SAIC, the latest brand launched by SAIC Motor the parent of MG and LDV, has shown off a fresh SUV with notable similarities to the Porsche Cayenne.

The SAIC Z9 appears in a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing as the brand's third model line, coming soon after the Z7 sedan and wagon that draw heavy influence from the Porsche Taycan.

SAIC launched in 2025 as SAIC Motor's marque inside the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, a partnership among several automakers and tech firm Huawei.

Besides SAIC Motor's SAIC brand, also called Shangjie, other HIMA marques include Chery's Luxeed and JAC's Maextro. So far all HIMA brands have stayed in the Chinese market, though Seres' AITO brand has announced export plans.

The Z9 will sit at the top of the SAIC range above the H5 SUV and Z7 models as a large electric SUV offered in single motor rear wheel drive or dual motor all wheel drive setups.

Rear wheel drive versions deliver 280kW of power while all wheel drive versions add a 175kW front electric motor.

It stretches 5139mm long, 2005mm wide and 1776mm tall on a 3086mm wheelbase, making it 209mm longer than a Porsche Cayenne on a 191mm longer wheelbase and 154mm longer than a Cayenne Electric on a 63mm longer wheelbase.

Unlike the Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Electric, the SAIC Z9 comes with an optional third row of seats for six passengers total.

Kerb weight ranges from 2595kg to 2794kg and all versions use ternary lithium ion batteries from CATL though capacities remain undisclosed.

From the slim wide headlights and full width rear light bar to the sculpted bonnet and bold shoulders, several styling cues echo the Cayenne though this is no direct copy like the SR9 from struggling maker Zotye.

Porsche continues to inspire design at various Chinese brands even as its sales fall in China.

Through September Porsche sales dropped 33 per cent in China to 21493 units. Last year it sold just 41938 vehicles there marking the fourth straight year of decline after 95671 units in 2021.

The new SAIC brand aims at a more premium spot in the SAIC Motor family focusing on electric and extended range electric vehicles much like IM Motors.

Two IM models the IM5 and IM6 reach export markets including Australia yet SAIC brand vehicles remain China only so far.

MORE: SAIC Z7: New EV takes plenty of inspiration from Porsche Taycan