Chery and Huawei's Luxeed S7 starts at just under $35,500

Chery and Huawei have officially unveiled their latest venture into the growing world of electric vehicles, the Luxeed S7. This electric sedan, now available on pre-sales in China, is a significant leap forward in the EV space, challenging stalwarts like BYD Han EV and the Neta S. Priced starting at RMB 258,000 (approximately $35,500), the Luxeed S7 is not just a car; it's a statement.

The Luxeed S7, a joint effort between the automotive expertise of Chery and the technological prowess of Huawei, showcases an interesting fusion of industries. While Chery leads the manufacturing and development front, Huawei chips in with key components, especially in the tech arena. This synergy is a clear indicator of how future automotive advancements will increasingly rely on cross-industry collaborations.

Under its sleek exterior, the Luxeed S7 is underpinned by Chery's E0X architecture, which is also the foundation for models like the Exeed Exlantix ES and Exlantix ET. This platform supports 800V charging and a state-of-the-art self-driving system.

The Luxeed S7 measures 195.7 inches in length, 77.3 inches in width, and 58 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 116.1 inches, placing it in the league of luxury sedans. The S7 fits neatly between the Mercedes EQE and the new BMW i5 when it comes to length although it has a slightly shorter wheelbase than its competitors.

Style-wise, the Luxeed S7 borrows elements from its cousin, the Aito M9 SUV, featuring thin headlights and a distinctive LED strip. The car's aerodynamic design is complemented by retractable door handles and a sloped roofline, aimed at reducing drag. Its rear boasts a single taillight unit, and the vehicle is adorned with Luxeed inscriptions, hinting at its global ambitions.

The interior of the Luxeed S7 is where technology meets luxury. It houses a small, oval-shaped steering wheel with the Luxeed logo and a gear shifter positioned conveniently behind it. The center of attention is a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a large floating touchscreen powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS 4. The car also includes two 50-W wireless charging pads and a hidden compartment for extra utility.

However, the pièce de résistance of the Luxeed S7's interior is its expansive panoramic roof, spanning 2.6 square meters and blocking 99.9% of UV rays. The 'Queen Seat' for the front passenger can be electrically adjusted in 18 directions and comes with heating, ventilation, and a ten-point massage system. Not to be overlooked is the 'Queen' theme of the center console, which offers a unique makeup box, doubling as a second glovebox – a nod to personal convenience.

The rear of the car is equally impressive, with touch bars on the door cards allowing passengers to adjust the climate control and an option for a large touchscreen. The vehicle boasts 25 storage spaces and a 14.8 ft³ trunk, emphasizing practicality alongside luxury.

On the performance front, the Luxeed S7 doesn't disappoint. The entry-level model comes with a single electric motor producing 292 hp, while the AWD variant boasts two motors with a combined output of 496 hp. This power enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds. The battery details are still under wraps, but it's known that the base model will feature an LFP pack, while the long-range model includes an M3P battery from CATL.

Available in four trim levels - Pro, Max, Max+, and Max RS - with varying ranges and features, the Luxeed S7 caters to a broad spectrum of preferences and needs. The Max+ version promises over 497 miles of range in exchange for RMB 328,000 which is an equivalent of $45,000 while the top-of-the-range Max RS AWD version retails for RMB 358,000. That’s just over $49,000 for a luxury electric sedan with 391 miles of range and performance to match or even outperform the best of the competition.

Via