The Changan Shenlan SL03 (C385) was revealed in China. It will rival the Tesla Model 3 in China. Previously, Changan had been doing its best to keep the secret of the name of this sedan. But MIIT announcements ruined this questionable tactic and revealed the Shenlan sedan’s name and logo.
What have we already known about Changan Shenlan SL03?
The Changan Shenlan SL03 is another joint project between Changan New Energy, CATL, and Huawei. This ‘trinity’ also works on Avatr and Changan Lumin. The SL03 is based on the EPA1 platform and positioned as a compact mainstream sedan. Its exact dimensions are 4820/1890/1480 mm, with a wheelbase of 2900 mm. It is 106 mm longer than Tesla Model 3, and its wheelbase is 25 mm longer. Worth mentioning that the SL03 goes with RWD only. However, it has three powertrains: EV, EREV (range-extender), and FCEV (hydrogen).
Appearance and Specs
Only EV and EREV versions of the SL03 appeared in the announcements. There are almost no visible differences between them. The Shenlan SL03 styling is great with sporty proportions, thin headlights, and a cool rear light bar. The SL03 has 225/55 R18 or 245/45 R19 wheels.
Both EV and EREV versions of the SL03 have the same size. The all-electric version’s curb weight is 1,725 and 1,825 kilos (gross weight: 2,100 and 2,200 kg). The SL03 with range-extender weights 1,760 kg (gross weight: 2,135 kg).
Naming
The SL03’s name and logo haven’t been revealed since 2021. So a lot of users made their predictions about its naming. But now we know that Shenlan called it just ‘SL03’. The name sounds strange. We may guess that ‘SL’ here stays for ShenLan. By the way, Shenlan can still change this sedan’s name. Previously, we have seen how Geometry did it with their E SUV. The logo is silver-colored and triangle-shaped. It has three black lines going from the angles to the center.
Powertrain
Now let’s speak powertrain of the Changan Shenlan SL03. Only two versions of it leaked online with MIIT announcements (EV and EREV). The base-level SL03 EV has one electric motor on the rear axle with 160kW (218 hp). There is also a version with a motor of 190 kW (258 hp). According to Shenlan, it consumes 12.3 kWh/100km. These motors are both made by Changan New Energy. As for the SL03 EV’s range, it was claimed to be 700 km. Its base-level model will get an LFP battery made by CATL. And the one with more horses will adopt a ternary (NMC) one made by Changan New Energy.
The EREV version of the Changan Shenlan SL03 got a 1.5-liter (JL473QJ) self-aspirated petrol engine for 70 kW (95 hp). According to the MIIT announcement, the fuel consumption of the SL03 is 0.75 L/100km. Speaking of the electric motor, it is still on the rear axle and has an output of 160 kW (218 hp). The SL03 EREV got an LFP battery on board. It is made by CALB, which is CATL’s competitor. Previously, Shenlan shared that the SL03 EREV will be able to run up to 1,200 km.
FCEV
The Changan Shenlan SL03 also has a hydrogen version. Unfortunately, it didn’t make it to MIIT announcements. The FCEV’s range reaches 700 km, just like the fully electric one. But the primary benefit of the hydrogen version is quick refueling. According to Shenlan, it takes only 3 minutes to fill the hydrogen tank. By the way, the hydrogen consumption of the C385 is 0.65 kg/100 km. And this version also got the electric motor with 190 kW.
Other features and price
The SL03 will be equipped with 27 different sensors and support the L4 level of autonomous driving. It allows the car to drive entirely on its own. The 8155 chip from Qualcomm powers computers that power the autonomous driving systems of the sedan. We don’t know exact prices of the SL03. According to Chinese media, prices will be between 200,000 and 300,000 RMB (31,000-46,500 USD). The SL03 should hit the Chinese market in June so we will keep an eye on this exciting sedan with a strange name.
The latest EVs on the MIIT catalog
The latest ICE vehicles on the MIIT catalog
Source: MIIT, Ifeng
