As we previously reported last December when the Chevrolet Menlo EV presale started in the Chinese market, General Motors has just officially launched the vehicle in Asian country. Chevrolet’s new electric crossover went on sale in the world’s largest auto market on February 20, 2020, after the automaker successfully filled the presale order book earlier this month.

“In addition to being a new-energy vehicle, the Chevrolet Menlo inherits Chevrolet’s sporty DNA that dates back to its founding by race car drivers,” said General Director of Chevrolet for SAIC-GM, Scott Lawson, in a press release. “It will meet the performance and styling demands of our customers and at the same time provide the efficiency that new-energy vehicle owners expect.”

The 2020 Chevrolet Menlo EV becomes the brand’s first fully electric model in China – where the Bolt EV is not offered. More importantly, the Menlo EV is the weapon with which SAIC-GM intends to end the dominance of Chinese brands in the pure electric vehicle segment, given its surprising starting price of 159,990 yuan (about $22,780 USD at current exchange rates).

Thanks to a significant government subsidy of up to 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,250 USD), this starting price positions the Chevrolet Menlo EV as the most affordable compact-sized electric crossover in China. In fact, the new model’s price is even lower than the basic trim level of the Equinox. This aggressive market strategy makes the Menlo EV a really important vehicle for Chevrolet in the Asian country.

Unlike the rest of the brand’s models, the 2020 Chevrolet Menlo EV has a unique trim level naming scheme, which includes Starshare, Galaxy, Nebula and Starlux. All boast a high level of standard features, including the new generation of the Chevrolet Infotainment System and multiple advanced safety technologies.

All four trim levels include an electric motor with an output of 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As for its driving range, the 52.5-kWh battery pack offers up to 410 kilometers (256 miles) on a single charge according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test. To manage the load, the Menlo EV offers three driving modes – Eco, Standard and Sport – as well as a three-speed energy recovery mode.

The all-new Chevrolet Menlo EV aims to attract customers in China by offering an affordable and environmentally friendly vehicle with an innovative exterior design inspired by the 2017 Chevrolet FNR-X Concept. It is already available in the country’s dealer network in four exterior colors along with two interior color choices. The complete list of subsidized prices is as follows:

Menlo EV Starshare: 159,990 CNY (about $22,780 USD at current exchange rates)

Menlo EV Galaxy: 164,900 CNY ($23,500 USD)

Menlo EV Nebula: 174,900 CNY ($24,900 USD)

Menlo EV Starlux: 179,900 CNY ($25,650 USD)

Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Chevrolet Menlo EV news, Chevrolet news and ongoing GM news coverage.