Chery eQ7 electric SUV rolling off the line

13 July 2023

Chery, the Chinese automobile manufacturer, is moving full throttle with the production of their eQ7, the electric SUV. The first units have already left the production line on July 12. The eQ7, with an expected price tag of about RMB 150,000 ($20,900), joins a very busy SUV segment in China later this year.

One thing about the eQ7, though. It's got an identity crisis - in a good way. The company moved so quickly from design to production that this all-electric SUV still needs its permanent name, and the powers-that-be at Chery are seeking public input to christen it appropriately.

The eQ7 is a bit of a milestone for Chery, too. Apart from being their first model built on an all-aluminum platform, the first unit of the SUV represents the 660,000th vehicle to roll off Chery's production line. Not too shabby, huh?

Let's talk looks. The eQ7 oozes "Super Digital'' design language, featuring sleek split headlights and through-type tail lights. It also sports a 'floating' roof, blackened wheel arches, and side skirts. Visually it is quite a striking vehicle, but it follows the same design language we see on so many cars coming from China. Interestingly, the traditional door handles made it to the production vehicle, with the fancy pop-up items nowhere in sight.

The eQ7 is more than just a pretty face. As a mid-sized SUV, it comes in at 184.06 inches long, 75.2 inches wide, and 65.35 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 111.42 inches. There is only one power option - a single 155 kW electric motor coupled with a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. With a top speed of 112 mph, four driving modes, three steering modes, and two braking modes, the eQ7 is ready to adapt to any driving conditions.

The company did not disclose the battery pack size but claims the eQ7 offers a 318 miles of driving range. You could practically drive it from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back without stopping for a recharge - as long as you trust the CLTC ratings. In reality, you'd make it to Las Vegas but then need a quick recharge.

On the inside, the eQ7 is no slouch, either. It boasts a popular dual-screen design for the instrument panel and center control screen. The flat-bottom steering wheel provides a sporty touch, while the ambient lights can be adjusted to 64 colors. The car also includes voice control, an air filtration system, automatic temperature control, and more than 20 level 2 advanced driving assistance features. Plus, the seats come standard with heating, ventilation, massage, and electronically adjustable leg rest – because why should luxury be optional?

Chery eQ7 is stepping into the busiest EV market in the world with a promise to deliver high performance, advanced tech, and stylish design, all at an incredibly attractive price point. There’s a lot of hype surrounding it but at least on paper, it seems like this SUV is ready to live up to it.

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