Chery recently hosted a major event to showcase the future of its luxury brand, Exeed. The automaker introduced four new electric vehicles: the ES7 GT, ES8, ET8, and ET9. These models are part of Chery's strategy to boost sales after a challenging year—Exeed’s sales from January to November dropped 24% year-over-year, totaling 97,706 units. To reverse this trend, the new lineup features cutting-edge technology and impressive performance.
The Exeed ES7 GT is a stylish "shooting brake" design, resembling a sporty station wagon. It is powered by an extended-range electric powertrain with three motors, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. The car boasts an exceptional driving range of 1,700 km. Moreover, its 1,000V fast-charging system can add up to 450 km of range in just five minutes, provided a compatible charging station is available.
The Exeed ES8 is another dynamic model designed with aerodynamics in mind, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd. Its standout feature is a new solid-state battery, potentially enabling a 1,000 km driving range on a single charge. The ES8 includes four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and sports a 15.6-inch touchscreen coupled with a smart system powered by Qualcomm hardware and Huawei software.
For larger families, Chery introduced two spacious SUVs. The Exeed ET8 is a six-seater with a boxy design focused on comfort, featuring "4D" massage seats and a 31-speaker premium sound system. The flagship ET9 model ups the luxury ante with rear-hinged "coach doors," reminiscent of Rolls-Royce vehicles. It can execute a "tank turn," allowing it to spin in place, and offers rotating seats plus an oxygen-enriching system for passengers.
Safety and intelligent driving features are integral to all four models. Chery plans to equip them with its Falcon driving system, aiming to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving by 2026. Additionally, the company plans to commence testing its Rhino S all-solid-state battery next year.
The first of these new vehicles is expected to launch in approximately 10 months, with the remaining models arriving within 20 months. Chery aims to strengthen its position in the luxury EV market, leveraging advanced technology and rapid charging capabilities. While some social media users noted similarities between the vehicle names and those of competitor Nio, Chery remains confident that its innovations will distinguish the new lineup.
