Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile has filed design patents for the Tiggo 8 SUV. Images of the SUV, which have surfaced on the Indian patent database, show the Tiggo 8 in its latest international avatar – a large, three-row SUV that sits above the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700 in terms of size. The Chinese brand also patented a large MPV and a mid-size SUV in India in August this year.
Chery Tiggo 8, what exactly is it?
The Tiggo 8 is one of Chery’s flagship SUVs globally and is sold in multiple versions including the Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Plus. It typically measures around 4.7-4.8 metres in length, putting it squarely in the large SUV category. Internationally, the Tiggo 8 comes with multiple seating layouts – six and seven-seat options – and a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains. The design is contemporary and premium, with a bold grille, full-LED lighting, and a strong SUV stance.
Inside, the Tiggo 8’s cabin stands out for its upmarket design, with a twin-screen setup for infotainment and instrumentation, generous use of soft-touch materials, and features like ADAS, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and ventilated seats in higher trims. These features align with what Indian buyers have come to expect from premium SUVs in this segment.
Where it could fit in India?
Should Chery bring the Tiggo 8 here, it would go up against established names like the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. Chery’s global strategy has often centred on value-packed offerings that undercut established rivals, so the Tiggo 8 could potentially follow a similar path in India. A competitive price tag and long equipment list could make it a strong contender in the fast-growing three-row SUV segment.
Chery brand's India connection
While this is not Chery’s first brush with India – the brand had previously explored joint ventures without much success – its latest filing comes at a time when Chinese carmakers are actively seeking global expansion and also India-China relations are on the path to betterment. Importantly, Chery has been exploring partnership the JSW Group too, fuelling speculation of a formal India entry. The patent filing of the Tiggo 8 could therefore be the first indicator of Chery preparing a model line-up for our market.
Does this mean that Chery is coming to India?
It’s worth noting that a design patent does not automatically confirm a market launch and Chery could have done this just to safeguard its intellectual property, irrespective of immediate launch plans. However, the Tiggo 8’s filing, coupled with recent reports of Chery exploring local partnerships could also mean that the company laying the groundwork for an eventual India entry.