Introduction
When it comes to performance in the automotive world, traditional gasoline-powered cars are often associated with higher price tags. Most mainstream cars, regardless of their affordability, max out at around a couple of hundred horsepower. Anything beyond that usually involves high-performance tuning or larger displacement engines, which, in turn, inflate the price tag. This means that for the majority of consumers, experiencing true speed and exhilaration remains out of reach. Thankfully, this paradigm is being disrupted by the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles. The incorporation of electric motors has made high-performance more accessible. Moreover, Chinese automakers are striving to provide users with a well-rounded experience, focusing on smart technology, premium materials, and environmental sustainability. In various price ranges and vehicle segments, they continue to surprise us. This article will lead to a comprehensive look on Chery Fulwin A8, an innovative compact sedan, with hybrid power.
Chery Fulwin A8 Sets a New Standard
Enter the Chery Fulwin A8 plug-in hybrid sedan, a newcomer in the realm of compact electrified cars. Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to this model, as Chery’s reputation is more aligned with affordability than high-performance. However, the moment I saw its power specifications, “360 horsepower and 530 Newton-meters of torque,” I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. After all, these numbers are what performance enthusiasts dream of. But achieving them in a traditional combustion car would require a substantial investment. What’s more, the Fulwin A8’s plug-in hybrid system also offers a substantial 127 kilometers (about 79 miles) of pure electric driving capability under CLTC conditions. It’s hard not to be enticed.
Chery Fulwin A8 Belongs to the Windcloud Series
The Fulwin A8 belongs to Chery’s new energy vehicle lineup, officially introduced in November 2023. As the flagship of this series, the Fulwin A8 competes directly with models like the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i, Geely Galaxy L6, and Changan Qiyuan A05, which share similar positioning, dimensions, powertrains, and price ranges. This has left potential buyers facing a new conundrum: Which one should they choose? To shed some light on this question, let’s use the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i as a reference point and compare the Fulwin A8 to the other contenders to see how it stacks up.
Impressive Power and Efficiency
First and foremost, the Fulwin A8 is powered by the fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI efficient hybrid engine. With a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, it delivers a maximum power output of 156 horsepower and peak torque of 204 Newton-meters. The comprehensive power system generates a whopping 360 horsepower and 530 Newton-meters of torque. It boasts an 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, allowing for an impressive 127 kilometers of pure electric range under CLTC conditions. With a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 1.01 L/100 km and a charging/fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100 km, the Fulwin A8 surpasses the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i in all these aspects.
Strong Competitors in the Segment
It’s worth noting that the Geely Galaxy L6 also shines in terms of power, offering 390 horsepower, 535 Newton-meters of torque, and a 125-kilometer pure electric range, putting it in close competition with the Fulwin A8. Both models feature a class-leading 60-liter fuel tank, providing superior overall range. According to official tests, the Fulwin A8 achieves an outstanding comprehensive range of 1503 kilometers (about 935 miles). Furthermore, the Galaxy L6 is the only one among the four to feature a rear-E independent multi-link suspension, enhancing ride comfort.
Dimensions and Safety
In terms of dimensions, the Fulwin A8 measures 4780 mm in length, 1843 mm in width, 1487 mm in height, and boasts a 2790 mm wheelbase, which is the longest among these four models. Its interior space, especially in the rear seats, leads the segment in comfort.
When it comes to features, the Fulwin A8 stands out as the only model among the four equipped with rear-side airbags and knee airbags. With a safety package that includes 360° surround airbags (10 in total), 80% high-strength steel, 20.6% hot-formed steel in its safety structure, and an L2-level intelligent driving assistance system, it maintains a strong focus on both active and passive safety.
Advanced Technology and Comfort of Chery Fulwin A8
Both the Fulwin A8 and the Galaxy L6 feature the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, providing enhanced processing power and smoother intelligent connectivity. Both models also offer heated and ventilated front seats (driver-only for the Fulwin A8). Comfort features like hill descent control (Fulwin A8), remote parking (BYD Qin PLUS DM-i), and rain-sensing wipers (Geely Galaxy L6 and Changan Qiyuan A05) vary among the four models, each with its own advantages.
Key Factors for Choosing
So, which of these four cars should you choose? Aside from personal brand preferences, three key factors set them apart:
- Performance: If you prioritize performance, both the Fulwin A8 and the Galaxy L6 have a distinct edge. Exceptional performance not only provides faster acceleration but also ensures a quicker escape in unexpected situations.
- Safety: In terms of airbag count alone, the Fulwin A8 has the upper hand. Its comprehensive safety package and L2-level intelligent driving assistance system make it stand out.
- Quality: Determining the quality of a car requires time, sales figures, and user feedback to serve as proof. While the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i has seemingly already proven itself, it doesn’t mean that the other three models lack in quality. On the contrary, the other contenders perform quite well in this price range and segment. They are newcomers that need more time to establish themselves.
Chery’s Impressive Market Performance
It’s worth noting that Chery’s market performance over the past year has been outstanding. The brand achieved over 1.88 million in domestic sales, securing its position as the leading independent automaker for the 21st consecutive year. Additionally, Chery set a historic record by exporting over 930,000 vehicles overseas. This level of success demonstrates Chery’s commitment to quality. As the first contender in the Windcloud series, the Fulwin A8 is undoubtedly a high-quality offering.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chery Fulwin A8, with its late arrival and strong advantages, stands as a notable contender in the $14,000 to $21,000 plug-in hybrid A-segment sedan market. Its exceptional quality and value proposition make it a reference point for consumers. The “Windcloud” name signifies something extraordinary, and while we cannot predict if the Fulwin A8 will cause a major disruption in the plug-in hybrid A-segment sedan market, it is certain that its arrival will shake up the status quo, putting pressure on the competition and offering consumers another quality option.