The Chinese auto market just got a jolt from HIMA, the joint venture between telecom giant Huawei and automaker Chery. Their latest model, the Luxeed R7, isn’t just another plug-in hybrid SUV—it’s their first extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), and it’s already making serious waves.
The R7 combines cutting-edge EV tech with luxury SUV comforts, and its standout feature is hard to ignore: a staggering total driving range of 1,040 miles (1,673 km), one of the longest among mass-produced SUVs to date. That’s caught the attention of long-distance drivers looking for more than city cruising.
Even before its official release, the R7 generated serious buzz. HIMA says pre-orders surpassed 80,000 units as of March—an impressive figure even by EV market standards. What’s fueling the hype? A mix of Huawei’s advanced driver assistance systems and Chery’s proven vehicle platform creates a high-quality, tech-forward SUV that resonates with buyers.
Flagship Specs with a Focus on Efficiency
The Luxeed R7 is a full flagship SUV—roughly 195 inches long and 78 inches wide—with an aerodynamic design and a low drag coefficient of just 0.247. That’s not just for show—it helps boost fuel efficiency and range.
Underneath, the R7 sports a premium suspension setup, including double wishbones up front and multi-link suspension in the rear, with optional air suspension and adaptive damping. It clearly signals that HIMA aims to compete with high-end SUVs in terms of tech and ride quality.
The powertrain pairs a 1.5L turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor in an EREV layout. Even without using the gas engine, the R7 delivers up to 224 miles (360 km) of electric-only range, which is more than enough for most daily commutes.
Fast, Smart, and Affordable—At Least in China
Two trims are up for pre-order: the Max and the Ultra. The Ultra packs a dual-motor setup and goes from zero to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, while the Max is rear-wheel drive and optimized for longer range. Both trims come with Huawei’s latest autonomous driving system, ADS 3.0, putting them ahead of the curve in hands-free driving tech.
The R7’s battery capacity is 53.4 kWh, and the Max and Pro trims feature a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate option. Starting at around $43,000 (318,000 yuan), the R7 is competitively priced against premium EV rivals in China.
A New Kind of SUV?
With its blend of tech, performance, and long-range practicality, the Luxeed R7 isn’t trying to be just another electric SUV—it’s carving out space as a long-distance, luxury hybrid for the next generation of drivers. And while there’s no word yet on whether HIMA will bring the R7 to international markets, its early reception in China suggests a strong demand for premium EVs that don’t force drivers to compromise range.
If HIMA keeps this up, they might rewrite the hybrid SUV playbooks.
