Chery and Huawei Launch the 586 HP Luxeed RX

The Luxeed RX has officially entered the Chinese market, bringing together Chery’s vehicle engineering and Huawei’s technology in a large electric SUV that is clearly aiming high. Starting at 259,800 yuan, or about $38,700, the RX combines strong performance, advanced driver assistance technology, long driving range, and an unusual design that gives it a very different presence from many electric SUVs coming out of China.

Luxeed operates under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance and is jointly developed by Chery and Huawei. The RX joins a growing Luxeed lineup that already includes the S7 sedan, R7 coupe SUV, and V9 minivan. Its styling is especially interesting because the vehicle was designed by Werner Gruber, whose previous experience includes work with Pininfarina, Ferrari, and Saleen.

The Luxeed RX launched in China on September 28 with prices ranging from 259,800 yuan to 389,800 yuan, or approximately $38,700 to $58,065. The lineup begins with the RX Max, followed by the Max Long Range, Ultra, Ultra Long Range, Ultra Long Range All Wheel Drive, and flagship Ultra+.

One of the first things that separates the RX from a typical electric SUV is its proportions. Instead of using the short hood commonly associated with electric vehicles, Luxeed gave the RX a long hood and a noticeable distance between the front axle and dashboard. The resulting profile has some visual similarities to exotic performance SUVs such as the Ferrari Purosangue.

The RX measures 5,020 millimeters long, 2,007 millimeters wide, and 1,585 millimeters tall, with a 3,000 millimeter wheelbase. That makes it 21 millimeters longer than the Xiaomi YU7. Depending on the version, buyers can choose 20 inch or 22 inch wheels. The tires are staggered, measuring 255 millimeters wide at the front and 275 millimeters at the rear. At the back, the lighting system incorporates 10,000 crystal like elements to create a distinctive appearance.

Inside, technology dominates the cabin. The dashboard features a 16.1 inch floating central display, an 8.88 inch passenger screen, a liquid crystal display instrument cluster, a 26 inch head up display, and a digital streaming rear view mirror.

Driver assistance is another major focus. The RX uses 38 sensors and 4 Light Detection and Ranging units, with one offering 896 lines. The system is designed to support highly automated address to address driving, although the driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene.

The front seats are equally ambitious. They reportedly incorporate 98 sensors and 27 air bladders that can continuously adjust support according to the occupant’s posture and changing driving conditions. Active side bolsters can also provide additional support when the vehicle is cornering.

Practicality has not been ignored. The rear cargo area provides 622 liters of standard capacity along with another 30 liters of concealed storage. Luxeed also includes a hands free trunk opening function called Knock Knock.

Underneath the body is an active suspension system, while structural rigidity exceeds 50,000 Newton meters per degree. High strength steel and aluminum alloys account for 90.5% of the body structure. Luxeed also uses 38.38 meters of hot formed steel, including components made from extremely high strength 2,200 megapascal and 2,400 megapascal material.

The rear wheel drive RX uses a single electric motor producing 277 kilowatts, equivalent to 371 horsepower. Buyers looking for considerably more performance can choose the dual motor all wheel drive model, which increases total output to 437 kilowatts, or 586 horsepower.

Battery choices include capacities of 81.1 kilowatt hours, 100.25 kilowatt hours, and 100.42 kilowatt hours. Depending on the configuration, the claimed China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle driving range extends from 700 kilometers to as much as 852 kilometers.

Performance may be where the RX attracts the most attention. The flagship Luxeed RX Ultra+ completed a lap of Zhejiang International Circuit in 1:43.210. The Xiaomi YU7 Max previously recorded 1:43.384 around the same circuit, giving the Luxeed a slightly quicker time. The higher performance Xiaomi YU7 GT was not part of that comparison.

With 586 horsepower available, up to 852 kilometers of claimed range, sophisticated suspension technology, an interior packed with displays and sensors, and a starting price below $40,000 in China, the Luxeed RX arrives as another sign of just how quickly the Chinese electric SUV market is advancing.