In Huawei's strategic map, the automotive business spreads like a star, and after the Zhijie S7, the SUV Zhijie R7 is about to debut. If it is compared with the SUV of the AITO Wenjie series, the display of new technology seems imminent, what is new in the Zhijie R7?
In terms of model and level, the Zhijie R7 is on par with the M7, and the size is similar, about 5 meters long, with a wheelbase of about 3 meters, similar to the Star Era ET. It can be seen that the size of Zhijie R7 and Wenjie M7 is similar, and it is not groundless.
However, as a coupe SUV, although the size of the Zhijie R7 is similar, the space performance may be inferior to that of the Wenjie M7. The body line of the Zhijie R7 is low from the B-pillar, and the rear design is hatchback, which inevitably limits the rear space. In contrast, the SUV design of the AITO Wenjie series is more boxy and the interior space is more spacious, which is self-evident.
Huawei's Turing chassis technology was applied to the Zhijie S7 for the first time, and now it has given new vitality to the Zhijie R7. The R7 is equipped with front double wishbone suspension, air suspension and CDC variable damping dampers, and adopts a front and rear dual-motor four-wheel drive system for excellent handling performance.
In contrast, the M7 is more comfortable, with a front MacPherson suspension, which is not compatible with air suspension and can only be paired with CDC shock absorbers. The Zhijie R7 strikes a balance between comfort and handling, and the chassis hardware is more focused on handling.
The advanced hardware configuration and large-size body of the Zhijie R7 make its price likely to exceed 300,000 yuan. The price of the high-performance four-wheel drive version of the Star Era ET is similar, and the starting price of the Zhijie S7 four-wheel drive version is also more than 320,000 yuan, so the price of the Zhijie R7 may touch 350,000 yuan. Even for the rear-wheel drive version, the price may be around 300,000 yuan, which is in line with Huawei's executives, "Cars below 300,000 yuan are all losses."
The R7 may be available in an extended-range version to control costs more effectively. Although the Zhijie R7 mainly discusses the pure electric version, as an SUV, especially a coupe SUV, there is more space to install a range extender and carry out front and rear counterweight design. The extended-range version of the Epoch ET has been launched, and if the Zhijie R7 pushes the extended-range version, it may use Chery's own engine, such as the mature solution used by Epoch Epoca.
Chery's H4J15B engine, which belongs to Chery's fifth-generation engine, adopts pre-combustion technology and high-pressure direct injection, which significantly improves fuel economy and performance. For example, the feed fuel consumption of the Epoch ET is only 5.2L/100km, while the M7 is 6.85L/100km. The energy consumption of the rear-wheel drive extended range version of the Zhijie R7 is expected to be 5.6L/100km, which is significantly lower than that of the M7.
In summary, the Zhijie R7 has demonstrated its market competitiveness in terms of technological innovation, price positioning, and fuel economy, and this new car will undoubtedly promote Huawei's further expansion in the automotive field.