As new energy vehicles gradually become the mainstream in the market, various brands have shifted their focus on research and product lines towards the new energy market. Chery, known for its technical expertise, is also making comprehensive layout and achieving good market share and sales performance in both domestic and overseas markets in the fiercely competitive domestic new energy vehicle market. Recently, Chery released a new energy product series – the Fengyun series, which includes the Fengyun A8 and Fengyun A8pro models, both equipped with the Kunpeng super energy hybrid system. These models have leading advantages and performance in technology and experience. We also conducted a static and dynamic experience of the new cars at the first time of their release, to see how this new series named after the first car “Fengyun” produced by Chery in 1999, has evolved in the era of new energy vehicles 26 years later.
The power performance is excellent and the fuel consumption is pleasing. As a household sedan product, the Fengyun A8 and Fengyun A8pro are equipped with the most advanced Kunpeng super hybrid system under the Chery brand. The fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI efficient hybrid engine has an industry-leading 44.5% engine thermal efficiency, giving it a super low feedback fuel consumption of 4.2L per 100 kilometers in WLTC, and a comprehensive fuel consumption of 1.01L per 100 kilometers in WLTC, lower than the same level of hybrid vehicles and fuel vehicles. The model we experienced this time is the Fengyun A8.
The CLTC pure electric range is 127km, enough for daily urban commuting, with only one charge per week. The WLTC comprehensive range also reaches 1400+km, meeting the needs of long-distance family weekend trips. In addition, the engine’s maintenance cycle of 10,000 kilometers also eliminates the trouble of frequent visits to the 4S store due to frequent use, to a certain extent, also increases the economy of car use.
The fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI efficient hybrid engine not only has excellent thermal efficiency, but also has a maximum power of 115kW and a maximum torque of 220N.m. Paired with a 150kW drive motor, the power performance is excellent whether it’s starting, accelerating, or overtaking. The difference between sport, economy, and standard driving modes is significant. The steering and braking modes in comfort and sport settings make the dynamic driving performance of the Fengyun A8 more refined.
The hybrid system in the Fengyun A8 is designed to prioritize electric power over fuel, ensuring a great driving experience while saving on fuel. When the power battery is fully charged, the vehicle can drive in pure electric EV mode at low, medium, and even high speeds, thanks to the support of the 150kW electric motor, providing quick and powerful acceleration.
If the driving mode is adjusted to intelligent hybrid, the system will combine engine drive and electric drive mode based on the current road conditions and the angle of the accelerator pedal. When the speed exceeds 50 kilometers per hour, the system will operate in series, with the engine powering the drive motor and also replenishing the battery.
When the speed of the car exceeds 70 kilometers per hour or even reaches 100 kilometers per hour, the system will enter an engine direct drive mode. Thanks to the powerful performance of the ACTECO 1.5TGDI efficient hybrid engine, the Fengyun 8 has excellent power output and durability when running at high speeds, without any weakness.
And in terms of charging strategy, it is also very proactive, as long as the battery has enough power to drive the vehicle, the system will prioritize using pure electricity to drive. Today’s test drive covered about 150 kilometers, including highways, national roads, and urban road conditions, and the fuel consumption of the car remained at a relatively low level.
The battery layout of the Fengyun A8 is in the middle of the car body, which overall reduces the center of gravity of the chassis, so this car, which is the main player in the family sedan market, can also achieve good handling performance if taken seriously. The slightly rugged suspension tuning can keep the body lean within a reasonable range when the vehicle changes lanes quickly and goes up and down ramps, but the overly rugged suspension is a bit too straightforward in filtering out fine road vibrations and handling speed bumps.
In terms of brake pedal feel, the A8 is still very linear, equipped with a comfortable parking function, which is conducive to easier control and relief of the vehicle’s braking nodding situation when creeping in traffic. The kinetic energy recovery has low, medium, and high three gears that can be adjusted. When adjusted to low, the A8 will have a very long coasting distance after releasing the accelerator pedal, basically feeling no drag, suitable for users who have just switched from fuel vehicles to new energy vehicles.
The L2+ intelligent driving assistance system of Chery brand maintains the reliable characteristics, it is easy to operate and remains calm in handling sudden situations, it is a system that can be used with peace of mind on long journeys. The front row of the Fengyun A8 uses double-layer laminated glass, combined with the optimization of vehicle noise, at a normal speed of 100 kilometers per hour, the noise level inside the car meets the standard for this level of car. There is no obvious perception when the engine is engaged, overall it feels relatively quiet.
A8 model static review As a high-end family sedan, the A8 must have an exterior that stands out and is easily recognizable. The A8 features classic design elements from the brand’s sedan models, with smooth lines and attractive appearance. The design is similar to the well-established A13 model, giving the A8 a strong presence on the road.
The front of the car is designed to be more towering, retaining a large area of the radiator grille due to the hybrid model. The interior diamond grid and pure black paint also give the car a bit more sporty look. The flat design Chery logo above the grille extends to the left and right with chrome trim that runs through the headlight section, separating the main light and turn signal. The bumper design includes the side air vent design, which is very similar to the Arrizo 8.
The Wind A8 looks stylish from the side, with a high rear and low front that creates a forward-leaning stance. The car measures 4780/1843/1469mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. Despite being positioned as an A+ level sedan, I believe it can also be considered a “big cup” car in this category.
The slightly downward sloping roof from the C-pillar gives the car a sleek look from the back, with a sporty feel from the small ducktail shape above the tailgate. Below the rear door, there is the Fengyun A8 badge and the C-DM technology logo.
In terms of interior design, the Chery A8 is full of various familial elements of the Chery brand. The simple and thin central dashboard adopts a layered design, with a large area of leather wrapping and imitation wood trim, highlighting a certain sense of luxury and sophistication. The air conditioning and some commonly used buttons are designed below the central control screen and operate by touch, making them easy to find and responsive. The interior of the car we test drove uses a light color scheme, giving it a very bright and homely look. At the same time, the test drive car also has 256-color ambient light strips appropriately placed on the center console and door panels, which have a great effect when lit up at night. What surprised me the most is that the fragrance system also appears in this model.
The layout of the dashboard is clean and tidy, with plenty of space for small items above and below. In front of the gearshift, there is a wireless charging panel for mobile phones, and behind it is the EV/HEV driving mode switch. The central armrest is also very spacious, allowing the front passengers to naturally rest their arms on it, reducing driving fatigue.
In terms of in-car smart ecosystem, the Fengyun A8’s car system still carries the familiar Lion 5.0 smart interconnection system, which has HMI 5.0 digital interactive interface, making it clearer and more intuitive to use, and also has a certain sense of technology. In terms of online entertainment, it also carries popular APP software and supports the execution of multiple voice commands. In terms of expansion, this system supports Huawei HiCar and Apple Android phone screen projection interconnection, maximizing the use scenarios of the car system and fitting the user’s usage habits, which definitely deserves praise.
In terms of comfort, the vehicles under the Chery brand perform very well. The Fengyun A8 uses a full-body seat design, with a rare 10-layer cushion structure that provides both softness and good support, especially for the back and waist. I think it’s well done.
The front seats of the test drive model support six-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger, with ventilation and heating functions. The rear seats have independent air vents in the front, and the backrests can be folded down. In terms of space, the 183cm tall tester had no problem sitting comfortably in the rear after adjusting the front seats. There is good legroom and space in the center of the rear seats. However, due to the addition of the battery, the headroom is slightly limited when sitting upright.
In terms of overall vehicle safety, the Fengyun A8 utilizes a super strong aluminum alloy anti-collision beam, with a coverage area of up to 78%. The body is made of high-strength steel, accounting for 80%, and 20.6% is made of hot-formed steel. It is also equipped with a unique 10-airbag configuration. The battery has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, and has undergone rigorous collision, high temperature, and high pressure tests.
As the first model under the Chery Fengyun series, the Fengyun A8 has naturally received attention from the brand and users. From actual experience, the Fengyun A8 has achieved real quality and configuration from the user’s perspective, especially in terms of driving experience and energy consumption performance, which can indeed surprise users. It is reported that the Fengyun A8 will be sold independently through new channels, new storefronts, new after-sales, and new services. Currently, the car has started blind booking and is planned to be officially launched on January 3, 2024. According to reliable sources, the top configuration of the car will not exceed 150,000 yuan (21020$). Consumers who like this car can pay attention to it and see if the final price meets their expectations.