Chery shows off transformer Tiggo concept

CHERY has unveiled a segment-bending ‘6=1’ concept at its International User Summit in Wuhan, China recently, confirming the model will enter production in the third quarter of 2026.

Taking the concept of a one-size-fits-all SUV to a new level entirely, the quirky seven-seat wagon concept apparently boasts “six distinct interior and exterior layouts”, which Chery says will cover “99 per cent of family mobility scenarios”.

While an official name has not been confirmed for the model, reports suggest Chery is considering the moniker ‘Tiggo X’.

Indecisive buyers rejoice, because the 6=1 is either a seven-seat large SUV, or a dual-cab ute, thanks to a detachable rear hatch, although reports indicate there will be a fair whack of manual labour involved in doing so.

As an SUV, the 6=1 concept measures up around 4900mm long making it around the same length as a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series (4980-5015mm), and it boasts an interior height of 1284mm with Chery claiming “a six-year-old child can stand upright inside”.

In ute configuration, the 6=1 features a tray with 600 litres of cargo space, plus four tie-down points and adjustable dividers, but payload has not yet been disclosed meaning it is difficult to ascertain whether the model will offer true ute-like levels of productivity.

Chery claims the vehicle also has a ‘camper mode’, which appears to use factory accessory options like a rooftop tent, side awnings, and external power supply.

As far as the remaining three configurations, given the brand only outlined three options in its official announcement, it is likely that additional setups involve alternate interior arrangements.

Chery outlined that the development of the vehicle kicked off in February 2024, with a 20-member product team spending more than 300 days conducting research across multiple markets, presumably deciding a one-size-fits-all vehicle was the move. 

While innovative, the 6=1 is not the first transformable SUV to come out of China.

Deepal unveiled its E07 shape-shifting SUV-meets-Ute model earlier this year, and it’s already here in Australia.

The E07, however, is significantly less burly than the 6=1, shaped more like a coupe than an SUV and hardly a capable ute given it can only carry 300kg in its 1654 litre rear section.

A button-activated rear glass hatch slides forward in the E07, revealing the rear cargo area, akin to leaving the rear tailgate of an SUV open, but it’s hardly aimed at hard-working tradies.

The 6=1 on the other hand appears, at least visually, to be more rugged and off-road focused, however until Chery releases specifications little is known about the concept’s actual capabilities. 

Chery has not yet confirmed the 6=1 model for Australia but based on its fast-paced local model rollout, if demand is strong, it’s a likely bet Down Under given both the SUV and Ute segments remain red hot.