Chery Confirms Wild Convertible SUV-Ute for Australia: The Tiggo X

Chery has officially revealed the Tiggo X, an SUV that can be converted into a Ute by removing the rear canopy, and it has been confirmed for an Australian launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

Internally known as the T1TP project, the Tiggo X represents a new direction for Chery’s design team. It was previously the name for a different vehicle, originally thought to be a lower-cost version of the seven-seat Tiggo 8 SUV.

However, Chery has now decided to reuse the name for an entirely new product after consumer feedback and market research showed strong interest in a versatile crossover that blends passenger comfort with open-bed practicality.

According to Chery representatives speaking to CarSauce, the Tiggo X can be transformed from an enclosed SUV into a Ute "in about 30 minutes", using "special tools" that will be supplied with the car.

Owners will also be able to visit Chery dealerships to have the canopy removed professionally, though it is not yet known whether this service will come at an additional cost.

The concept is somewhat similar to a Jeep Wrangler, which allows parts of its roof and doors to be removed for a more open design.

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Unlike traditional utes, the Tiggo X uses a monocoque chassis, prioritising on-road comfort and hybrid efficiency rather than heavy-duty towing or off-road use.

The rear does show a ute-like tailgate with a split window design to allow access to the luggage compartment when in SUV mode.

Currently, its only direct competitor in Australia is the Deepal E07 “Multitruck”, which features an electronically retractable enclosed tray that can be opened at the push of a button. In contrast, the Tiggo X’s manual, tool-assisted canopy system offers a more mechanical approach to the same dual-purpose idea.

The Tiggo X will feature Chery’s Super Hybrid System (SHS), which is the brand’s plug-in hybrid technology. While two SHS powertrains will be available globally, Australia will receive one engine option, likely shared with the Omoda 9.

That setup includes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (105 kW / 215 Nm) paired with three electric motors producing up to 395 kW combined, an all-wheel drive layout, and a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

The system draws power from a 34 kWh NMC battery providing up to 145 km WLTP electric range, and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

A less powerful setup may also be offered, similar to the Tiggo 8 SHS, producing 255 kW and 525 Nm from a smaller 18.3 kWh LFP battery with front-wheel drive and up to 95 km NEDC range.

Chery representatives also confirmed to CarSauce that no locking differentials or mechanical 4x4 system will be available on the Tiggo X.

When it arrives, the Chery Tiggo X will be one of the most distinctive hybrids in Australia, combining SUV comfort, electric performance, and Ute-style utility in one highly unconventional package.