Buckle up, folks, because Chery’s Jetour Shanhai L6 is making waves in the world of automobiles, and it’s not just your run-of-the-mill SUV. On October 26, Chery’s Jetour brand dropped a bombshell with the official announcement of their Shanhai (山海) new energy vehicle series in the heart of China. Alongside this thrilling news, they also unleashed a sneak peek of the L6 SUV, part of this electrifying series. This L6 is like the cool cousin who just rolled into town, based on the Jetour X-2 that made an appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year.
If you haven’t heard of Jetour before, don’t fret – you’re not alone. The brand kicked off its journey as a series back in 2018, and within three short years, they managed to move a whopping 400,000 vehicles. Fast forward to 2021, and they officially became a brand under the wing of Chery, one of China’s leading automakers.
Jetour isn’t playing small ball, though. By the end of 2024, they’re aiming for the stars with a plan to electrify their entire product lineup, offering plug-in hybrid versions of all their vehicles. They’re not just stopping there; Jetour intends to drop one to two new models on us every year, creating what they call a “4+3+N” product matrix. This matrix isn’t some mathematical mumbo-jumbo; it’s set to cover the whole SUV spectrum, from traditional ones to the hardcore beasts, even throwing in pickup trucks and MPVs.
And it doesn’t end there – brace yourself for some serious off-road action. Jetour is cooking up three new hardcore off-road vehicles with cryptic codenames T1P, T1H, and T1L, slated for a 2024 release. But wait, there’s more! In 2025, they’re rolling out the T-2 hardcore off-road SUV and the P-2 hardcore off-road pickup truck. Clearly, Jetour isn’t just dipping their toes; they’re diving headfirst into the deep end of the SUV pool.
Now, let’s address the electric elephant in the room. So far, Jetour has only dabbled in pure electric vehicles, and their market performance has been a bit, well, lackluster. We’re talking about the Jetour X70S EV, and let’s just say, it hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. To put it into perspective, only three units found new homes last month, and June wasn’t much better, with just seven units hitting the streets.
But fear not, because Jetour isn’t one to back down from a challenge. Through the Shanhai series, they’re gearing up to introduce not one, but two new electric warriors. The L7 is set to grace us with its presence by the end of this year, while the L6 is primed to hit the scene in April next year. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has already given the green light for the L9 as well, so it’s safe to say that Jetour has got their EV game face on.
This new series boasts a logo featuring the Chinese character “行,” which translates to ‘can.’ So, you could say, when it comes to EVs, Jetour certainly “can.”
The Shanhai L6: Unveiling the New Kid on the Block
Now that we’ve got the lay of the land, let’s dive into the main attraction – the Shanhai L6. This SUV is set to be a game-changer, available in both EV and PHEV variants. With a design that’s sleeker than a well-tailored tuxedo, it’s bound to turn heads.
A Facelift Worth Noting
One glance at the L6, and you’ll notice its revamped front end. It sports a closed grille, flanked by sharp and edgy headlights on both sides. It’s like the L6 went for a facelift and came out looking sharper and trendier than ever.
Those Popular Design Tricks
The L6 doesn’t just stop at a new face; it’s also got some hidden tricks up its sleeve. The hidden door handles are still very much a part of the game, keeping the sleek aesthetic intact. It’s like a spy in a tailored suit, hiding in plain sight.
Powering Up
But what’s under the hood, you ask? Well, the Shanhai L6 is expected to be powered by Chery’s Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system. It’s like the best of both worlds, with a 115 kW 1.5T engine working in harmony with an electric motor. Together, they offer a comprehensive range that’s mind-boggling. With a full tank and a full charge, the L6 can stretch its legs for up to a staggering 1,400 kilometers. That’s enough range to take you on a cross-country adventure without breaking a sweat.
FAQs: All Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What sets the Shanhai L6 apart from the competition?
The Shanhai L6 is not just another SUV. It’s a part of Jetour’s grand plan to electrify their entire lineup, and it offers both EV and PHEV variants. The revamped design, sleek hidden door handles, and the impressive range of 1,400 kilometers underpin its uniqueness.
2. How does Jetour plan to address its underperforming EVs?
Jetour has learned from its past and is gearing up for a major EV offensive. Through the Shanhai series, they’re rolling out new models, including the L6 and the L7, to revitalize their presence in the electric vehicle market.
3. What’s the story behind Jetour’s “行” logo?
The Chinese character “行” translates to ‘can,’ signifying Jetour’s determination and capability to excel in the world of electric vehicles.
4. What’s the timeline for the L6’s release?
The Shanhai L6 is set to debut in April next year, bringing a breath of fresh air to the EV market.
Conclusion: Charging Ahead with Chery’s Jetour Shanhai L6
Chery’s Jetour Shanhai L6 is not just another SUV; it’s a statement of intent. With electrification at its core and a vision to dominate the market, Jetour is coming out swinging. The L6, with its stunning design and impressive range, is a glimpse into the future of electric and hybrid vehicles. So, gear up and keep your eyes on the horizon because the EV game is about to get a whole lot more interesting, thanks to Jetour’s Shanhai L6.
Reporter