โŒ

Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

This AUDI Is What Happens When A German Brand Asks China What It Should Be

  • The flagship version of the E7X delivers up to 671 hp.
  • Audi will offer 100 kWh and 109.3 kWh battery options.
  • The E7Xโ€™s cabin closely resembles the Audi E5 Sportback.

In the space of just a few months, Audi has moved from teasing a China only concept to testing the finished product. Shortly after the first photos of the China only AUDI E7X surfaced, the company released a fresh image of its mid size electric SUV undergoing cold weather testing in China.

While several of Audiโ€™s electric models in Western markets have felt stale and predictable, this one from its all-caps AUDI sub-brand for China looks like a real threat to the countryโ€™s homegrown EV powerhouses.

Read: The New AUDI E7X Looks Nothing Like The Audis You Know

The design of the E7X is virtually identical to the E SUV Concept that AUDI presented at last Novemberโ€™s Guangzhou Auto Show. As such, it looks very similar to the E5 Sportback, albeit in the form of a high-riding crossover. Finished in a deep shade of purple and pictured driving on the snow, thereโ€™s no denying that itโ€™s a head-turner.

\\\\\\

The new image confirms that the front end will include an illuminated AUDI badge, with the intricate LED daytime running lights sweeping across the entire fascia. Created in partnership with Chinese juggernaut SAIC, the E7X is quite imposing, but should look right at home in some of the countryโ€™s bright and bustling cities.

Like the E5 Sportback, the E7X includes a prominent LiDAR poking out from the roof, as well as a set of digital wing mirrors. Details released in December by Chinaโ€™s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirmed that the digital mirrors will be optional, with traditional mirrors offered as an alternative.

At the rear, the lighting theme continues. An AUDI badge glows red, framed by LED taillights that wrap around the tailgate. Thereโ€™s also a prominent split rooftop spoiler to aid in aerodynamics.

 This AUDI Is What Happens When A German Brand Asks China What It Should Be
The E7X is expected to share its interior with the E5 Sportback pictured above.

Powertrain Options

In terms of power, the electric E7X will have plenty. The entry-level model will use a rear-mounted motor with 402 hp, and an all-wheel drive version will also be available, fitted with dual motors to deliver 671 hp.

Shoppers will be able to choose between a 100 kWh battery and a 109.3 kWh unit, both compatible with an 800-volt electrical architecture. The E7Xโ€™s driving range will vary between 615 km (382 miles) and 751 km (466 miles), depending on the motor and battery configuration, as well as different wheel sizes.

The E7X measures 198.8 inches (5,049 mm) in length, 78.6 inches (1,997 mm) in width, and 67.3 inches (1,710 mm) in height, with a wheelbase stretching 120.5 inches (3,060 mm). That makes the production model slightly smaller and shorter than the original concept, though the overall proportions remain close.

More details about the E7X, including the all important pricing, are expected in the coming months.

\\\\\\

Alibaba Helped Build A SUV That Turns Like A Forklift And Has A Shower

  • IM Motors revealed the LS9 Hyper SUV with three electric motors.
  • It features a 1.5L turbo range extender and 65.9 kWh battery pack.
  • Rear-wheel steering gives it a 16.2-foot turning radius in tight spots.

IM Motors, the upscale joint venture from MG and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has pulled the covers off its latest flagship. Named the LS9 Hyper, this SUV builds on the standard LS9 that debuted last year, layering in high-spec upgrades aimed at Chinese buyers who want their tech-laden luxury served in insulated comfort.

Read: โ€˜IM Presented by MG Motorโ€™ Might Be The Most Ridiculous Car Brand Name Yet

Whereas IM Motorsโ€™ smaller offerings like the IM5 and IM6 go all-in on battery-electric power, the LS9 Hyper takes a different route. Itโ€™s a range extender rather than a full EV. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower, but its only job is to recharge the 65.9 kWh battery.

\\\

Power is delivered through a single 215 hp electric motor at the front axle, backed up by two 261 hp motors at the rear. This setup offers an estimated all-electric range of 191 miles (308 kilometers). The three electric motors also provide torque vectoring, though we donโ€™t think many owners will be hustling this beast through the corners.

The LS9 Hyper also debuts a clever all-electric, all-wheel 24-degree smart steering system, believed to be a first for a vehicle in this class. It achieves a turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet), roughly two meters tighter than a Smart ForTwo.

As you can no doubt tell from the photos, this thing is big. In fact, it is 5,279 mm (207.8 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,806 mm (71.1 inches) tall with a massive 3,160 mm (124.4-inch) wheelbase.

 Alibaba Helped Build A SUV That Turns Like A Forklift And Has A Shower
IM Motors LS9
 Alibaba Helped Build A SUV That Turns Like A Forklift And Has A Shower

The exterior design isnโ€™t particularly noteworthy, but it does look classy. At the front, a light bar and vertically oriented headlights. It also includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and is available with 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. Adding to the fancy looks are silver accents running along the base of the side and rear windows.

Many of the fancy MGโ€™s best features are found in the cabin, which hasnโ€™t been revealed yet, though itโ€™s expected to mirror the LS9 shown here. Thereโ€™s a single 27.1-inch display, encompassing the cluster and infotainment screen, as well as a separate 15.6-inch monitor for the front passenger.

 Alibaba Helped Build A SUV That Turns Like A Forklift And Has A Shower
IM Motors LS9

Audiophiles will have plenty to enjoy with the Bang & Olufsen sound system, while all occupants benefit from massaging seats and an underfloor heating system. Rear-seat passengers arenโ€™t overlooked either, with access to a 27-inch 5K display that folds down from the headliner.

And in case thatโ€™s not quite enough, as with the regular LS9, IM will also offers the option of an integrated shower unit built into the tailgate.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
โŒ
โŒ