Torn between buying an SUV or a ute? Why not have both with the Changan Qiyuan CD701 that is more than meets the eye!

Chinese carmaker Changan is looking to bring a radical concept to production that can transform from an SUV into a pick-up.

Dubbed the CD701 concept and sitting under Changan’s Qiyuan sub-brand, the model features a retractable glass panel over the rear cargo area that sort of works like a reverse sunroof.

When retracted up to the roof, the rear tailgate can be folded down to expose the cargo area and make loading/unloading gear easier.

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Don’t expect to throw your work tools or dirt bikes in there though, as the CD701 is more of a premium offering than a utilitarian one.

Changan do show pictures of the CD701 with a surfboard and snorkelling gear though, as well as backed up into a tent for more of a ‘glamping’ experience.

Details are currently sparse, but it looks like the interior is decked out with leather and soft-touch materials, while a massive multimedia screen sits front-and-centre on the dashboard.

Without traditional instrumentation, it looks like the multimedia screen will also handle vehicle-speed readouts and the like, while the rear seats also fold flat to liberate extra boot capacity.

Chinese carmaker Changan is looking to bring a radical concept to production.

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The CD701 can transform from an SUV into a pick-up.

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Changan do show pictures of the CD701 backed up into a tent for more of a ‘glamping’ experience.

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The CD701 is more of a premium offering than a utilitarian one.

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A massive multimedia screen sits front-and-centre on the dashboard.

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Details are currently sparse, but it looks like the interior is decked out with leather and soft-touch materials.

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Noticeable details include large tri-spoke-style wheels, sleek head- and tail-lights and flush-fitting door handles.

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Other noticeable details include large tri-spoke-style wheels, sleek head- and tail-lights and flush-fitting door handles.

The CD701 is also an electric vehicle (EV), though there are no confirmed details on the electric powertrain or battery size to clue us in on performance and driving range.

The CD701 is expected to enter production next year, and the concept was shown at the Changan Automobile Science and Technology Ecological Conference in Chongqing, China.