At the 2025 Chengdu Auto Show, the all-new Chery QQ3 made its world premiere. Belonging to the QQ sub-brand, all models are built on pure-electric platforms with intelligent connectivity. The new QQ3 is developed on the T12 all-electric platform, featuring a wheelbase of over 2,700 mm, and is equipped with the Falcon 500 intelligent driving assistance system, along with a rich set of configurations. In addition to the QQ3, Chery also announced that the concept car shown earlier at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show will be officially named the new QQ5.
Exterior Design
The new QQ3 adopts the latest family design language, retaining the rounded styling DNA of the first-generation QQ. It features a “CHERY” lettered badge, headlights with parallel LED daytime running light strips, and black rounded rectangular elements integrated into the front bumper, with a functional central air intake. Official images suggest a wide range of youthful body colors will be available.
On the side, the QQ3 comes in a five-door hatchback form, with semi-hidden door handles, rounded rectangular mirrors, and two-tone cross-style aero wheels. Both the front fenders and uniquely styled C-pillars carry the new “Q” emblem, while the side skirts feature a “CHERY” plate. The wheels are positioned close to the corners to maximize cabin space. At the rear, the taillights mirror the headlight styling with horizontal bars and rectangular elements, creating strong recognition when lit. A sporty rear spoiler, sculpted bumper, electric tailgate, and a massive 70-liter front trunk add practicality.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the QQ3 features a dual-tone cabin design, reflected in the seats, two-spoke steering wheel, air vents, and door trims. The dashboard integrates a small instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating center display with a redesigned interface. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, supports AI large-model voice control, OTA updates, Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, and Carlink. Multiple modes are included, such as Nap, Pet, Camping, and Sentry Mode. A 50W wireless charging pad is available on the passenger-side console.
For safety and driver assistance, the QQ3 comes with the Falcon 500 system, offering highway NOA (Navigation on Autopilot), all-scenario parking assistance, a 540° panoramic HD camera system, and six airbags throughout the cabin.
Legacy of the QQ
The QQ was once hailed as a “people’s car” in China. First launched in 2003 under the code name S11, it broke the stereotype of cars being only for the wealthy, with a starting price of 40,000–50,000 RMB. Borrowing design cues from the Daewoo Matiz, it quickly became a sales hit thanks to affordability and practicality. In 2006, the lineup expanded and the model was renamed QQ3, powered by 0.8L and 1.1L gasoline engines, available with manual and automatic transmissions.
By 2011, the QQ had sold 1.4 million units, holding 60% of the small car market, making Chery the hottest domestic brand at the time. The 2013 second-generation QQ introduced a new “smiling face” design, though sales fell sharply, and production ended in 2014, ending a decade-long legend. The QQ name lived on in EV form with the Chery eQ, which later evolved into the eQ Ant. In 2021, riding on the success of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, Chery launched the QQ Ice Cream, a customizable mini EV that initially sold well but has since struggled; in the first seven months of 2025, only 18,635 units were sold.
Market Positioning & Outlook
By reviving the name QQ3, Chery clearly hopes to recapture the success of the first generation. Its key rivals include the Geely Xingyuan (Vision), BYD Seagull, and Wuling Bingo. For context, between January and July 2025, Geely sold 249,000 units of the Xingyuan, making it China’s best-selling model, while the Seagull reached 198,000 units. Facing such competition, the new QQ3 will face significant pressure. Still, given that the small EV segment is not yet fully saturated, the QQ3 may have a chance to shine once again and revive its past glory.
