As the second model of the Chery Fengyun brand, the Fengyun T9 has now started comprehensive pre-sale. With its eye-catching exterior design, rich configuration, and spacious interior, it has already secured over 40,000 orders during the pre-sale phase. So how does this car perform? Today, let’s take it for a test drive and see how it redefines the new luxury SUV.
In terms of appearance, the Fengyun T9 adopts a fully enclosed design to minimize wind resistance. Unlike other competitors, this car features multiple vertical decorative strips at the original grille location, giving it a fuller and more stylish look while enhancing overall recognition.
The new car does not use a through-type headlight design, but retains the traditional headlight shape, which looks sharp enough. Below the headlights are two very exaggerated side air intakes, which, although only decorative, give the entire front end a sense of aggression and power.
In terms of body size, the Fengyun T9 measures 4975x1930x1738mm with a wheelbase of 2770mm. It will be available in five-seat and seven-seat versions. The new car will come in six body colors, including five bright colors and one matte color to be revealed at launch.
The new car features multiple-spoke wheel design with a decorative cover in the center to enhance the luxury feel. It is equipped with 245/50 R20 tires for both performance and comfort. The hidden door handles are essential for this new energy vehicle.
The rear design of the car draws inspiration from Chinese elements, such as the continuous tail lights that illuminate in a unique way, resembling a bridge over a lake. This not only enhances recognition but also adds aesthetic appeal to the vehicle.
The rear bumper design is unique, with two large diamond-shaped decorative panels, giving it a distinctive look. The exhaust features a hidden dual side exit design. The 120km range model we test drove does not come with CDC electromagnetic suspension, but the upcoming long-range model will be equipped with CDC electromagnetic suspension and 3DHT.
In terms of interior, the Fengyun T9 adopts a simple design style, with a reasonable layout, dual screens, and blue and white color matching, instantly enhancing the luxury level inside the car. The car features a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel that displays driving information clearly.
The size of the central control screen has reached 15.6 inches, paired with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chip and 5G Gigabit Ethernet, making the entire screen operation smoother. It supports online entertainment, online navigation, mobile phone interconnection, app downloads, remote control, voice interaction, and more. The UI design of the screen is more reasonable and the display resolution is higher.
We can control various vehicle settings through the settings interface, including adjusting the rearview mirror, sunroof, selecting driving modes, setting up intelligent driving assistance systems, adjusting the head-up display, air conditioning, seat functions, lighting, etc., all easily completed on the screen.
The Fengyun T9 features a hidden compartment design, providing more space for layout in the central channel. It not only uses a dual-layer structure but also includes 50W fast charging and a larger cup holder. In addition, there are a few physical buttons next to the cup holder, mainly for controlling the vehicle’s driving mode, air conditioning quick switch, and drive mode button.
The T9 will redefine the luxury SUV segment with its top-notch materials and advanced features. The seats, including the driver’s seat, will feature 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The massage intensity and mode are also adjustable.
The passenger seat is equipped with a queen-like reclining function, allowing for automatic adjustment of the seat, including moving backward, reclining the backrest, and raising the leg rest, instantly turning the passenger seat into the most comfortable sitting angle. Additionally, the passenger seat also features heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Today we test drove the 7-seater model, so the second row seats can be electrically adjusted, including seat position and backrest angle. The right seat also has a one-touch comfort entry function, which links with the front passenger seat to provide more space for third-row passengers to get in and out of the car.
The overall comfort of the third row seats is quite good, but the legroom is slightly cramped due to the vehicle’s wheelbase. However, it is still sufficient for emergencies or traveling with children. The third row seats can be stowed away electronically when not in use, with the button located on the left side panel of the trunk. Additionally, it can also control the folding and raising of the second row seats, making it very convenient.
After talking about the interior and exterior, let’s now experience the driving feel of this car. The Fengyun T9 will use a hybrid mode, equipped with a 1.5T hybrid engine, maximum power of 115kW, peak torque of 220N·m, paired with a 1DHT super electric hybrid, with a comprehensive range of over 1400+km. In the upcoming extended range version, it will also be equipped with a 3DHT system, providing a better driving experience.
The T9 has three driving modes and offers EV and HEV options. Even in Eco mode, the acceleration is noticeable and the response time is quick. Switching to Sport mode unleashes full power, providing strong acceleration throughout.
The car we test drove today did not come with CDC electromagnetic suspension, but even so, the chassis of the vehicle can absorb vibrations from rough and unpaved roads, maintaining a comfortable ride inside. However, this car is more geared towards family use, so the suspension is overall soft, causing some centrifugal force when taking corners at high speeds.
In terms of quietness, the performance of the T9 is beyond my imagination. As a SUV priced over 100,000 yuan (13850$), it has excellent noise control on city roads, mountain roads, and highways. Even when overtaking larger vehicles, there is minimal noise entering the cabin.
In terms of intelligent driving, the new car will offer L2+ level intelligent driving assistance system, including ACC adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, lane departure warning, etc. However, the car currently does not have automatic lane changing and other higher-level intelligent driving assistance. If equipped, its cost-effectiveness will be higher.
Fortunately, vehicles equipped with HUD head-up display can show basic driving information. After activating navigation and driving assistance, HUD can also display navigation and smart driving information, making it easier for drivers to observe and improve driving safety. Summary The Fengyun T9 will officially be launched on May 21st, with a pre-sale price of 15.99-19.99 million yuan. However, due to the manufacturer’s crowdfunding activities, the current number of orders has exceeded 40,000 units, so the pre-sale price has been reduced by 25,000 yuan (3460$) to 13.49-17.49 million yuan. We are looking forward to the final price of this car when it is officially launched, as there may be more surprises in store. Let’s look forward to the unveiling of the final price on May 21st.