First test drive: 2024 model year Seres 7 in the UAE
Seres entered the UAE market last year. Seres means "Land of Silk" and refers to the ancient Silk Road. Recently, they launched the Seres 7, a mid-size SUV. How is Seres 7 different from other products? It uses the intelligent range extender system technology they have developed to help extend the range and eliminate range anxiety.
The extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) combines a 40-kilowatt-hour battery with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In Seres 7, the engine generates power through an electric motor, rather than the other way around like a regular hybrid car.
This technology enables the Seres 7 to achieve a combined WLTP range of up to 1,150 km in rear-wheel drive models and up to 1,050 km in all-wheel drive models.
The combined output of the engine and electric motor of the Seres 7 is 263 hp and 354 Nm (for the RWD model) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds.
The AWD model has a total output of 433 hp and 654 Nm of torque, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
We had the opportunity to take a short test drive of the Seres 7. The front of this model has a clean design, with sleek LED headlights on either side of the radiator, while the bumper has a large front grille with vertical vents in the corners. The rear is designed with LED taillights running through the tailgate and a bumper with horizontal mirrors. The AWD models we have come with 21-inch alloy wheels.
The interior is the highlight of the Seres 7, showcasing its luxurious character. The interior is finished in Nappa leather. The dashboard and entire doors are made of a soft-touch material that is no longer used by even well-known luxury brands.
The instrument cluster has a 10.25-inch LCD screen, and the infotainment system has a large 15.6-inch touchscreen with a 2K resolution, and an 11-speaker sound system. The touchscreen is very responsive, but it takes a while to figure out all the different menus.
There are no physical buttons for three-zone climate control. The air purification system can detect the quality of the air in the cabin, which is very good. It has ventilated front and second-row seats, a massage function, and dual wireless chargers that we don't commonly see.
Our test car was a 6-seater configuration, so the second row was equipped with a captain's seat. The seat behind the co-pilot is called a "zero-gravity seat" and can be reclined so that the knees and hips are at the same level.
Other standard features include soft-closing doors, soundproof glass, a hands-free power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof that can be opened.
In terms of performance, the AWD accelerates at any speed, and the instantaneous torque of the electric motor when the accelerator pedal is pressed propelled the SUV forward.
The suspension has also been comfortably tuned to absorb bumps well. Our test drive section included a gravel section to test the "FSD" shock absorbers. When bumpy road conditions are detected, the shock absorbers automatically soften, making the ride smoother.
The Seres 7 starts at AED 210,000, which is a very competitive price considering all its features. For anyone considering buying a luxury electric SUV, this car is definitely worth a look.