Chery’s first SUV from new EV family Exeed Exlantix ET goes into production

If you've been watching the electric SUV market, you'll know China's Li Auto L7. Now Chery Group has introduced the Exeed Exlantix ET – known domestically as the Sterra ET – which will bring the same hardware to international audiences, albeit with a different badge.

Exeed isn't exactly the new kid on the block. Launching as a premium brand under Chery in 2017, it showcased its potential at the Frankfurt exhibition. Interestingly, while Exeed's sales within China haven't quite hit home run status (with a modest 33,989 units in 2023 so far), their overseas sales are on the rise. In Russia alone, they've sold over 29,000 units within the first three quarters of 2023. Chery is aiming Exeed (and particularly the Exlantix line) squarely at international markets, targeting regions like South America and the Middle East.

Crafted on Chery’s E0X platform – which is also the foundation of Luxeed S7 and Exlantix ES (Sterra ES) – the Exlantix ET is designed to support both Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrains. This SUV packs a punch with its 800V architecture. You can find CATL’s Shengxing, M3P, and Qilin batteries lurking under its hood.

Pier Luigi Ferrari (yes - that Pier Luigi Ferrari), sprinkled his automotive design magic on this one. Having worked with big names like Changan, SAIC, and Pininfarina, Ferrari gave the Exlantix ET unique features such as large interactive LED elements (termed ISD Cyber Butterfly) in the front bumper, allowing drivers to, quite literally, express themselves on the road.

The Exlantix ET is virtually a carbon copy of the Li Auto L7, from the retractable door handles to the taillights. Heck, even their dimensions almost mirror each other, with the Exlantix ET measuring 195.1 inches/77.8 inches/66.9 inches and a 118 inches wheelbase – just slightly smaller than the L7. The five-seat interior is also largely unchanged.

The Exlantix ET offers a smorgasbord of powertrain options. The base model sports a single electric motor with an output of 185 kW (252 hp), followed by a more powerful 230 kW (313 hp) version. Those feeling a tad adventurous might be drawn to the dual e-motor variant boasting a combined 353 kW (480 hp) or the top-of-the-line 413 kW (561 hp) version. With the Exlantix ET set to grace the Chinese market in 2024, and later overseas, the price remains a mystery for now.

Intriguingly, while Li Auto seems content to focus on domestic growth till at least 2028, they may just be overlooking a ripe international market. On the other hand, Chery is poised to fill that overseas void with the Exlantix ET. Which strategy will pay off?

Via