shanghai-based company Human Horizons. Themodel range already includes the X (SUV) and the Z (shooting brake) EVs, which means that the Y (SUV) will be its third production offering.
Read: Human Horizons HiPhi Z Combines Thousands Of LED Lights With A 0-62 MPH Time Of 3.8 Seconds
The HiPhi Y’s unique feature is the way you access the rear seats. The gullwing-style portion of the roof opens upwards while the frameless doors open conventionally. The front of the vehicle is adorned with sophisticated LEDs that can put on a light show, and the rear showcases Cadillac-style Y-shaped full-width taillights. Compared to the usual styling language of HiPhi, the surfacing of the Y is less complex and less visually jarring, while the silhouette and proportions are more conservative.
The company didn’t share photos of the interior, but we expect large screens and a four or five-seater layout. The Lidar sensor on the roof and the cameras mounted on the front fenders, mirrors, and B-pillars suggest that the HiPhi Y will come equipped with a comprehensive ADAS suite.
Thanks to data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology we know that the HiPhi Y measures 4,938 mm (194.4 inches) long, 1,958 mm (77 inches) wide, and 1,658 mm (65.2 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (114.1 inches). While smaller than the HiPhi X stablemate, the Y is 188 mm (7.4 inches) longer than the Tesla Model Y.
The EV will be available with two power outputs and two battery capacities of 76.6 kWh and 115 kWh. The single-motor RWD version will produce 331 hp (247 kW / 336 PS), while the dual-motor AWD will produce a more impressive 498 hp (371 kW / 504 PS). Depending on the configuration, the vehicle’s zero-emission range will be 560 km (348 miles), 765 km (475 miles), or 810 km (503 miles), as measured under the CLTC protocols. It’s worth noting that these figures may be a bit optimistic.
The HiPhi Y is expected to be more affordable than the larger X which is priced between ￥680,000-800,000 ($99,027-116,502) in China. It remains to be seen if Human Horizons will bring the HiPhi Y to select European markets alongside its other two models.
