Chery unveils test drive photos of its eQ5 electric SUV

It is everyone’s secret that Chinese manufacturers often clone successful designs of non-Chinese car companies. Now, Chery ups the ante with its eQ5, which looks just like something created by its compatriot carmaker, Lynk & Co.

The first pics of the eQ5 emerged late last year. This latest batch shows the battery SUV allegedly being tested in December 2019 with the outdoor temperatures reaching as low as –32 °С (–25 °F).

As a matter of fact, Chery hasn’t even picked a name for the SUV yet, but Chinese news media just keep calling it eQ5, referring to the fact that the dimensions of the car nearly match those of the Audi Q5.

Specifically, it measures 4,630 mm (15.19 ft.) long, 1,910 mm (6.27 ft.) wide and 1,650 mm (5.41 ft.) tall with 2,805 mm (9.2 ft.) between the axle and 194 mm (7.6 inches) of road clearance when not loaded. This makes it a mid-size SUV.

The car utilizes the brand-new Chery LFS unitized platform suitable only for electric vehicles. This means the eQ5 will never get a gas-powered sibling. The body is 93% aluminum. The drive will likely be on the rear axle by default, but AWD is certainly going to be available as an option.

Inside, there will be a solid glass pane covering the digital dashboard and the central infotainment display. The on-board system will boast face recognition and voice command support.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of China, the e-CUV will ship in two specs. The more affordable one will offer 163 hp (122 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), while the more expensive one will bring 177 hp (132 kW) to the table along with 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. Both will be bundled with the same battery NEDC-rated for 510 kilometers (317 miles) of continuous driving.

The alleged Chery eQ5 will be shown in detail at the Auto China expo on April 21-30. In the meantime, the production has already started in the town of Wuhu.