Chery's Jetour Zongheng G700 Becomes First SUV to Cross the Yangtze River

The journey began at the Heisha Zhou Ferry Terminal in Wuhu, Anhui Province, the city where Chery is headquartered. Spanning 1.48 kilometers across China's largest river, the crossing took 22 minutes, with the SUV maneuvering through currents of up to 10 km/h. The Zongheng G700 maintained a stable floating position, cruising at speeds of around 7 km/h, before reaching the Nanlong Ferry Terminal on the other side. This achievement not only underscores the robustness of the vehicle’s design but also highlights Chery's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.

The technological prowess of the Zongheng G700 played a pivotal role in the successful river crossing. Equipped with an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide high-speed propulsion system and a 6-axis gyroscope, the SUV was able to balance and adjust its position dynamically throughout the journey. These features, along with a seamless, hole-free painted body and an active air circulation system, ensured that the vehicle remained buoyant and stable on the water. Such advancements demonstrate Chery's innovative approach to vehicle design, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.

Set to officially launch on October 19, the Zongheng G700 is poised to make a significant impact in the luxury hybrid SUV market. It will be available in four configurations, with pre-sale prices ranging from 349,900 to 429,900 yuan (approximately $49,000 to $60,200 USD). The vehicle is powered by a 2.0TD hybrid-specific engine that delivers 155 kW of power and 340N·m of torque, integrated with a 2-speed DHT hybrid transmission and a 2-speed P4 electric motor. This setup allows the SUV to achieve a combined power output of 560 kW (751 hp) and 795N·m of torque, offering an impressive full-tank range of 1,400 km.

The Yangtze River, known as Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the third-longest river in the world, stretching 6,300 kilometers. Originating from the Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, it flows eastward across China, discharging into the East China Sea near Shanghai. The river's formidable width and currents make it a challenging body of water to traverse, further elevating the significance of the Zongheng G700's achievement. This crossing not only highlights the vehicle's capabilities but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity in overcoming natural obstacles.

As Chery prepares to release the Zongheng G700 to the market, the implications of this successful river crossing are manifold. It positions Chery as a leader in the development of versatile and robust hybrid vehicles capable of performing in diverse environments. Moreover, it reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry towards innovation-driven solutions that cater to both luxury and practicality. With this achievement, Chery has set a new benchmark for hybrid SUVs, hinting at an exciting future for automotive technology.