As geopolitical relations between India and China continue to thaw, Chinese automakers are eyeing a bigger slice of the world’s third-largest auto market. Leading the charge is Chery Automobile, a state-owned giant and China’s fourth-largest carmaker by volume. The latest sign of its ambitions? A fresh design patent for the spacious Tiggo 8 SUV, filed with India’s Patent Office, sparking speculation of an imminent launch. This 5-seater midsize contender could shake up the segment with its roomy cabin and premium features, positioning it as a value-packed rival to established players.
Design That Turns Heads: Patent Reveals Familiar Yet Bold Styling
The patented images of the Tiggo 8 in India mirror its global avatar, showcasing a design that’s equal parts aggressive and upscale. Up front, a bold octagonal grille dominates, flanked by sleek LED headlamps integrated with distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs) for a modern, piercing gaze. The side profile exudes elegance with smooth, flowing body panels, massive 19-inch alloy wheels, flush-fitting body-colored door handles, squared-off wheel arches, and a subtly sloping roofline that hints at coupe-like flair without sacrificing practicality.
Chrome accents are liberally applied—from the grille surrounds to window lines and mirror caps—adding a touch of luxury to its road presence. At the rear, connected edgy LED tail lamps stretch across the tailgate, complemented by a raked windshield, a roof-mounted spoiler housing the high-mounted stop lamp, and a rugged bumper setup for that off-road-ready vibe. Overall, the Tiggo 8 measures 4,696 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,745 mm in height, and boasts a generous 2,710 mm wheelbase—making it one of the roomiest 5-seaters in the midsize SUV class.
Powertrain and Variants: Petrol Punch with Hybrid Potential
Internationally, the Tiggo 8 lineup caters to diverse tastes with variants like the Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 8 Plus, and Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Power comes from a punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection (TGDI) petrol engine, delivering 245 PS and 390 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). It supports ZF’s all-scene intelligent 4WD and offers six drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, etc.), with claimed fuel efficiency of 11.5 km/l. For eco-conscious buyers, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options are available in markets like Australia, the UK, and Malaysia, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo petrol paired with electric motors for combined outputs up to 510 Nm torque and pure EV ranges of around 75 km.While Chery hasn’t detailed India-specific powertrains, the patent filing aligns with ongoing talks for a JSW-Chery partnership, which could localize production and adapt hybrids to suit local preferences. Seating flexibility might extend to 6- or 7-seater configs, enhancing its family-hauler appeal.
Tech and Safety: Loaded for the Long Haul
Inside, the Tiggo 8 doesn’t skimp on wow factors. A massive 15.6-inch touchscreen anchors the infotainment suite, supporting multilingual voice commands and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Ambient lighting in multiple colors sets the mood, while practical touches like 50W wireless charging and a built-in dashcam keep things connected. Visibility is top-notch with a 540-degree panoramic camera view.Safety is robust too: nine airbags, 19 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and lane-keep assist, plus a 4-star Euro NCAP rating. These elements could make the Tiggo 8 a standout in India’s safety-conscious market.
India Launch: Timeline, Pricing, and Rivals
Chery hasn’t announced an official roadmap, but industry buzz points to a debut in late 2025 or early 2026, potentially under the JSW-Chery joint venture. Expected ex-showroom pricing starts around Rs 30 lakh, undercutting premium rivals while offering superior space and tech.It would slot into a crowded yet opportunity-rich segment, challenging the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700 (or the electric XEV 9e), and even BYD Atto 3 for hybrid fans. With India’s SUV sales booming and EV/hybrid incentives on the rise, the Tiggo 8’s arrival could accelerate Chery’s push beyond its current exploratory phase.Chery’s patent move isn’t just paperwork—it’s a clear signal of intent. If launched, the Tiggo 8 could redefine affordable luxury in Indian SUVs, blending Chinese innovation with global appeal. Watch this space; the roads might soon rumble with its presence.
