
The EXEED RX stands as a flagship global strategic model under Chery Automobile's premium marque, EXEED. Serving as the export counterpart to the domestic EXEED Yaoguang, the EXEED RX has spearheaded the brand's upmarket push across international markets, including the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia, and South America, since 2023. Positioned in the mid-size SUV segment, this model takes on global rivals backed by its generous five-seater cabin and international quality standards.
Dimension-wise, specifications vary slightly across different regions. The Russian-spec version measures 4,781 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,671 mm in height with a 2,815 mm wheelbase; early UAE-spec units measured 4,775 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,671 mm tall with a 2,800 mm wheelbase; whilst the Middle East-spec variant stands at 4,750/1,930/1,675 mm with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, squarely fitting standard mid-size SUV proportions. Fuel tank capacity is rated at approximately 70 litres, with boot capacity ranging from 660 to 1,783 litres and kerb weight spanning between 1,923 kg and 1,977 kg.
Price-wise, the EXEED RX exhibits stark variances across global markets: while its domestic prototype in China retails between RM152,800 and RM206,800, overseas iterations command a substantial premium, with Middle Eastern pricing hovering around USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 (approx. RM292,000-RM365,000), and the 8AT variant in Russia fetching up to 5.55 million Rubles (approx. RM450,000)—well above domestic figures, which underlines its luxury positioning. Key rivals for the EXEED RX include mainstream joint-venture mid-size SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Penned by Chery's European Design Centre, the "Aesthetics of Light" design language of the EXEED RX delivers bold visual impact and athleticism. Up front, it features a frameless, 3D parametric grille with body-coloured diamond inserts, flanked by slim "7-shaped" LED daytime running lights linked by a full-width LED light strip to create a sharp, commanding gaze. Down the sides, the coupe-SUV fastback silhouette boasts sleek, elongated contours, complemented by a floating roofline and flush pop-out door handles for a seamless, modern profile. The rear is sharply sculpted, featuring full-width tail lights echoing the front lighting signature and quad exhaust tailpipes that amplify its sporty demeanor.
Inside, the cabin blends cutting-edge technology with luxury in a clean, minimalist layout. Taking centre stage is a 24.6-inch integrated curved twin-screen setup, paired with full-width integrated air vents that visually broaden the interior. Material selection is top-notch, featuring extensive use of Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and refined chrome accents; the centre console of higher-spec variants retains three tactile rotary climate control dials and a 50W wireless smartphone fast-charging pad, striking a fine balance between everyday usability and mechanical tactility.
The EXEED RX is offered with two primary powertrain configurations—internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)—catering to diverse motoring needs.
Serving as the core volume seller, the petrol variant is powered by a Kunpeng 2.0-litre TGDI four-cylinder turbocharged engine available in several states of tune. The Middle East version produces 261 hp (192 kW) and 400 Nm of torque, while the Russian version delivers 249 hp (183 kW) and 385 Nm. Power is channelled through either a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) or a silky-smooth Aisin 8-speed automatic (8AT), available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The petrol variant completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 to 8.6 seconds, reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, and records a combined fuel consumption of 7.6 to 9.9 L/100 km.
The plug-in hybrid variant (EXEED RX C-DM) features a 1.5T turbocharged engine paired with a dual-motor PHEV system; the petrol engine outputs 156 hp (115 kW) and 220 Nm, while the electric motors generate 224 hp (165 kW) and 390 Nm, delivering a combined system output of 340 hp (250 kW). This is paired with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) driving the front wheels. Powered by an 18.67 kWh Gotion High-Tech lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, it delivers a WLTC-rated electric range of 84 km (100 km CLTC) and a WLTC combined fuel consumption of just 1.59 L/100 km. The AWD variant dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.26 seconds, offers an electric range of 165 km, boasts an overall cruising range exceeding 1,400 km, and achieves an impressive depleted-battery fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100 km. DC fast charging takes just 18 minutes to juice up from 30% to 80%, substantially elevating daily convenience.
Chassis dynamics represent one of the primary pillars defining the EXEED RX’s premium character. As standard, the entire range rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, laying a solid foundation for ride comfort and sharp handling. Higher-tier variants gain an adaptive Continuous Damping Control (CDC) electromagnetic suspension system, capable of millisecond-level real-time damping adjustments based on road inputs to deliver precise road feedback across different driving modes. This CDC setup effectively isolates harsh road vibrations whilst maintaining composed body control and suppressing roll during high-speed cornering.
AWD models are equipped with a ZF-sourced on-demand all-wheel-drive system complete with seven selectable terrain drive modes—including Eco, Standard, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Sand—broadening its all-terrain capability. Fitted with uniform 245/50 R20 tyres, the generous contact patch delivers dependable traction and high-speed cruising stability. Braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) for confident, stable stopping power.
The intelligent cockpit of the EXEED RX is underpinned by high-performance computing hardware, driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset ensuring ultra-smooth UI interactions. The 24.6-inch curved dual screen houses both the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment display with crisp graphics. The system supports voice control and smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), and comes standard with a WHUD or AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display) that projects navigation and driving telemetry straight onto the windscreen. In markets like Russia, top-spec variants also gain a 14-speaker premium audio system and an integrated fragrance dispenser.
Comfort amenities are comprehensive: leather upholstery comes standard across the range, alongside electric adjustment, ventilation, and heating functions for the front seats, with top-trim variants treating the driver to a built-in massage function. Second-row seats feature adjustable seatback recline angles for relaxed long-distance travel. Up to six USB/Type-C ports and a standard 50W wireless phone charging tray effortlessly cater to the device-charging needs of all occupants.
Engineered to meet global five-star crash safety standards, the EXEED RX features a high-strength cage body shell reinforced with ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel in critical areas. Higher-spec models are equipped with up to eight airbags (dual front, side, full-length curtain, driver's knee, and front centre airbag), providing comprehensive occupant protection during an impact. On the active safety front, an onboard Horizon Journey 3 processor powers an extensive suite of Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standard ADAS features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). A 360-degree surround-view camera system paired with rear parking sensors further bolsters maneuvering ease and parking safety.
The EXEED RX marks Chery's first genuine global model targeting premium international markets. While known locally in China as the EXEED Yaoguang, the overseas RX bears the mantle of driving brand elevation, commanding significant price premiums in regions like Russia and the Middle East to project a luxury Chinese automotive image abroad. Nevertheless, EXEED's overall domestic and global sales volumes remain relatively modest compared to Chery's mainstream brands, accounting for less than 4.3% of Chery Group's total vehicle sales in 2025. This niche volume is largely tied to EXEED's high-end yet boutique positioning; despite the RX packing formidable engineering depth and mechanical refinement comparable to traditional luxury marques, brand equity, distribution reach, and mainstream global recognition still require sustained cultivation. All told, as the marque's vanguard global strategic SUV, the EXEED RX sets a compelling precedent for overseas expansion with its potent performance, tech-laden cabin, and global vision—offering discerning buyers an attractive, value-packed proposition in the premium SUV space.