Chinese car brand Chery International recently hosted a driving experience for its latest SUV lineup at the Dubai Autodrome. DubiCars was invited to experience their flagship SUV, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, along with its younger sibling, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max, and the newest hybrid SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV.
Before we proceed with the event and driving experience, here is a quick look at all three cars.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
The brand’s flagship Tiggo 8 Pro Max, is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol GDI engine.
| Max Power | 254hp |
| Peak Torque | 390Nm |
| 0 to 100km/h | 7.3 seconds |
| Gearbox | 7-Speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
The 8 Pro Max boasts a comprehensive set of features, offering unparalleled luxury in its segment. This includes dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Additionally, it is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, featuring more than 16 functions, and a 540-degree camera to enhance safety.
Front and rear seats on the Tiggo 8 Pro Max feature ventilation, heating and massaging functions. It also features a large panoramic sunroof and a queen mode to provide maximum comfort.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max
The younger sibling Tiggo 7 Pro Max features a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine.
| Max Power | 197hp |
| Peak Torque | 290Nm |
| 0 to 100km/h | 8 seconds |
| Gearbox | 7-Speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
Most of the features on the Tiggo 7 Pro Max are borrowed from its elder sibling. However, some of the nice-to-have features are missing on the 7 Pro Max such as the queen mode. And the ADAS has fewer functions.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV
Finally, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV stands out as the brand’s inaugural plug-in hybrid vehicle, offering an impressive pure electric range of approximately 100km per charge. This SUV is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine working in conjunction with dual PMS electric motors—one for each axle.
| Max Power | 320hp |
| Peak Torque | 510Nm |
| 0 to 100km/h | 7.2 seconds |
| Gearbox | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Battery Pack | 19.27kWh |
The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV offers nine drive modes, providing a broad spectrum of choices for the driver. Despite these advancements in powertrain technology, the interior and exterior features of the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV remain consistent with those of the 8 Pro Max.
Drive Experience At Dubai Autodrome
The Dubai Autodrome served as the ideal venue for this captivating driving experience featuring these feature-loaded SUVs. A dedicated section of the racetrack was utilized for this exercise, allowing us to explore the various capabilities of these SUVs across different track segments.
The initial segment of the Chery Tiggo drive experience featured a flat-out acceleration patch designed to showcase the performance capabilities of these SUVs. Following this, a Lane-Change section, simulated using traffic cones, was included to highlight the SUV’s effortless manoeuvrability.
Continuing the drive experience, we navigated the SUVs on an incline, incorporating a series of fast corners. The penultimate area called the Dynamic Zone, featured a slalom course simulated by traffic cones. Within this section of the drive experience, we assessed the distinctions between drive modes, specifically comparing the performance in Normal mode to that in Sport mode.
Concluding the Chery Tiggo drive experience, the SUVs navigated through a tight chicane at the end of the course, highlighting their stability and braking prowess.
Chery Tiggo SUVs Launch
As we anticipate the launch of these feature-packed SUVs, Chery is looking to make a significant impact on the fiercely competitive SUV market in the UAE. The introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and the Tiggo 7 Pro Max would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the full-size and mid-size SUV segments, respectively.
Nevertheless, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is anticipated to emerge as a popular and cost-effective option for buyers seeking eco-friendly mobility solutions. All three SUVs are scheduled to be available for purchase in the UAE in 2024.
Chery aims to competitively price these SUVs, positioning itself for robust competition against well-established brands such as Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Nissan in the UAE market.
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