Chery shows off both petrol and electric versions of its models at MAEPS from 22 to 26 May 2024
Chery Malaysia is very well known here in Malaysia, although not always for the right reasons. However, the brand has done a stellar job setting up its booth over at MAEPS, Serdang for the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 which will run from 22 to 26 May 2024. It is showing off the Omoda 5 and E5, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro e+.
While the first 3 cars may sound familiar to Malaysian audiences, that last one is probably not in many of our vocabularies just yet. The Tiggo 8 Pro e+ is a plug-in hybrid version of the Tiggo 8 Pro but notably it is a left-hand drive model so Chery Malaysia probably isn’t ready to launch the car locally just yet.
Still, its presence at the autoshow indicates that it might be in the pipeline, so let’s dive into some of the specifications of this car. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro e+ is powered by a 1.5L turbo engine with dual electric motors. This hybrid system has a total system output of 360hp and 530Nm of torque, giving it a century sprint time of 7.5 seconds. While not sportscar-like, it’s definitely spritely for a 7-seater. That’s right – despite hauling around an 18.3kWh battery pack, the Tiggo 8 Pro e+ still has space enough for 7. What’s more, under the right conditions it can be driven up to 100km on pure electric power, but you’ll probably have to charge it up to 100% Being a PHEV, there’s a charging port and you’ll find it on the front left fender of the vehicle.
Besides the powertrain change, the Tiggo 8 Pro e+ is very similar to its petrol-powered counterpart. You still get a Sony sound system, 19″ rims, dual 12.3″ displays making up the infotainment and digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, dual zone auto climate control, remote engine start and a powered tailgate. It’s clearly a well-equipped car and knowing Chery’s strategy, it’s sure to be well-priced too. But we can’t help but wonder whether a PHEV will do well in the age of tax-free EVs. After all, only the premium brands have ever dared to offer PHEV models here, with the mass market players only now beginning to bring hybrid options into the mainstream.
