Livan X6 Pro: behind the wheel of another Chinese SUV that boasts the best price in its class

Livan, the Chinese brand belonging to the Geely group, which is sold in Spain through Grupo Invicta Motor, presents its second model on our market after the X3 Pro. This is the Livan X6 Pro, a compact SUV with a petrol engine that boasts the most competitive price in its category. We will soon analyse whether this is true by comparing it with some of its main rivals. First, a review of the technical features of this model, which we have already been able to drive.

We are dealing with an SUV measuring 4.53 metres in length, available with a single engine and equipment version. Under the bonnet we find a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol four-cylinder -the same one used by Lynk&Co in some of its models- which delivers 174 CV at 5,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 290 Nm between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. It has no electrification of any kind, so it qualifies for the DGT C label. Drive is to the front wheels, and the gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. It claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 9.2 seconds, a top speed of 190 km/h and an homologated combined-cycle average consumption from 6.8 l/100 km. The suspension is McPherson-type at the front axle and multi-link at the rear, and as standard it features 18-inch wheels with 225/60 tyres.

Exterior and interior design: functional above all

Exteriorly, the X6 Pro is a rather “eye-catching” car. The huge horizontal-slatted grille that extends from the edge of the bonnet to where we would normally find the bumper catches the eye; in fact, the number plate is placed on the grille itself, as there is no bumper as such. Overall, the front end, with the grille and the angular design of the side panels below the headlights, slightly reminds me of some Renault models. The large front headlights use LED technology. Roof bars are standard, as is the discreet roof spoiler, which incorporates the third brake light.

The twin exhaust outlets, the rear lights with a 3D effect joined by a strip of light, or the shape of the rear pillar with a black insert to provide a floating roof effect, together with the two-tone finish wheels, complete a pleasant exterior line, although in my opinion some wheel arch protection would not have gone amiss. The metallic paint, which is the only option available, costs 615 euros, and can be chosen in white, two shades of grey and green.

As is usual with Chinese brands, Livan also tries to “win over” customers first with a cabin that catches the eye as soon as you open the door, and then with very complete equipment. And at first glance the Livan X6 Pro even looks like a luxury car. It does not reach the magnificent level of finish found in some of its rivals, also Chinese or of Chinese origin, such as the Jaecoo 7 or the Ebro S700. But without a doubt, the seats with integrated headrests upholstered in two-tone leather, the also two-tone dashboard, and the fit and materials used convey a good impression, clearly at a level far superior to the X3 Pro.

Interior space is adequate for the size of the car, although the boot, with 359 litres of capacity, falls below the class average. Curiously, this figure could be improved if the space under the floor were better used, where we find an emergency spare wheel and, above it, a polystyrene module to house the warning triangles and the jack, so a lot of free space is left at the sides. A different location for the triangles and the jack would allow the floor platform to be lowered and gain a good number of litres of boot capacity.

Where the X6 Pro falls somewhat behind rivals such as those mentioned is in the infotainment system. It has two 12.3-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and another for the multimedia system, plus a third 4.2-inch screen that allows the passenger to access some controls such as the climate control or the radio. But at least in this first contact, although correct, the operation seemed slow to me when navigating the menus. Furthermore, it does not natively accept connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although cars arrive on the Spanish market with a system installed that allows connection via an app.

Behind the wheel of the Livan X6 Pro

On the road, the Livan X6 Pro does what most Chinese cars do: the focus is mainly on comfort, and it suffers from a rather soft suspension and, above all, a very light steering. There are three driving modes, Eco, Comfort and Sport, which change both the throttle response and the operation of the gearbox and steering assistance, as well as modifying the tone of the interior ambient lighting. And the truth is that the difference is quite noticeable, at least between the Eco and Sport settings. The steering setting in the sportier programme is the one I prefer for any type of use, and it greatly improves the feel at the wheel when driving, especially on country roads or motorways.

Otherwise, the engine meets expectations in terms of performance and makes for a pleasant experience, helped by good cabin insulation. The dual-clutch gearbox always operates in a way that prioritises comfort and smoothness over speed when shifting gears, and there is no possibility of manual control. One of the positive aspects, especially compared with other rivals in this category with petrol engines, such as the 1.6 used by Omoda, Jaecoo and EBRO, is that the X6 Pro seems content with less fuel, and you do not have to push hard to keep average consumption below 8 l/100 km.

The price of the Livan X6 Pro: is it really that cheap?

The Livan X6 Pro is available from 26,995 euros, which drops to 24,995 euros with the current offer if the purchase is financed. The price includes everything as standard except the metallic paint, and this includes the smart key and push-button start, electric heated sports seats with leather upholstery, the openable panoramic roof, alloy wheels and the multimedia system with the 12.3-inch central screen.

If we look among SUVs of its size and consider the list price with discounts without financing, the only SUV cheaper than the Livan X6 Pro is the Dacia Bigster, available from 24,590 euros in Essential trim with a 140 CV Mild Hybrid engine. The Dacia has an ECO label and a much larger boot, with almost 670 litres. But it is less well equipped, less powerful and has no automatic gearbox, so, indeed, the X6 Pro has the best price in its category.

One of its main competitors is the EBRO S700, which is available in Comfort trim from 27,640 euros, also with an automatic gearbox as standard, and a 147 CV 1.6 TGDi petrol engine, although the comparably equipped version would be the Luxury, which costs 30,400 euros. Other alternatives would be the Nissan Qashqai 1.3 TGDI, the Omoda 5 1.6 TGDi, or the MG HS 1.5 TGDi.

The warranty Livan offers on all its models is 5 years or 100,000 km, and the brand already has more than 20 sales and service points in Spain, with plans to add another 10 dealerships over the course of the year. The interesting RL7 EREV will join the X3 Pro and X6 Pro in 2026, a 4.69-metre-long SUV with an electric propulsion system with extended range that will offer 140 kW of power, an electric range of 400 km and a total range of almost 1,250 km.

Livan X6 Pro – Image gallery