China Central Television recently announced that Chery’s Exlantix ET new energy crossover has been crowned as the Car of the Year 2024. This prestigious award was presented during the fifth China Auto Awards ceremony, which was broadcasted on the CCTV-2 channel. Often referred to as the “Oscars of the Automotive World” in China, the event featured a jury 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.
The Exlantix ET, known as Exeed Sterra ET in China, emerged victorious among 31 shortlisted models in 2024 to claim the coveted title of Car of the Year. Notably, the EREV variant of the Exlantix ET clinched the top spot. Chery’s Executive Vice President, Gao Xinhua, attributed the success of the vehicle to its three core technologies: the range extender system, four-wheel drive capability, and intelligent driving system.
Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator boasting a thermal efficiency of 44.5% and a fuel consumption rate of 5.9 liters per 100 km, the Exlantix ET EREV variant offers a remarkable mixed range of 1500 km under CLTC conditions. The vehicle is powered by a 41 kWh LFP battery manufactured by Gotion, enabling it to achieve a range of 240 km in EV mode.
The Exlantix ET’s four-wheel drive system features two electric motors, with the front axle motor delivering a peak power output of 150 kW (201 hp) and the rear axle motor providing 195 kW (261 hp). This configuration results in a total power output of 345 kW (485 hp) and 634 Nm, allowing the Exlantix ET to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The vehicle also offers the flexibility to distribute torque between the axles from 0-100%.
The intelligent driving system of the Exlantix ET is powered by two Nvidia Orin-X chips with a computing power of 508 TOPS and features 30 different sensors, enabling end-to-end map-free intelligent driving capabilities.
Measuring 4955/1975/1698 mm with a wheelbase of 3000 mm, the Exlantix ET is a five-seat SUV equipped with an air suspension system from Khat, providing a ground clearance of 240 mm. The EREV variant is available with RWD and a 31-kWh LFP battery pack, while the BEV variants offer power outputs ranging from 313 to 562 hp with battery options of 77 kWh and 100 kWh.
With a domestic price range of 189,800 to 319,800 yuan (approximately 26,175 to 44,100 USD), the Exlantix ET is set to make its mark in overseas markets this year. The global variant of the model will feature a redesigned front end with a front grille imitation.
In addition to the Car of the Year award, several other vehicles were recognized in various categories at the China Auto Awards ceremony, including the Aito M9 and Volkswagen Magotan for Theme Car, Hongqi EHS7 (Tiangong 8) for The Safest Car, M-Hero 917 Dragon Armour and Chery iCar V23 for The Best Design, Geely Galaxy EX5 for The Lowest CO2 Footprint, Nissan Pathfinder and Deepal G318 for The Most Comfortable Car, Li Auto L6 for Advanced Intelligent Driving, Xiaomi SU7 for The Best Connected Services, Voyah Courage for The Healthiest Car, Chery Fulwin T9 for The Best Powertrain, Honda Integra and Audi A3 for The Best Handling, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for The Best Off-Roader, Roewe iMax 8 DMH for The Best MPV, Hyundai Santa-Fe and Wey 07 for The Best SUV, and Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat Pro for The Best Sedan.
With its cutting-edge technologies and impressive performance, the Chery Exlantix ET has rightfully earned its place as the Car of the Year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry.
