The Luxeed R7 (see specs), a product of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) between Chery and Huawei, has emerged as a formidable contender in the electric coupe SUV market. Since its release, the R7 has accumulated over 38,000 non-refundable orders. R7 is Luxeed’s second release following the S7 sedan. Our test car is the top trim dual-motor version with 365 kW, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Exterior
The Luxeed R7 mirrors the sleek design of its all-electric S7 counterpart, featuring a closed front end, slim LED headlights with a connecting light strip, a low beltline, and a slanted roofline. Key design elements include retractable door handles, glossy bumpers, and a ducktail spoiler. The EREV variant is distinguished by a unique air intake in the front bumper. Our test car has an optional LiDAR sensor on the roof.
Its aerodynamic “One-Box” design contributes to a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.219. Measuring 4,956 mm in length, 1,981 mm in width, and 1,634 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, the R7 EREV boasts compact overhangs of 914 mm (front) and 1,092 mm (rear). It offers approach and departure angles of 18 degrees and rides on 21-inch wheels. Its curb weight is 2,298 kg, and its gross weight is 2,735 kg.
Interior
The R7 features Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4, a 12.3-inch driver display, and a 15.6-inch central control screen. The interior has a White Sand Apricot colored theme.
The R7 also excels in rear passenger comfort, with seats featuring enhanced foam padding and adjustable backrests ranging from 27° to 37°. Combined with a panoramic sunroof equipped with a deployable sunshade, the cabin atmosphere feels open yet shielded from excessive sunlight. Thoughtful additions, such as retractable storage compartments in the rear and a multi-tiered trunk design, make the R7 highly practical for family outings or extended travel.
Cargo capacity is impressive, with 837 liters expanding to 2,130 liters with the rear seats folded.
Behind the wheel
The R7 delivers precise steering and confidently handles curves in urban environments. The firm chassis and supportive suspension contribute to its agility, making it enjoyable for drivers seeking more engagement. However, some might find the steering column’s unconventional shape requires getting used to, especially during tight maneuvers or parking.
As a premium electric SUV, the Luxeed R7 balances cutting-edge technology, comfort, and practicality. Its refined driving assistance, intuitive features, and focus on passengers deliver a polished and adaptable performance.
The Luxeed R7 prioritizes passenger comfort with an advanced air suspension system that dynamically uses laser scanning to adjust ride height. This feature minimizes vibrations and enhances ride smoothness. A notable highlight is the vehicle’s ability to adjust acceleration and braking for a gentler experience, effectively reducing motion sickness.
Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 3.0
The R7 has Huawei’s ADS 3.0 system, which provides mature and responsive autonomous driving features. The system skillfully handled various challenges, such as merging onto narrower lanes, navigating construction zones, and smoothly transitioning between multi-lane highways. Notably, its decision-making mimics human driving behavior, balancing safety and decisiveness.
In congested areas, the R7 anticipated and adapted the current road conditions, such as moving closer to the centerline to avoid potential obstacles on the roadside. On wet roads, the vehicle’s lidar-assisted system effectively scanned the surroundings, adjusting its speed and maintaining stability without over-braking.
The ADS 3.0 system’s continuous learning mechanism ensures that its efficiency improves over time, making the driving experience more intuitive.
Its 800V architecture allows ultra-fast charging, delivering a 400 km range in just 15 minutes.
Verdict
The Luxeed R7 impresses with its advanced technology, luxurious Interior, and dynamic performance, establishing itself as a strong contender in the electric coupe SUV market. Its precise handling, refined autonomous driving features, and passenger-focused design deliver a premium and versatile driving experience. However, the unconventional shape of the steering column may require an adjustment period for some drivers, and the vehicle’s curb weight slightly impacts its agility during spirited driving. Despite these minor drawbacks, the R7’s rapid charging, intelligent systems, and focus on comfort and practicality contribute to its success.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
Thanks
Really nice car!