Chery Exeed Exlantix ET Crowned China COTY 2024

China Central Television (CCTV) recently crowned the Chery Exlantix ET new energy crossover as China Car of the Year 2024 during the network’s recent China Auto Awards ceremony.

According to CarNewsChina, this award, often referred to as the "Oscars of the Automotive World" in China, is judged by representatives from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), 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.

The Exlantix ET, known in China as the Exeed Sterra ET, will also be marketed internationally under the Exlantix brand in select regions. It was selected from a pool of 31 shortlisted models, with the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) variant securing the win.

Chery’s Executive Vice President, Gao Xinhua, attributed this recognition to three core technologies: an advanced range extender system, an intelligent four-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art autonomous driving system.

The Exlantix ET EREV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol generator with a thermal efficiency of 44.5% and a fuel consumption rate of just 5.9 liters/100 KM. With a 67-litre fuel tank, the ET achieves an impressive mixed driving range of 1,500 KM CLTC (1,230 KM WLTP).

It also features a 41 kWh Gotion-made LFP battery that enables 240 KM of EV-only range. Its four-wheel drive system comprises two electric motors: a 150 kW (201 HP) motor on the front axle and a 195 kW (261 HP) motor on the rear, producing a total output of 345 kW (485 HP) and 634 NM of torque.

The crossover accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in just 4.8 secs and offers fully variable torque distribution between axles.

With the Exlantix ET set to enter overseas markets in 2024 across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, speculation is also rife that Malaysia could also be on the list but under the Exeed banner.

Adding to which is our recent discovery of Chery Malaysia’s active recruitment drive via its official LinkedIn page, seeking candidates for senior roles in its “new business division”.

The recent launch of the Omoda C9 under the firm’s Jaecoo Malaysia division further supports this possibility. Through which, the firm has successfully “tested the waters” in Malaysia on the acceptance amongst local consumers for its premium offering.

However, this new division with limited ICE offerings left could see Chery Malaysia placing heavy focus on xEVs (EVs, Hybrids, PHEVs, and REEVs) in 2025 instead.