- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Exeed VX. Departing flagship model
The Exeed VX is a full-size SUV introduced in the summer of 2020 that has been on sale outside of China since 2021. The Exeed brand’s 5 or 7 seater flagship model with a body length of 4,970mm is built on the same M3X platform as the TX mid-size SUV and its long version TXL. The vehicle is available in versions with front or all-wheel drive and with rich equipment. The manufacturer took a responsible approach to the creation of this model: after all, this is the flagship model! It kept getting better, until it was replaced… In November 2022, production of a new flagship model based on the AtlantiX concept will begin. Keep reading to learn more about the departing flagship model.
Exeed is a premium sub-brand of automotive giant Chery. That's what the marketers say, but in their home country of China, it's not compared to global luxury brands, but to such luxury model ranges as WEY of Great Wall or UNI of Changan.
First generation
Externally, the new Exeed VX looks pretty good: a brand image has been developed by a team of designers led by Briton Kevin Rice, who previously worked for Italdesign, Opel, Ford, SAAB, BMW and Mazda. And although the vehicle was created on the same basis (M3X platform) as the mid-size TX, it turned out to be larger than even the TXL longer version. The SUV is 4,970 mm long, 1,940 mm wide and 1,805 mm high. Its wheelbase reaches up to 2,900 mm. The Exeed VX 3 offers three rows of 7 seats, as well as a decent trunk.
In front of the driver is a digital panel connected to the screen of the multimedia system. Each screen has a diagonal of 12.3 inches. There are narrow heating vents and a touch-sensitive air conditioning unit with two rotary knobs below the multimedia system. Interestingly, the transmission selector has two sizes: a small one and a more familiar larger one. The equipment is rich: adaptive cruise control, panoramic cameras, parking assistant, panoramic roof and much more.
Exeed’s flagship model was initially equipped with a single engine, the same that was already installed on other models. The 1.6-liter turbocharged GDi direct injection engine produced an impressive 197PS and 290Nm. It worked in tandem with a 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch robotic gearbox. These vehicles were front-wheel-drive only. Then came a modification equipped with a 2.0-liter 254 hp TGDI engine! It works with a double-clutch robotic gearbox. The entry-level version is front-wheel drive, but there are also all-wheel-drive modifications. By the way, the multi-plate clutches are borrowed from BorgWarner.
Modernization
In April 2022, the manufacturer introduced a 5-seater Exeed VX. The SUV was slightly lighter and looked better, with a large hexagonal grille with vertical rather than horizontal slats, as well as a sports bumper. The new 2022/2023 Exeed VX benefits from an exclusive green color and a slightly updated interior. The power of the 2.0-liter engine has been increased to 261 hp and 400 Nm. The engine is paired with the same 7-speed robotic gearbox. At the same time, the 5-seater VX will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. At first, the vehicle will appear only in China.
In the fall of 2022, productive manufacturers presented another option, the exclusive Exeed VX President Limited Edition. This version received some visual changes and more advanced options: updated seats with adjustment from the rear row, voice control, a rear cross traffic warning system (RCTW) and up to 12 Sony speakers. The list of equipment also includes a permanent DVR, located at the base of the rearview mirror, additional USB ports, automatic retractable thresholds and 64-color ambient lighting. The President is distinguished by a slightly modified grille, painted in bronze for some reason. Exeed inscriptions and a decorative trim on the rear bumper are the same color.
The Chinese offer an almost 5-meter vehicle with a 7-seater interior, and even a rich configuration at the price of a mid-size SUV. The smaller Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento cost practically the same. However, unlike the Exeed, these models are sold in Israel.
