Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept, new SUV for Frankfurt

We already know that Chery will be unveiling a new global brand and a new compact SUV at this week’s Frankfurt show, but there will be more from the Chinese carmaker at IAA 2017.

First, a recap and more info on the SUV, which will make its world debut in Germany in pre-production form. The “high-quality compact SUV” is the first in a family of models that Chery intends to sell in Europe within the next few years. It boasts an “all-new, high quality platform” and tech developed in partnership with the world’s leading suppliers.

Chery’s press release did not elaborate on the latter point, but Autocar mentions Bosch for the infotainment (comprising a 10-inch touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster), Continental Automotive for the electronic architecture and German engineering firm Benteler for the structure.

The SUV showcases the company’s “Life In Motion” design philosophy. Chery’s new range of cars for the West will be powered by a selection of electrified powertrains, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full EVs. “All Chery models will include state-of-the-art connectivity and convenience features, advanced safety systems and autonomous driving capabilities,” the Anhui-based carmaker says.

Besides the yet to be named new SUV teased by these images, there will be another showcar in Frankfurt – the Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept. Like the SUV, this one is a showcase of Chery’s future design direction, but with a “coupe-like design”. It’s interesting that while Chery is building a new brand, it chose an existing model name for the concept.

Many of the feature lines on both showcars are inspired by nature and incorporate “hydrodynamic surfacing”, which convey the aesthetic quality of running water. They also feature a muscular and purposeful stance that exudes confidence, according to the designers.

The Tiggo Coupe sits on a new modular architecture and incorporates advanced technology, including a multi-function “interactive steering wheel” that can be folded and used as a game controller to play video games in autonomous driving mode!

The Tiggo Coupe Concept uses a 120 kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in seven seconds, has a maximum speed of over 200 km/h and delivers a driving range of up to 500 km, Chery says.

With Chinese carmakers increasingly looking abroad for growth, Chery is keen to emphasise that it has always done so. The company claims that it’s the most successful exporter of vehicles in China, with over 1.2 million units sold overseas since 1997. Last year, Chery sold over 700,000 units, a year-on-year rise of 28%. Of this, around 100,000 units were shipped out, representing almost 30% of all Chinese auto exports.

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