If you were to choose a high-performance car in the 100,000-level sedan market, who would you go to first? I think Chery’s Arrizo 8 must be in the selection list, and the model we are test driving today is the 2024 new member, the Arrizo 8 High Energy version Plus. Let’s see what makes it different.
The Geely Emgrand 8 Royal+ model will be equipped with a 2.0T Kunpeng engine, with a maximum output power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m. It will be paired with a 8AT transmission from Fukang, replacing the original 7DCT transmission, widening the gear ratio range to 7.6. Shifting will be smoother, ensuring maximum power output for the vehicle.
The car will offer three driving modes. In Eco mode, the vehicle maintains smooth acceleration during rapid acceleration or high-speed driving. In Sport mode, the power output of the vehicle will be more aggressive, ensuring sustained and effective power output even during mid-to-late overtaking.
After installing the new transmission, shifting has become smoother and faster. Whether at low or high speeds, the shifting process is more seamless. When accelerating to pass, the transmission intelligently downshifts, making the process incredibly smooth.
The new transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, providing more torque at low speeds. Official data shows wheel torque reaching 7690N·m, ensuring easier uphill starts and escapes from tricky situations.
As a high-performance sedan, this car has a carefully tuned chassis with front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension, providing better handling even in corners or on mountain roads, boosting driver confidence.
In addition, the overall suspension damping effect is quite satisfactory, even when passing over speed bumps, the suspension can absorb vibrations and impacts well. The suspension tuning is on the firmer side, which is in line with the high-performance nature.
In terms of quietness, the overall performance of the Geely Emgrand 8 Royal+ model is satisfactory. Wind and tire noise are well controlled. When driving steadily, the cabin is almost silent. However, when we step on the gas, the engine noise increases, awakening our “driving passion” instantly.
After discussing the driving aspect, let’s take a brief look at the exterior and interior design of the vehicle. The new car will continue to use the design style of the existing model, with more angular lines on the front face. Although it does not adopt a through-type headlight group, the chrome trim in the middle perfectly connects the headlights on both sides.
The design of the front bumper is in line with the aesthetic needs of young consumers, with a large area of mesh grille and irregular diamond shapes to reflect the sporty nature of the vehicle. The design retains the side air vents on both sides of the front bumper, giving the vehicle a sportier look overall.
The side profile maintains the style of the existing model, with a waistline that adds strength and depth to the vehicle. The dimensions of the new car are 4780x1843x1469mm, with a wheelbase of 2790mm.
The new car will use 18-inch wheel hub design, paired with 225/45 R18 tires, ensuring comfort, off-road capability, and better traction. The door handles retain the traditional style, not using a hidden design.
The design of the rear of the car highlights its sporty nature, with the most eye-catching feature being the dual exhaust outlets on both sides. The rear bumper also incorporates many sporty design elements, including side air vents and a central rear fog light.
In addition, the car’s tail lights use transparent lamp covers, which is a popular design element. When lit, the overall recognition is very high, and the logo at the rear is placed on the tail lights, creating a strong overall impression.
The changes in the interior are not significant, still following the existing design style. The 24.6-inch dual screens are classic, reflecting the car’s sense of technology and luxury. The Geely Emgrand 8 Royal+ edition uses a lot of soft materials and has no odor inside.
The flat-bottom steering wheel feels great, with an integrated touch panel on top adding a strong sense of technology. In addition to retaining design elements like paddle shifters, the steering wheel also features a heating function, which is a godsend for friends in the north, no longer afraid of freezing hands while driving in winter.
The 12.3-inch central control screen displays various driving information of the vehicle. The driver can easily see the speed, RPM, and overall display quality is very high. In addition, a separate control area is designed on the left side of the dashboard, which is also very convenient to use.
The central control screen retains the 12.3-inch size, with functions like online entertainment, navigation, smartphone connectivity, voice control, OTA upgrades. The new Aion V+ model will add voice control for opening the trunk.
The central console features a two-layer design. The upper layer includes electronic gear shift, electronic parking brake, shortcut buttons, and knobs, as well as wireless charging for phones. The lower layer is designed for storing items such as handbags, maximizing space efficiency.
The front seats are comfortable overall, with excellent lumbar and leg support. The power seat adjustment buttons are located on the door panel for convenience and elegance. The driver’s seat has ventilation and heating functions, while the passenger seat only has heating.
The comfort of the rear seats is commendable, despite the vehicle’s 2790mm wheelbase, the legroom is not cramped. The seats are very soft, with backrest angles designed ergonomically. The car is equipped with three rear headrests for a more comfortable ride for each passenger. Summary: The Geely Emgrand 8 Royal+ version mainly upgrades the vehicle’s transmission, making it more comfortable and sporty to drive. The added heated steering wheel and voice-controlled trunk function also reflect the vehicle’s user-friendly design. In addition, the 1.6T model has new additions such as a 24.6-inch dual screen, 8155 chip, electric adjustment for the passenger seat, and dual exhausts, providing consumers with more luxurious features.