Chery Exlantix ES: Flagship Tech, Base Tesla Price, But a Catch
The Chery Exlantix ES offers groundbreaking EV tech, including a comprehensive sensor suite and impressive range, at a price point that undercuts a base Tesla Model 3. However, its current unavailability outside China is a significant drawback.
The 2027 Chery Exlantix ES from its premium sub-brand Exeed is a truly head-turning electric vehicle. It boasts an array of flagship technology, from advanced autonomous driving hardware to sophisticated in-cabin AI, all for a price that significantly undercuts a base Tesla Model 3. While its specifications and value are incredibly compelling, the colossal catch is that this impressive sedan is currently only available in China.
Flagship Tech at a Steal
At the core of the Exlantix ES's advanced capabilities is its Falcon 700 driver-assist system. This isn't an optional extra; it's a standard offering across the entire lineup, setting it apart from many competitors who charge a premium for such features. The Falcon 700 is powered by a robust Nvidia Orin-Y chip, known for its formidable processing power, ensuring rapid data interpretation for advanced functions.
The hardware suite supporting this system is genuinely comprehensive, featuring 27 sensors in total. This includes 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, three millimeter-wave radars, and, critically, a LiDAR unit. LiDAR, typically found in high-end or experimental autonomous vehicles, provides highly accurate 3D mapping, significantly enhancing safety and reliability. This combination enables full "Navigate on Autopilot" functionality for both city streets and highways, a level of standard autonomous capability with LiDAR that is almost unheard of at this price point.
The tech extends into the cabin as well, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P cockpit chip. This powerful processor runs Chery’s proprietary Carmind AI model, promising a voice assistant experience that is noticeably more responsive and intelligent than what many drivers are accustomed to, even in more expensive vehicles. The synergy between robust hardware and intelligent AI software aims to create a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Impressive Power and Range
Chery offers the Exlantix ES with both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) setups. The EREV Max variant delivers a healthy 305 horsepower and an impressive 188-mile all-electric range. When its gas engine kicks in, the combined total range stretches beyond an astonishing 994 miles. For more power, the AWD EREV Ultra bumps output to 463 horsepower. The pure BEV Max variant comes with a substantial 100.2 kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 534 miles, placing it among the top tier of long-range EVs available today.
Design-wise, the Exlantix ES sports a modern fastback silhouette and frameless doors, details often associated with luxury vehicles. Two new paint options and an optional Shadow sport kit, complete with interactive headlights and an electric spoiler, further enhance its premium and high-tech appeal.
The Unbeatable Price (in China)
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the Exlantix ES is its price. In China, it ranges from 179,900 to 209,900 yuan, which translates to approximately $26,500 to $30,900 USD. For context, a base Tesla Model 3 in the U.S. starts at around $39,000 before any incentives. This significant price difference, combined with the Exlantix ES’s superior standard tech package (especially the full sensor suite with LiDAR), presents an incredible value proposition that challenges the notion that cutting-edge EV technology must come with a premium price tag.
The Crucial Catch: Availability
Herein lies the rub: despite all its groundbreaking features and aggressive pricing, there is "no word yet on whether the Exlantix ES badge makes it to markets outside China anytime soon." This current exclusivity to the Chinese market is the ultimate deal-breaker for most international consumers. It creates a significant degree of frustration, highlighting a growing disparity where Chinese consumers have access to feature-rich vehicles simply unavailable elsewhere.
Comparison: Chery Exlantix ES vs. Tesla Model 3 (Base U.S.)
To highlight the Exlantix ES's competitive edge, let's compare it to a base Tesla Model 3 available in the U.S.:
| Feature | Chery Exlantix ES (BEV Max / EREV Max) | Tesla Model 3 (Base U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (approx.) | $26,500 - $30,900 | $39,000 (before incentives) |
| Driver-Assist Hardware | 1 LiDAR, 11 cameras, 15 radars (standard) | Cameras & ultrasonic (radar removed in some models) |
| BEV Range (estimated) | 534 miles (100.2 kWh battery) | ~272 miles |
| EREV Range (estimated) | 188-mile electric, >994 miles total | N/A |
| Cockpit AI | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P + Carmind AI | Tesla's native system |
| Availability | China only | Global |
The table vividly illustrates the Exlantix ES's superior autonomous hardware and range figures for a considerably lower cost. Tesla's primary advantage is its global availability and established infrastructure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Value: Flagship tech at a base-model price.
- Advanced Driver-Assist Standard: Comprehensive 27-sensor suite with LiDAR.
- Superior Range: Up to 534 miles (BEV) and over 994 miles total (EREV).
- Sophisticated In-Cabin AI: Responsive voice assistant via Qualcomm chip and Carmind AI.
- Sleek Design: Modern fastback silhouette and frameless doors.
Cons:
- Geographic Unavailability: Currently exclusive to the Chinese market.
- Limited Brand Recognition: Chery/Exeed lack global brand presence.
- Uncertain Global Launch: No timeline for international release.
Buying Recommendation
My recommendation for the Chery Exlantix ES is bittersweet. Purely on specs, price, and the advanced technology packed into it, this is an absolutely stellar offering that redefines expectations for an affordable EV. If you are in China, the Exlantix ES appears to be an undeniable contender, offering incredible value. However, for anyone outside of China, the recommendation is unfortunately a non-starter; you simply can't buy it. It serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the future of electric vehicles and a stark reminder of the innovation happening in markets like China. Keep an eye on Chery and Exeed, as their aggressive approach could eventually ripple into global markets, potentially shaking up the established order. Until then, it remains a fantastic, yet frustratingly out-of-reach, example of EV excellence.
FAQ
Q: What makes the Exlantix ES's autonomous driving system stand out compared to others?
A: The Falcon 700 system in the Exlantix ES is particularly notable because it includes a comprehensive suite of 27 sensors as standard, featuring 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, 3 millimeter-wave radars, and a LiDAR unit. This advanced hardware, powered by an Nvidia Orin-Y chip, enables full Navigate on Autopilot functionality for both city and highway driving, a level of sophistication and standard inclusion that is rare in its price segment.
Q: Is the Chery Exlantix ES a good value for money?
A: Based on its specifications, yes, it offers exceptional value for money. Priced between approximately $26,500 and $30,900 USD in China, it significantly undercuts a base Tesla Model 3 (starting at around $39,000 in the U.S.) while offering a more advanced standard sensor suite (including LiDAR), impressive range figures (up to 534 miles BEV, over 994 miles EREV total), and a powerful in-cabin AI system.
Q: When will the Exlantix ES be available outside of China?
A: Currently, there is no official information or timeline regarding the availability of the Exlantix ES in markets outside of China. It is exclusively sold in the Chinese market, making it an unavailable option for international consumers at this time.
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