On September 24, Huawei and Chery jointly unveiled the Zhijie R7 coupe SUV, starting at 259,800 RMB. This vehicle not only directly challenges Tesla's Model Y with its superior space and performance but also represents Huawei's ongoing expansion into the automotive sector. The launch marks more than just a new car debut—it's a bold counterattack by Huawei and Chery in the competitive new energy market.
The Zhijie R7 is the first coupe SUV powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS intelligent system. Its innovative design and spacious layout are setting new trends in the SUV market. Measuring 4,956 mm in length with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, it offers almost 1 meter of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seat space, in particular, is more generous compared to similar models, with ample head and legroom. The "large space" feature breaks the typical cramped experience of coupe SUVs, allowing the rear seat to be transformed into a "stargazing bed" measuring 2.1m by 1.4m, perfect for outdoor travel enthusiasts.
In terms of performance, the Zhijie R7 is equipped with Huawei’s DriveONE 800V high-voltage power platform, capable of delivering a maximum power output of 365 kW, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the Zhijie R7 comes standard with air suspension, offering intelligent height adjustment for a more flexible driving experience. The SUV excels not only in off-road capability but also in fuel efficiency and range, with a maximum driving range of 802 kilometers.
The launch of the Zhijie R7 makes no secret of its ambition to compete with the Tesla Model Y. At the event, Huawei's Executive Director Richard Yu explicitly stated that the Zhijie R7’s specifications are benchmarked against Tesla, including space, range, and charging speed. He even remarked, “We lose 30,000 RMB on every Zhijie R7 we sell, but it’s to let consumers experience a better vehicle.” Clearly, this car is not just about profit but about claiming a spot in the fiercely competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
While the Model Y continues to perform strongly, with 207,000 units sold in the first half of 2024, the partnership between Huawei and Chery is drawing increasing attention. The Zhijie R7 combines spacious interiors, high performance, and a relatively affordable price, aiming to break Tesla's dominance in the mid-to-high-end electric SUV market.
The Zhijie R7 is not just another model from the Huawei-Chery collaboration but a crucial test of Huawei’s push into the NEV market. Previously, Huawei's partnership with Seres on the Aito M7 met with moderate success, but the brand’s popularity fell short of expectations. Now, Huawei is looking to change the narrative with the Zhijie R7, hoping to break through the ceiling of the mid-to-high-end pure electric SUV market.
For Chery, the Zhijie R7 is equally critical. Chery’s chairman Yin Tongyue revealed that the company has invested billions of yuan and mobilized over 1,000 R&D personnel for the Zhijie project. The success of this vehicle is pivotal not only for Huawei’s strategic layout but also for Chery’s standing in the electric vehicle sector. Both companies hope that the high quality and advanced technology of the Zhijie R7 can turn around the disappointing sales performance of previous collaboration projects.
Despite the excitement, the Zhijie R7 faces significant market challenges. In September alone, several pure electric SUVs priced between 200,000 and 300,000 RMB were launched domestically, including the Letin L60, Zeekr 7X, and Avatr 07, all targeting the same consumer segment. This means that in addition to taking on Tesla's Model Y, the Zhijie R7 must also stand out among competing domestic brands.
From the perspectives of both Huawei and Chery, the Zhijie R7 represents a major attempt to break into the NEV market. The previous Zhijie S7 fell short of market expectations, but Huawei and Chery have clearly learned from that experience, making comprehensive adjustments in product design, production capabilities, and market strategy. In less than two weeks since pre-orders opened, the Zhijie R7 has already garnered over 30,000 orders, boosting confidence in its market performance.
The launch of the Zhijie R7 is not just the debut of a new vehicle; it’s a formal challenge to Tesla in the new energy sector from Huawei and Chery. With Huawei’s strength in technology and smart solutions, the company is steadily expanding its footprint in vehicle manufacturing. As mass deliveries of the Zhijie R7 begin and market feedback rolls in, Huawei’s position in the automotive industry may achieve a significant breakthrough. The competition in China’s NEV market is being driven to new heights by the rivalry among Huawei, Chery, and Tesla.