In a bold move to solidify its position in the premium automotive segment, Exeed, the luxury arm of China's Chery Auto, has laid out an ambitious roadmap for its next phase of growth. During a high-profile brand event on December 22nd, the company not only revealed a comprehensive "4+4+X" product and technology strategy but also debuted four new vehicles set to form the core of its lineup for the coming years. More significantly, Exeed announced plans to bring cutting-edge technologies like all-solid-state batteries and axial flux motors to market by 2026, while simultaneously embarking on a motorsport journey with the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The "4+4+X" Strategic Blueprint
Exeed's future direction is encapsulated in its "4+4+X" framework, a multi-layered plan designed to cover a wide spectrum of the automotive market. The first "4" represents four core vehicle series: ET for SUVs, ES for sedans, E0 for flagship models, and EX for crossovers. This structure provides a clear naming convention and market positioning for future products. The second "4" stands for four underlying technological platforms, which include the updated M3X Mars Architecture 2.0, a dedicated pure-electric platform, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) platform, and a hybrid platform. Finally, the "X" signifies the brand's intent to explore and expand into additional niche segments, such as MPVs and sport coupes, ensuring flexibility and future growth potential.
Exeed's "4+4+X" Strategy Breakdown
- First "4" - Core Vehicle Series:
- ET: SUV series
- ES: Sedan series
- E0: Flagship series
- EX: Crossover series
- Second "4" - Technology Platforms:
- M3X Mars Architecture 2.0
- Dedicated Pure-Electric Platform
- Extended-Range (EREV) Platform
- Hybrid Platform
- "X" - Future Segments: MPVs, Sport Coupes, etc.
Four Pillars: The New Vehicle Lineup
The immediate manifestation of this strategy is the simultaneous unveiling of four distinct models: the ES7 GT, ES8, ET8, and ET9. Each targets a specific premium segment, showcasing Exeed's design and engineering breadth. The star of the show is arguably the ES7 GT, Exeed's first shooting brake. It features a low-slung, flowing silhouette with a gracefully extended D-pillar, wide tires, and sporty body kits. Technologically, it is equipped for advanced driving with a roof-mounted LiDAR and high-definition cameras. Its powertrain is a highlight—a three-motor extended-range electric system (EREV) that promises a 0-100 km/h sprint in under 3 seconds, a combined range of up to 1,700 km, and support for 1000V ultra-fast charging, capable of adding roughly 450 km of range in just five minutes.
The ES8 sedan shares the shooting brake aesthetic but prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, boasting an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd. Its design incorporates a narrow, closed-off front grille, hidden headlights, and a panoramic glass roof. Inside, it features a 15.6-inch central screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and deep integration with Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem. Crucially, the ES8 is slated to be Exeed's first model equipped with an all-solid-state battery, targeting a pure-electric range of 1,000 km. It also boasts performance-enhancing features like dual-vector motors, rear-wheel steering, and six-piston brake calipers.
In contrast to the sporty ES models, the ET8 and ET9 are large, six-seat SUVs focused on luxury and comfort. The ET8 adopts a more conservative, business-oriented design with a squared-off profile, a matrix grille, and a full-width light bar. Its interior is appointed for practicality and relaxation, featuring 4D mechanical massage seats, a 31-speaker Boya audio system, and significant investment in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) suppression. The flagship ET9 pushes luxury further with innovative features like rear-hinged "coach" doors, rotating rear seats, and an onboard oxygen generation system. It also incorporates rear-wheel steering and a "tank turn" function for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban spaces.
New Model Specifications & Highlights
| Model | Type | Key Features & Specs (Claimed) |
|---|---|---|
| ES7 GT | Shooting Brake (EREV) | • 0-100 km/h: <3 secs• Range: 1,700 km (combined)• Charging: 1000V, +450 km/5 min• Drivetrain: 3-motor EREV |
| ES8 | Sedan/Shooting Brake (EV) | • Drag Coefficient: 0.22 Cd• Battery: All-Solid-State (Target)• Range: 1,000 km (Target, EV)• Tech: Snapdragon 8295, HarmonyOS, Rear-Wheel Steering |
| ET8 | Large 6-Seat SUV | • Focus: Business/Luxury Comfort• Interior: 4D Massage Seats, 31-speaker Audio, Advanced NVH |
| ET9 | Flagship 6-Seat SUV | • Features: Coach Doors, Rotating Seats, Onboard O2 System• Chassis: Rear-Wheel Steering, "Tank Turn" Function |
The 2026 Technology Offensive
The vehicles are supported by a suite of advanced technologies scheduled for deployment in 2026. In the realm of automated driving, Exeed plans to make its "Falcon 700" system standard across the range, featuring one LiDAR sensor and running on the new Carmind 2.0 operating system with a Qualcomm 8397 chip. A more advanced "Falcon 900" system with three LiDARs for Level 3 autonomy is also planned for the same year, alongside the launch of commercial testing for Level 4 Robotaxis equipped with eight LiDARs.
The most groundbreaking announcement is in battery technology. Exeed revealed its "Rhino" all-solid-state battery, confirming it is not a lab prototype but a technology slated for real-world application in 2026 models. This will be paired with a "Swift Dragon" ultra-fast charging system, involving next-generation smart charging piles with a claimed single-gun power output of 1.2 megawatts. The company states this combination could enable a 500 km range boost in just five minutes under ideal conditions, a potential game-changer for electric vehicle practicality.
Powertrain development continues on multiple fronts. Future models will utilize the "Kunpeng Tianqing" hybrid system, centered on a seventh-generation 2.0TGDI engine and transmission. For electric performance, Exeed is turning to axial flux dual-vector motors. Known for their compact size, light weight, and high torque density—traits that have made them popular in hypercars—these motors can spin at up to 30,000 rpm, aiming to give Exeed a distinct performance edge.
2026 Technology Roadmap
- Automated Driving:
- Falcon 700 (Std.): 1x LiDAR, Carmind 2.0 OS, Qualcomm 8397 chip.
- Falcon 900: 3x LiDAR, supports L3 autonomy.
- L4 Robotaxi Testing: 8x LiDAR, commercial testing begins.
- Battery & Charging:
- "Rhino" All-Solid-State Battery: Production implementation in 2026.
- "Swift Dragon" Charging: 1.2 MW chargers, target of +500 km/5 min.
- Powertrain:
- Hybrid: "Kunpeng Tianqing" system with 7th-gen 2.0TGDI engine.
- E-Motor: Axial flux dual-vector motors (up to 30,000 rpm).
From Race Track to Road
In a significant brand-building and engineering move, Exeed has signed a five-year strategic cooperation agreement with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This makes Exeed the first Chinese car manufacturer to enter the world's top three endurance races with a factory team. The partnership involves a three-phase plan: first, establishing a domestic "Exeed Spec Series" for talent and technology scouting; second, entering the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS); and finally, forming an "Exeed Le Mans Team" to compete in the main 24-hour race. The collaboration also includes plans to co-build an ACO-certified circuit in Wuhu, China, allowing extreme performance and durability data from the track to directly inform the development and tuning of future production cars.
The Road Ahead: Promise and Challenge
Exeed's announcements paint a picture of a brand aggressively transitioning into its 3.0 era, with a clear vision spanning product, technology, and brand prestige. The breadth of the plan—from four distinct new models to solid-state batteries and a Le Mans campaign—is undeniably impressive. However, the real test lies in execution. The company faces the formidable challenge of bringing at least three of these new vehicles to market within the next 10 to 20 months, a timeline that will stress its supply chain, manufacturing capacity, and sales network. Furthermore, in a Chinese market fiercely contested by Tesla, BYD, and a host of well-established domestic EV startups, converting advanced technical specifications into tangible consumer trust and sales volume remains Exeed's most critical and unresolved task. The coming years will reveal whether this ambitious blueprint can be successfully realized on the road and on the global stage.