The Roewe D7 mid-size sedan from SAIC has officially debuted in China. It has appeared to be really similar to the Nio ET-series in terms of exterior styling. The D7 has 610 km of CLTC range and a single electric motor on the rear axle for 155 kW (211 hp). According to previous information, this sedan will hit the Chinese market later this year. As its official debut has already happened, the sales can start soon enough.
Briefly about Roewe
Before we get started, we will remind you that Roewe is a passenger car brand under the one and only SAIC Group that also owns MG, Maxus, IM, Rising and other well-known brands. In 2006, SAIC wanted to acquire the British Rover brand, but failed. As a result, they have come up with “their own” brand name. So, this is how Roewe was born. Initially, it produced affordable vehicles. In 2020, Roewe launched a high-end electric vehicle series called “R”. But then it became the independent brand Rising Auto. And still, Roewe wants to sell some NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) in the middle-to-high price segment. This is why they have come up with the D-series cars. The pioneer of this series is the D7 EV sedan. It has officially debuted today.
SAIC Roewe D7 EV exterior
As we can see in the pictures, the exterior design of the Roewe D7 EV matches the previous official images. And form the first sight, we can easily notice that its front end styling stays really close to Nio electric vehicles such as ET7 sedan. It has a closed grille, thin running light units and headlights integrated in the front bumper. Even the hood of the D7 looks similar to the Nio ET7 with two small ‘ridges’ on the sides. We aren’t sure if Nio will try to sue Roewe for plagiarism. But it seems like they can actually do it.
On the other hand, the rear end of the Roewe D7 EV has a distinguishing design with two independent taillight units, a ducktail spoiler and a nice black trim in the lower part of the rear bumper. From the side, we can see that the body shape of the D7 EV looks like a raindrop. This kind of shape enhances the aerodynamics of the car. But Roewe didn’t share the drag coefficient number of the D7 EV. We can also point out its R18 five-spoke wheels, flush door handles and real side view mirrors.
SAIC Roewe D7 EV specs
Unfortunately, the interior of this car wasn’t unveiled. On the other hand, we know the exact size of the D7 EV. Its dimensions are 4890/1872/1510 mm with a wheelbase of 2810 mm. For a comparison, in terms of sizing, the D7 sits between the Nio ET5 and Nio ET7. As for the closest vehicle to the D7 in terms of dimensions, it is the Xpeng P7 with the length of 4888 mm. According to Roewe, their new sedan has both trunk and frunk for 447 L in total. It is a modest number. On the other hand, as it goes from Roewe, adults with a height of 1.8 meters can sit comfortably in the second row.
The powertrain of the Roewe D7 EV has two options. The entry level car has an LFP battery for 510 km of range and an electric motor for 145 kW (197 hp) on the rear axle. As for the second option, it is equipped with a ternary (NMC) battery for 610 km of CLTC range and an electric motor for 155 kW (211 hp). The top speed of the D7 is limited to 170 km/h. So, it has a relatively weak powertrain that doesn’t really correlate with its slick exterior design.
Editor’s comment
The price range of the Roewe D7 EV wasn’t unveiled. However, we do know that it will sit lower that the Rising Auto brand from SAIC. So, the D7 EV will be cheaper than the Rising F7 sedan that costs 229,900 – 301,900 yuan (31,950 – 41,960 USD) in China. It means that the D7 EV will cost about of 150,000 – 200,000 yuan (20,850 – 27,800 USD). In this case, the D7 will be a pretty desirable sedan with a nice styling and a reasonable powertrain. And still, it will have quite a lot of rivals like GAC Aion S, BYD Seal, Hongqi E-QM5, Deepal SL03, etc.
The D7 EV can possibly become a good car for taxi services, since quite a lot of cheaper Roewe cars serves in these fleet projects. We will also remind you that the Roewe D7 will also have a PHEV version called D7 DMH. But it still will have a tough competition here. Anyway, we will keep an eye on the D7 EV, so stay tuned!
” In 2006, SAIC wanted to acquire the British Rover brand, but failed. As a result, they have come up with “their own” brand name. So, this is how Roewe was born. ”
ROEWE, to some a “hokey” sounding name
(…..an attempt to take over the entire Rover brand failed: BMW Group refused the Chinese, selling the rights to use the Rover name to Ford, which in turn included them in the sale of Land Rover to Tata Motors in 2008)….says https://autoboom.co.il/en/magazine/roewe-chinese-rover