Chery has made a significant move into the high-end off-road market with the launch of its new sub-brand, Jetour Zongheng. The brand's debut offering, the G700 SUV, is set to hit Chinese showrooms in the third quarter of this year, followed by the F700 pickup truck and the incredibly powerful G900 SUV boasting a staggering 1,572 horsepower.
The Jetour Zongheng G700 presents a commanding presence with its robust design, featuring a high bonnet line and a flat roof. This body-on-frame SUV measures a substantial 5.1 meters in length and incorporates a distinctive swing-out tailgate with a full-size spare wheel mounted on it. Notably, the G700 boasts adjustable ground clearance, ranging from a comfortable 150mm to a formidable 350mm, thanks to the inclusion of advanced air suspension.
Inside, the G700 offers a spacious and luxurious six-seat configuration with a 2+2+2 layout. The interior is dominated by a wide screen that seamlessly integrates the instrument panel, while a large floating touchscreen provides intuitive control over vehicle functions. The design is further enhanced by an oval steering wheel, a column-mounted gear shifter, and a center console featuring a wireless charging pad, convenient physical buttons, and dedicated cup holders. To elevate the audio experience, the G700 incorporates premium Lexicon speakers. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with the advanced Huawei Qiankun driving assistance system, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
The Zongheng F700 pickup truck shares the G700's robust platform but exhibits unique styling cues, including rear coach doors and innovative camera systems that replace traditional side-view mirrors. While the F700 currently presents a bold and concept-like appearance, it's likely that the production version will retain many of these distinctive design elements.
Jetour Zongheng models will be powered by two cutting-edge powertrain options. The first, dubbed CDM-O, is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. This setup combines a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 2-speed DHT drivetrain, delivering a combined system output of 282 horsepower. Additionally, a 300-kW electric motor integrated into the rear axle boosts the total power output to an impressive 402 horsepower.
The second powertrain option is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system known as CEM-O. This innovative system utilizes a 2-liter generator to power the battery and electric motors, resulting in a peak power output of an astonishing 1,572 horsepower. For context, this surpasses the 1,180 horsepower generated by the electric motors in BYD's Yangwang U8 SUV, highlighting the sheer power potential of the Jetour Zongheng.
Both the CDM-O and CEM-O powertrains incorporate an advanced 800-volt high-voltage system, enabling incredibly fast charging capabilities. This architecture allows for 6C charging, meaning the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in a remarkably short time of just six minutes.
The Jetour Zongheng G700, initially showcased as the Jetour T5 concept car last year, has now entered the pre-production phase under its new name. This high-end off-road SUV represents a significant step forward for Chery, signaling the brand's ambition to compete in the increasingly competitive luxury off-road vehicle segment.