Chery has launched sales of an updated Exeed LX crossover in China, which AutoHome reports is officially considered the second generation of the model despite looking more like a facelift.
Compared to the predecessor (see video), the new LX looks virtually the same on the outside. It does have an all-new interior design with a different steering wheel, a new transmission tunnel and a couple of 12.3-inch displays. The manufacturer also highlights upgraded infotainment hardware: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset is now standard for all trim levels.
In its most affordable version, the CUV relies on a 1.5-liter engine rated at 156 PS (154 hp / 115 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque for propulsion. The transmission is variable, and the trim spec sheet mentions LED lighting all around, 18-inch wheels, climate control and Sony audio.
Paying premium unlocks a 1.6-liter turbo version of the car with 197 PS (194 hp / 145 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at its disposal, as well as a seven-speed DCT. Those looking for a hybrid will need to shell out on the top spec combining a petrol engine with a single electric motor. Their cumulative output amounts to 326 PS (322 hp / 240 kW) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque. The top specification goes 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7 seconds flat and hits its speed ceiling at 180 km/h (112 mph). Per the manufacturer, it has up to 80 km (50 miles) in all-electric mode and around 1,000 km (621 miles) in mixed-cycle hybrid mode.
Interestingly enough, Chery failed to mention another trim version that it announced last October. That one sported a distinct exterior and had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 249 PS (246 hp / 183 kW) under the hood. It may be released later, possibly as a limited edition, but there has been no official update on it so far.
Prices in China range from 109,900 CNY for the bare-bones Chery Exeed LX to 162,800 CNY for the fully loaded version.
