Chery's Exlantix ET new energy crossover has achieved a significant accolade, earning the prestigious title of Car of the Year 2024 from China Central Television (CCTV). This recognition comes as the Exlantix ET prepares to make its mark on the global stage, with plans to enter overseas markets, including Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, this year.
The award was presented at the fifth China Auto Awards ceremony, held on January 27th and broadcast on CCTV-2. This event, often hailed as the "Oscars of the Automotive World" in China, boasts a distinguished jury panel comprised of representatives from prominent organizations such as the CATARC research center, the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Council for the Promotion of International Trade in the Automotive Industry.
While known as the Exeed Sterra ET within China, this vehicle will carry the Exlantix name internationally. The Exlantix ET emerged victorious from a field of 31 shortlisted models, impressing the jury with its innovative technologies and overall excellence. Notably, it was the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) variant of the Exlantix ET that secured this coveted award. According to Gao Xinhua, Executive Vice President of Chery, the vehicle's success can be attributed to three core technologies: its range extender system, four-wheel drive capabilities, and intelligent driving system.
The Exlantix ET is a spacious five-seat SUV, measuring 4955 mm in length, 1975 mm in width, and 1698 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. It features an air suspension system supplied by Khat, a company renowned for providing air springs to other leading automotive brands like Zeekr, Voyah, Xpeng, Lynk & Co, Li Auto, and Volvo China. This advanced suspension system allows the Exlantix ET to achieve a ground clearance of up to 240 mm, enhancing its versatility and off-road capabilities.
The EREV variant of the Exlantix ET is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator with an impressive thermal efficiency of 44.5%, achieving a fuel consumption of just 5.9 liters per 100 km. With a 67-liter fuel tank, the Exlantix ET boasts an impressive mixed range of 1500 km under CLTC (China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle) conditions. Additionally, a 41 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack manufactured by Gotion provides a CLTC range of 240 km in pure electric mode.
The Exlantix ET's four-wheel drive system comprises two electric motors, one on the front axle with a peak power output of 201 hp and another on the rear axle generating 261 hp. This combined power output of 485 hp and 634 Nm of torque enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds. Chery claims that the system can achieve a 0-100% torque distribution between the axles, optimizing performance and handling in various driving conditions.
The Exlantix ET's intelligent driving system is powered by two Nvidia Orin-X chips, boasting a combined computing power of 508 TOPS (trillion operations per second). Equipped with 30 different sensors, the SUV supports end-to-end map-free intelligent driving, representing a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology.
In addition to the award-winning EREV variant, the Exlantix ET is also available with a rear-wheel-drive configuration featuring a 195 kW motor and a 31-kWh LFP battery pack from CATL. Furthermore, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) variants offer power outputs ranging from 313 to 562 hp and are available with two battery options: 77 kWh and 100 kWh.
The Exlantix ET is priced competitively in China, ranging from 189,800 to 319,800 yuan ($26,175 to $44,100). As it prepares for its international debut, the global variant of the Exlantix ET will feature a redesigned front end, incorporating a front grille imitation to appeal to a broader audience. This international expansion signifies Chery's ambition to establish the Exlantix brand as a key player in the global electric vehicle market.