ELECTRIA: Chery eQ7 could stir UAAGI’s EV journey

Chery Auto Philippines has started its new-energy-vehicle journey early with the introduction of hybrid models under its Tiggo line. It was only late last year when it revealed its plan to bring out a full-electric vehicle (EV) with the eQ7.

The aforementioned electrified crossover, which was teased during the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit and Manila International Auto Show 2024, form part of the United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated lineup that were driven from Quezon City to Subic, Zambales.

How did the model perform during the drive? Here’s what Zigwheels Philippines learned about the vehicle during a recent media drive.

Dimensions

Chery’s electrified compact crossover measures 4,675 millimeters (mm) long; 1,910 mm wide, and 1,660 mm tall with a 2,830-mm wheelbase.

Given such numbers, the compact crossover is ideal to be used on urban urban roads as it can easily move through traffic. In addition, the vehicle gave this six-footer author ample head- and legroom during the drive.

Exterior

As mentioned in an earlier article, the upcoming vehicle (to be available by November 2024) features a modern look.

The Chery eQ7’s front comes with a minimalist design as expressed by the slim daytime running lights above the projector-type LED headlamps and the trapezoidal active grille system that automatically closes or opens (depending on its driving conditions).

Unlike many Chinese vehicles in the market, the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) does not have aggressive lines. Instead, the Chery eQ7 kept it simple by having fluid lines at the side, and the roof as well as the A-, B-, and C-pillars were painted in gloss black. Providing a mild hint of character to the vehicle is the uniquely-patterned 19-inch wheels.

The same design language at the front is also seen in the SUV’s rear — with matching connecting tail lights. 

Overall, the Chery eQ7 is contemporary and sporty that young executives will likely be fond of.

Interior

Inside the vehicle, is a rich mix of monochromatic colors: black and white leather portions on the seats, dashboard and center console as well as the horizontal piano black fitment on the dashboard.

Despite the arrangement, the cabin is far from being bland. Its power-adjusting quilted seats show a sophisticated touch while its two full-digital screens (both 12.3-inches wide) provide contrast on the black-and-white setting.

However, users would have to spend time to get used to the placing of the hazard light and push start buttons, which are located near the panoramic sunroof's toggle switch.

Powertrain

Propelling the full-electric Chery eQ7 is a permanent magnet synchronous motor mated to a single-speed automatic transmission. On paper, the model has the capacity to dish out as much as 208 horsepower and 285 Newton-meters of torque. The electric mill gets its power from the 67.12 kilowatt-hour-battery that lets the Chery eQ7 cover up to 512 kilometers (based on China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle standards).

Assuring the stopping power is the ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels.

During the drive, the Chery eQ7 proved that it can deliver sufficient power to safely overtake in traffic and offer spirited driving on open roads.

Its relatively small body, balanced weight distribution (given that the battery being placed under the flooring) and stable suspension system (McPherson for the front and multi-link independent type for the rear) makes it very easy to maneuver amid varying traffic conditions. 

Technologies

The Chery eQ7's contemporary is complemented by its myriad of convenience and safety features.

Per Chery Auto Philippines, the infotainment system of the soon-to-be retailed eQ7 — which comes in an eight-speaker set-up — will be Android Auto and Apple Carplay-ready. Other amenities include wireless charging pad (where you also dock your NFC card to start the engine), power side mirrors, and ventilated front seats.

It is also comforting to learn that the model will be offered with adaptive cruise control, intelligent high beam control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, 360-degree view camera, driving video recorder, stability and traction control, as well as hill start assist.

Pros, cons

Overall, the Chery eQ7 has nifty features that will make driving more enjoyable be it within congested urban roads or in short road trips. Its simple exterior aesthetics would be fit for buyers who are into more conventional-looking models.

In addition, the model's expected P2-million pricing might be a hit given all the amenities that it offers. 

However, prospects of the Chery eQ7 need to be ready to relearn the placement of some appointments as they are not seen on usual locations. 

With all these at hand, the Chery eQ7 could jumpstart the brand’s electrified journey in the country — particularly in the local compact crossover EV arena.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Chery Auto PH records 64% growth in 2023

Chery Auto PH shares more details about upcoming NEV models

First batch of Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid units lands in PH