LUXEED R7 and S7: Huawei and Chery's Collaboration Redefining the Luxury EV Market
Introduction: LUXEED Revolutionizing the Luxury EV Landscape
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly expanding, challenging traditional automotive brands. Among the latest entrants making waves are the LUXEED R7 SUV and LUXEED S7 sedan, products of a strategic collaboration between Huawei and Chery. These vehicles have captured significant attention, underscored by an impressive 10,000 pre-orders within just one hour of their announcement. LUXEED's ambition is clear: to surpass established luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi ("BBA") in product excellence. This launch signifies the start of LUXEED's strategic Phase 2.0, marking a new chapter in the competitive EV market.
1. Record-Breaking Launch and Competitive Pricing: Capturing Global Market Attention
The pre-order success of the LUXEED R7 and S7 is noteworthy, with over 10,000 orders placed within the first hour. This strong initial demand reflects both the appeal of the brand and the competitive pricing strategy employed.
- Pricing and Market Positioning:
- The S7 starts at RMB 258,000 (\$36,120 USD).
- The R7 is priced from RMB 268,000 (\$37,520 USD).
- R7 EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) models (Max and Ultra) range from RMB 299,800 (\$41,400 USD) to RMB 319,800 (\$44,200 USD).
- Competitive Pricing: The rear-wheel-drive S7 is approximately RMB 20,000 (\$2,800 USD) cheaper than its predecessor. The extended-range R7 is priced lower than competitors like the Li Auto L7. The R7 EREV recorded sales exceeding 11,000 units in November, highlighting its market traction.
2. Strategic Partnership 2.0: Deepening Collaboration Between Huawei and Chery
The foundation of Phase 2.0 was solidified with a strategic cooperation agreement signed between Chery and Huawei on August 7. This agreement involves a substantial investment exceeding RMB 10 billion (\$1.4 billion USD), aimed at expanding the research and development team to 5,000 personnel. The construction of a highly automated "Super Factory" for LUXEED vehicles is also underway.
LUXEED operates within the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), which also includes Aito (Seres), Stelato (BAIC), Maextro (JAC), and Shangjie (SAIC). The LUXEED R7 is the first coupe SUV from HIMA and the brand's second model after the S7. HIMA has seen considerable success, with sales of 148,098 units in the first five months, leading among new car manufacturers.
3. Revolutionary Design and Luxurious Interior Upgrades: Visual Appeal and Unprecedented Comfort
The LUXEED brand has introduced a new hexagonal shield-shaped logo, replacing the previous letter-based design. A standout exterior color option is "Aurora Green," achieved through a tri-particle pearl coating process that creates a unique gradient effect.
The R7 features a sleek coupe design with aerodynamic lines (drag coefficient of 0.247Cd), giving it a sporty and compact appearance despite its large dimensions:
- Dimensions of the R7: Length 4956 mm, width 1981 mm, height 1634 mm, and a wheelbase of 2950 mm.
Interior upgrades include:
- S7: A "Roland Purple" natural leather steering wheel and "Rococo White Condensed Light Mother-of-Pearl" inlays on the center console, inspired by the Huawei P60 series.
- R7: A two-tone "Roland Purple + Apricot" interior design, with "Condensed Light Mother-of-Pearl" trim on the door panels and center console.
Both models offer a spacious five-seat configuration, a flat rear floor, and ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The R7 boasts a substantial cargo capacity of 2,130 liters with the rear seats folded down.
4. Intelligent Driving: Huawei's Cutting-Edge Technology (Huawei ADS 4.0/3.0)
The HUAWEI ADS 4.0/3.0 system provides comprehensive enhancements in intelligent driving, automated parking, and active safety. Key components include:
- Industry-Leading LiDAR System: A standard 192-line LiDAR system with a 250-meter detection range, featuring the highest point frequency, line count, and frame rate in the industry.
- Advanced Radar Technology: Three 4D millimeter-wave radars (offering four times the precision) and a new high-precision rear LiDAR for anticipating reversing obstacles.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: 12 ultrasonic radars and 11 high-definition cameras for full-range perception.
Intelligent driving functions include parking assistance, active safety features, active side collision avoidance (operational at speeds of 40-130 km/h), and the CAS 4.0 comprehensive anti-collision system (in the S7). Additional features include DSA (Dynamic Steering Assistance) and tire burst stability intervention. The Huawei Qiankun ADAS system enables mapless intelligent driving and advanced collision avoidance. Microphones integrated into the side mirrors facilitate voice control and two-way communication.
5. Superior Cabin Comfort and Entertainment Experience: A New Standard of Luxury
"Zero-Gravity" seats are available for the driver and front passenger in the R7 and for the front passenger in the S7. Seat enhancements include a 25mm seat cushion extension and a leg rest extending to 342mm in the R7 (340mm in R7 Max/Ultra). Standard seat functions across all R7 trims include heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage system.
The HUAWEI SOUND system features 21 speakers with 7.1.4 panoramic sound and a 2,080-watt output as standard. The infotainment system is powered by HarmonyOS 4, displayed on a large 15.6-inch central control screen and a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument panel. Additional comfort features include a standard panoramic sunroof and pre-adjustment of curve suspension to enhance ride smoothness (in the S7).
6. Performance, Range, and Charging: Unmatched Efficiency and Power
The LUXEED R7 is available in both EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) and BEV (battery electric vehicle) versions. Huawei's intelligent EREV technology includes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine as a range extender and a 67-liter fuel tank, reducing engine start-stop vibrations by 90%.
Battery options include a 53.4 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, with some R7 models using a 36 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Ultra-fast charging is supported via the Huawei Giant Whale 400V platform and an 800V high-voltage charging platform, enabling a 20% to 80% charge in just 15 minutes.
- Range (CLTC Cycle):
- R7 EREV Max RWD: 360 km pure electric range, 1,673 km total range (previously 251 km / 1,570 km).
- R7 EREV Ultra AWD: 331 km pure electric range, 1,551 km total range (previously 235 km / 1,461 km).
- Overall R7 range: 667 to 802 kilometers.
- R7 EREV (older data): 124 miles pure electric, up to 975 miles total.
- R7 (registration data): 800 km range.
- Performance:
- R7 EREV Max RWD: 227 kW (304 hp) rear electric motor, 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
- R7 EREV Ultra AWD: Dual Huawei DriveONE motors (155 kW front, 227 kW rear), 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
- Slalom test speed: 82.2 km/h (Ultra AWD).
The chassis features the Huawei Tuling platform, a double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link independent rear suspension, and standard continuously variable damping.
7. Challenging Luxury Giants: LUXEED Sets a New Benchmark
Richard Yu, Managing Director of Huawei, has asserted that the R7 will surpass "BBA" brands in product excellence. The Luxeed R7 is comparable to the BMW X6. The extended-range version of the R7 is priced lower than competitors like the Li Auto L7.
Industry recognition has come from Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, who recommended the Luxeed S7 (along with the Nio ET5 and Xpeng P7) as excellent alternatives for those unable to wait for the Xiaomi SU7, signaling Luxeed's status as a major player. HIMA brands have topped new car manufacturers in China in terms of sales.
8. Future Outlook: LUXEED and HIMA Expansions
Upcoming LUXEED models, including the R7 and S7, will adopt new internal codes and become entirely new projects next year. Luxeed plans to introduce a large SUV (R9) and an MPV (X9, codenamed EHV). The HIMA portfolio is expected to exceed 17 models by 2026, with all five brands launching new models. The report suggests that the upcoming SUV from Maextro (under HIMA) will have the most direct impact on the industry, potentially reshaping the luxury car market.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for LUXEED and the Chinese EV Revolution
The LUXEED R7 and S7 are not merely vehicles; they symbolize Chinese technological collaboration and innovation. They set a new benchmark for luxury EVs in terms of design, intelligent driving, comfort, and performance. What do you think about these new entrants in the luxury EV market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the LUXEED R7 and S7?
The LUXEED R7 is a coupe SUV, and the LUXEED S7 is a sedan. Both are the first models launched by the LUXEED brand after entering its strategic Phase 2.0 and are the result of collaboration between Huawei and Chery.
Who are the partners in the LUXEED brand?
LUXEED is a joint brand between technology giant Huawei and automaker Chery, operating under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA).
What are the key intelligent driving features of the R7 and S7?
Both vehicles feature the Huawei ADS 4.0/3.0 assisted driving system, with a standard 192-line LiDAR, 4D millimeter-wave radars, and a high-precision rear radar. They support features such as parking assistance, active safety, and mapless intelligent driving.
What is the electric range and total range of the LUXEED R7?
For the R7 EREV Max RWD version, the pure electric range is 360 km, and the total range is 1,673 km. For the Ultra AWD version, the pure electric range is 331 km, and the total range is 1,551 km.
What are the prices of the LUXEED R7 and S7?
The S7 starts at RMB 258,000 (\$36,120 USD), while the R7 starts at RMB 268,000 (\$37,520 USD). Higher trims like the R7 EREV Ultra reach RMB 319,800 (\$44,200 USD).
What distinguishes the R7 and S7 cabins in terms of comfort?
The cabins feature zero-gravity seats, 10-point heating, ventilation, and massage functions, a HUAWEI SOUND system with 21 speakers, and the HarmonyOS 4 system on a 15.6-inch central control screen.
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