Peter Lyon
April 11, 2024
Chery was undoubtedly one of the stars at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show in the Philippines. In addition to giving Filipinos a sneak peek at the upcoming plug-in hybrid models in the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro, the Chinese carmaker also wowed them with the launch of its newest electric SUV, the eQ7.
So will this model be heading to Malaysia anytime soon? We think so. Read on.
The eQ7, which made its global debut last year, is positioned as a mid-size SUV with dimensions measuring 4,675 mm x 1,910 mm x 1,660 mm and a wheelbase of 2,830 mm.
Notably, it is the brand’s first car built on a lightweight, all-aluminium chassis, which results in a 30% weight reduction, making it tip the scales at only 1,850 kg.
The Chery eQ7 features what the carmaker calls a “Super Digital” design language and a modern appearance. Slim split headlights that blend in well with thin running lights define the front fascia. A millimeter-wave radar is located beneath a lower trapezoidal grille, highlighting both style and utility. The EV’s rear features through-type tail lights that complement the front’s design theme.
Boasting a drag coefficient of 0.31, the vehicle’s simple, streamlined design and active grille system, which automatically closes or opens depending on driving conditions, enhance its aerodynamic profile.
Inside the eQ7 is opulent and modern, with soft-touch materials, a three-spoke steering wheel, sophisticated trim accents, and a number of creature amenities. The SUV has 12.3-inch screens, two wireless phone charging pads, dual zone of air conditioning, 64-color ambient lighting, a fatigue driving alert, heated steering wheel, keyless entry, remote start, and a power-adjustable driver seat with ventilation and heating.
Chery PH does not provide the eQ7’s technical details, however we can use the Chinese model to give us an idea of what to expect on the performance side. In the domestic market, there are two variants.
The first spec features an electric motor pumping out 210 ps and 285 Nm, and comes fitted with a 67.12 kWh battery pack, delivering an impressive 512 km CLTC pure electric cruising range (let’s translate that 450 km real world kms).
The second version, on the other hand, has a motor that produces 183 ps and 225 Nm of torque. It also has a slightly smaller 53.87 kWh battery pack which allows for 412 km of CLTC electric cruising range, or around 360 in the real world. Performance-wise, both versions can reach a top speed of 180 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds.
The eQ7 is expected to be priced at around Php 2 million (RM 168,301) in the Philippines and that gives us a window into a potential Malaysian version.
Carlist Thoughts
This is certainly one of the better-looking electric SUVs to come out of China, and given its specs and competitive pricing, it should do well. So, can we expect to see the Chery eQ7 EV come to Malaysia? Considering Chery’s expansion here, including the recent launch of the Omoda E5 EV, alongside the growing popularity of electric vehicles in the country, it’s more than likely that we will see the eQ7 in Malaysian showrooms very soon.
