Changan CS85 Review: An Affordable Coupe SUV That Surprises
Introduction: First Drive Impressions
After a long wait, today finally arrived—I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Changan CS85. This was a special day, as I was about to drive the most affordable coupe SUV on the market. But does it justify its AED 131,000 price tag? Let’s find out.
Driving Experience
Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to drive a variety of Chinese cars—brands like Chery, Haval, GAC, Hongqi, and more. But right from the start, it’s clear that Changan stands apart. The CS85 isn’t just good-looking and well-equipped; it delivers a truly impressive driving experience.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 233 hp and 360 Nm of torque. For those wondering, these numbers outshine even the Volkswagen Golf GTI in both horsepower and torque.
The 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels, is manufactured by AISIN—the same company that supplies gearboxes to premium brands like Lexus, Lotus, and Porsche.
Changan hasn’t cut corners on any detail. Even the windshield wipers are sourced from Bosch, not just any ordinary supplier. The front brakes are ventilated discs for enhanced stopping power, while the McPherson strut suspension is expertly tuned to absorb road imperfections. But let’s talk about some of its standout features—those you’ll want to show off to your friends.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This system works seamlessly, keeping you centered in your lane and managing acceleration and braking smoothly. Best of all, it shows real-time images of surrounding vehicles and distance on the digital dashboard—a setup reminiscent of Tesla’s system.
- Parking Skills: The CS85 is equipped with 360-degree cameras, giving you a virtual reality view of your surroundings. It also features both parallel and perpendicular auto-parking—you don’t even have to touch the steering wheel.
- Remote Parking: Believe it or not, you can park or unpark the CS85 without being inside. Just start the car with the remote, press the parking button, and choose to move the car forward or backward. Next time you’re boxed in at the mall, you won’t need to climb in through the passenger side or the trunk—Changan already has a solution.
Interior Comfort and Features
When it comes to the cabin, many still believe Chinese cars lack quality and solid build, but that’s certainly not the case here. The red-and-black interior perfectly complements the dark exterior, giving a robust, premium feel. The speaker covers are made of metal, and nothing rattles or creaks.
The leather seats are extremely comfortable, offering both heating and cooling. The driver’s seat features 8-way power adjustment, while the front passenger gets 4-way power adjustment. There’s also dual-zone climate control, letting both driver and front passenger set their ideal temperatures, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display that stands out on the dashboard.
Rear seat space is better than you’d expect from a coupe-styled SUV, with ample headroom and legroom for adult passengers. Rear passengers also enjoy air conditioning vents, cup holders, and a USB charging port.
Advanced Features
In terms of features, the Changan CS85 offers nearly everything you could wish for: a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, keyless start, and an 8-speaker audio system. Mirror Link lets you connect your phone to the infotainment touchscreen, and a front camera allows you to record your drives and save the footage to an SD card.
On the safety front, in addition to adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras, the CS85 includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
Exterior Design
I know what you’re thinking, so I’ll say it: yes, from certain angles, the Changan CS85 does resemble the BMW X4. However, the front end boasts a unique design, with plenty of chrome on the grille and front bumper, flanked by automatic LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.
For those who don’t favor the black exterior, the CS85 is also available in red, purple, blue, or grey. Our test car rides on stylish black 19-inch alloy wheels. Sharp body lines give it a wide, athletic stance, while the rear features wraparound LED lights and four genuine chrome exhaust tips beneath the bumper.
Verdict: Is the Changan CS85 Worth It?
Think about TVs—Chinese brands like Hisense and TCL have made a big impact. In laptops, brands like Lenovo and Xiaomi are global players. For smartphones, Huawei and OnePlus are household names. What I’m getting at is this: Chinese manufacturers have built a strong reputation across many industries. If they keep producing standout cars like the Changan CS85, it won’t be long before we hear a lot more about them in the automotive world too.
At just AED 131,000, the Changan CS85 is a real wake-up call to Japanese and Korean automakers who currently dominate the market. In a few years, the balance is bound to shift.
