The Chery Fengyun T8 officially launched in February 2025. I have a strong connection with the Fengyun T8. I first drove it before its launch. I experienced it again in February when it launched. Later, I drove it during media test drives. Each time I drive the Chery Fengyun T8, I feel something new.
I came again to participate in the test drive event for this car. This time, we will experience its handling on a closed course, unlike previous events that focused only on road driving. Let’s get started. The Fengyun T8 positions itself as a highly competitive model following the popular Fengyun T9 and T10. It features the C-DM5.0 hybrid system, a flexible 5+2 seating layout, and offers class-above configurations at a price of around 100,000. These elements highlight the car’s appeal.
The Fengyun T8 features a subtle design. It stands out amid the flashy trends in new energy vehicle designs. The T8 exudes a calm and dignified presence. It does not try to overly showcase its appearance. This approach feels more relatable and aligns with mainstream aesthetics.
The vehicle features straight lines. The front section rises high and appears solid. This family SUV exudes friendliness and elegance. The front grille maintains the design lineage of the Fengyun T series. It boasts a large hexagonal shape with a silver frame. Bright-colored dot patterns decorate the interior. The smooth surface gives a refined look. Notably, the grille design shares origins with models like the Mercedes EQE. It uses a two-layer injection molding covered with PV material. This process is complex and costly, resulting in a high level of detail.
The Fengyun T8 targets the compact hybrid SUV market. It measures 4730 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1747 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2710 mm. Its size is not overly large, but it offers a choice between a 5+2 seating layout and a spacious 5-seat option. If you don’t have specific needs, the five-seat model provides more comfort. However, if you value flexibility and occasionally travel with more people, the seven-seat model may suit you better.
The rear design stands out. You can easily recognize the Fengyun brand. The continuous taillights are standard on new cars. They look good and enhance visibility, improving safety. The “C-DM” badge indicates the car’s identity. The low-drag wheels feature a new design that matches the car’s positioning.
For a hybrid SUV priced around 100,000, the interior doesn’t need to stand out. It should look good, be functional, and feel warm. The Fengyun T8 meets these criteria. First, it features a well-organized T-shaped center console. This layout provides visual stability. The materials are high-quality. Where soft padding is possible, it avoids hard plastic. The overall feel is very premium.
The large LCD display shows data clearly and completely. The steering wheel feels solid. The multifunction buttons above use touch controls that respond well. The 15.6-inch central screen features a 2.5K resolution. The colors are accurate, and the brightness is high. It looks comfortable and clear. The built-in 8155 automotive-grade chip greatly improves system smoothness. The AI voice recognition works very well. The number of built-in apps is rich, allowing full independence from a phone. Future updates will include the DeepSeek large model.
Near the central instrument panel, the design integrates wireless phone charging and physical buttons for common functions. It retains a large storage space below. It also provides USB and Type-C charging ports.
Comfort and ride quality are linked. The Fengyun T8 offers good seating in both the front and rear. The seats have elastic and thick padding. Their wide shape supports the body well. The front seats feature ventilation and heating. The co-pilot’s queen seat includes massage and leg support functions. However, the electric adjustment buttons for the front seats would be more convenient if placed on the door panel, like in other Chery models.
The model I test drove today offers 256-color ambient lighting, scene modes, a 540° panoramic view, L2+ driving assistance, a Bluetooth key for mobile phones, nine airbags, and C-PURE clean cube cabin functionality. These features are quite high for a hybrid SUV at this price point.
The Fengyun T8 features Chery Group’s proud C-DM5.0 super electric hybrid technology. It saves fuel and delivers an excellent driving experience. The fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI engine provides high efficiency. It achieves a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. The engine generates a maximum power of 115 kW and a maximum torque of 220 N·m. It pairs with a continuously variable super electric hybrid DHT, achieving a system efficiency of 92%. The vehicle offers four driving modes. Under CLTC conditions, it has an electric-only range of 130 kilometers and a total range of 1,400 kilometers. Fuel efficiency is not just for the Fengyun T8. Models equipped with the C-DM5.0 hybrid system also perform well.
At the Fengyun T8 launch event, a video showcased the T8 pulling a massive ship. The challenge ended successfully. The T8’s excellent performance and reliable power made this possible. Its sturdy body played a crucial role.
The Fengyun T8 features a cage body structure. It uses 80% high-strength steel and 20.6% hot-formed steel. The design includes a longitudinal trident and a mesh structure on the sides. This creates ten energy transmission paths, which help disperse energy. The 18% integral welding process further strengthens the body. This design allows it to withstand significant tensile forces. In terms of driving safety, the Fengyun T8 excels in unseen areas. It embodies the principle that “safety is the greatest luxury.” The design prioritizes safety with robust materials. The front section includes a larger “Shotgun” structure, which stabilizes the vehicle during impacts and absorbs energy. Combined with an aluminum alloy bumper covering 84% of the body and a 170 mm wide energy-absorbing box, it provides strong protection for occupants.
The Fengyun T8 features steel back panels on the second and third-row seats. This design prevents sharp objects in the trunk from piercing the seatbacks during emergency braking. You rarely see this detail even in higher-end models, let alone in vehicles priced around 100,000.
Today, during the on-site experience, the Fengyun T8 demonstrated its body rigidity using a cross-axle method. When the vehicle tilted front and back, the doors and tailgate opened and closed smoothly without sticking.
During the test, we conducted the classic moose test. This test challenges the vehicle’s chassis stability and handling. Although we are not professional drivers, the vehicle easily navigated the moose test at a high speed. The body roll, front steering, and rear tracking did not resemble a typical family sedan. It felt sporty, and few would disagree.
This performance results from solid chassis tuning and quality materials. The car features a traditional MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Both ends use hydraulic bushings, optimizing impact forces by 47%. The damping adjusts to a moderate softness and rebound. As an ordinary user, you feel comfortable while maintaining clear road feedback over bumps and speed bumps.
In terms of power, the hybrid model excels. While others still use 1.5-liter engines, Chery has popularized the 1.5T powertrain. Turbocharged power performs better at high speeds. It works well with the electric motor, providing strong support. Even on its own, it delivers impressive performance. The super electric hybrid DHT achieves a maximum efficiency of 98.5%. It offers strong acceleration from a standstill and during mid-range speeds. The energy transfer efficiency significantly improves.
Summary: As a hybrid SUV in the 100,000 yuan (13820$) range, Chery maintains high standards. It excels in various aspects, outperforming competitors. Chery does not compromise on unseen features. It prioritizes safety and sets a benchmark for national hybrid SUVs. If you plan to buy a car soon, I recommend the Chery Fengyun T8. Its performance is truly impressive.