EXEED RX C-DM

Model Overview

The EXEED RX C-DM is a D-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV from Chery Automobile's premium sub-brand, EXEED. Built on the M3X Super Hybrid platform, it is marketed in China as the "Yaoguang C-DM" and badged as the "RX C-DM" for global export markets. The "RX" moniker originates from the brand's flagship lineup, whilst "C-DM" designates Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid technology, signifying its PHEV powertrain architecture. In its domestic market, the 2026 EXEED RX C-DM is offered in three trim variants with official retail prices ranging from RM139,900 to RM189,900, which can drop to as low as RM129,900 in selected regions after trade-in subsidies. Globally, the model made its debut in the Middle East in October 2023, where local pricing is estimated between USD 40,000 and USD 50,000. Dimensionally, the RX C-DM measures 4,781 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,671 mm tall, riding on a 2,815 mm wheelbase. Positioned as a mid-size five-seater PHEV SUV, its key rivals include the BYD Tang DM-i and Lynk & Co 08 EM-P.

Design Language

Penned by EXEED's global styling team, the RX C-DM is sculpted around the ethos of "avant-garde technology and sleek dynamism". Up front, it features a borderless grille with a body-coloured geometric diamond-mesh pattern, exuding a distinct futuristic and high-tech character. The LED headlamps merge seamlessly with the full-width daytime running lights (DRLs) to create a striking "7-shaped" signature that extends downwards into the lower bumper intakes, delivering an aggressive fang-like look. In profile, the SUV adopts a sleek coupe-SUV silhouette with a high beltline creating an athletic, nose-down stance. Blacked-out A-to-D pillars, flush pop-out door handles, and 19- to 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels deliver a floating-roof aesthetic. The rear is dominated by full-width LED tail lights with an integrated brand script, complemented by quad exhaust garnishes on the rear diffuser for an overtly sporty appearance. The "RX" badge on the tailgate denotes its global export designation, while the "AWD" emblem signifies the all-wheel-drive variant. Inside, the cabin embraces a driver-centric wraparound layout with full-width air vents accentuating visual width. Highlights include a twin-spoke capacitive steering wheel and a 24.6-inch curved dual-screen display, balanced by physical toggle switches and sports-car-style rotary dials for climate controls. Premium tactile materials feature extensively, with soft-touch leather wrapping covering 71.3% of the cabin, available in multiple dual-tone colour combinations.

Powertrain and Performance

The technological centerpiece of the EXEED RX C-DM is Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system. This setup pairs a 1.5-litre TGDI dedicated hybrid petrol engine with electric drive motors and a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The engine incorporates deep Miller cycle technology and 350-bar direct injection, pushing out 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 220 Nm of torque with an exceptional thermal efficiency of 44.5%, meeting China 6 (China VI) emission standards on RON 92 petrol. In the front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup, dual front motors deliver a combined 165 kW and 390 Nm, offering an 84 km WLTC pure-electric range (100 km CLTC) and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant adds a high-output 175 kW rear-axle motor, creating a tri-motor AWD layout that unleashes a total system output of 340 kW (approx. 455 PS) and 700 Nm. This allows a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.26 seconds, a 0-100 km/h acceleration performance of 4.26 seconds that eclipses many performance-focused luxury rivals. Battery options include an 18.67 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack for the FWD model, while the AWD model gets a 34.46 kWh pack featuring a blended ternary lithium (NMC) and LFP chemistry. WLTC combined fuel consumption stands at 1.59 L/100 km for the FWD variant and an impressive 1.12 L/100 km for the AWD variant, both delivering an overall cruising range exceeding 1,400 km. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes just 18 minutes on the FWD model and around 20 minutes on the AWD version. Furthermore, the AWD model supports 6.6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply, ideal for running outdoor electrical appliances.

Chassis and Handling

In terms of underpinnings, the EXEED RX C-DM showcases the brand's pinnacle engineering. It rides on a high-spec suspension setup consisting of front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup, with range-topping variants gaining the "Flying Fish Chassis 2.0". At its heart is a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) electromagnetic adaptive suspension system, utilising five vehicle attitude sensors, four electromagnetic dampers, and a dedicated ECU to deliver millisecond-level adjustments. This continuously tunes damping forces based on road surface undulations, vehicle speed, and driving modes, effectively eliminating front-end squat during acceleration, brake dive, body roll in corners, and harsh cabin vibrations on uneven tarmac. The Flying Fish Chassis 2.0 also integrates hydraulic subframe bushings, a Bosch DP-EPS (Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering) system, Bosch's latest-generation intelligent brake-by-wire system, and an all-scenario intelligent electric AWD system. The DP-EPS provides effortless low-speed manoeuvrability and reassuring high-speed stability with a 20% quicker response rate. The AWD rear axle reacts within 100 ms to output nearly 3,000 Nm of wheel torque, working alongside seven selectable drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Off-road) to handle diverse road conditions. The SUV boasts a sleek drag coefficient of 0.308 Cd, with stopping power provided by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), riding on 245/50 R20 tyres.

Cabin and Equipment

In terms of digital cockpit tech, the EXEED RX C-DM comes standard across the range with a 24.6-inch curved dual-screen display (comprising twin 12.3-inch panels) powered by BOE Varitronix LTPS technology, boasting high colour gamut, vivid brightness, and low energy consumption. The infotainment system is powered by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset running the Lion OS, supporting full-scenario voice commands, Huawei HiCar, Apple CarPlay, and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. Advanced driver assistance is handled by a Horizon Journey 3 (J3) chip, complemented by a W-HUD or AR-HUD head-up display system. Cabin amenities include 50W wireless phone fast charging, an NFC smart key, an 8-speaker sound system, 256-colour ambient lighting, power-adjustable front seats (with heating, ventilation, and massage on higher trims), heated rear seats, and dedicated B-pillar rear AC vents. Boot capacity starts at a generous 660 litres and expands to 1,783 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down, complemented by versatile cabin cubbies to satisfy family road trips. Higher-spec variants further elevate passenger comfort with an electrically adjustable ottoman leg rest for the front passenger seat.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the safety front, the EXEED RX C-DM boasts dual five-star safety credentials from both China and Europe, having achieved the China Electric Vehicle Fire Safety 5-Star rating and the stringent Euro NCAP 5-star rating. During fire safety evaluations, battery cells were directly subjected to 800°C extreme thermal runaway tests; its battery pack effectively contained cascading thermal runaway via aerospace-grade insulation and smart thermal management, guaranteeing zero smoke, zero leakage, and zero water ingress. In terms of passive safety, the body structure incorporates 85% high-strength steel, with hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel reinforcing the A- and B-pillars alongside a 10-tonne roof crush resistance rating for maximum passenger compartment integrity. At least six airbags come standard across all variants, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags, along with ISOFIX child seat anchors on both outer rear seats. Active safety is bolstered by a comprehensive suite of 18 standard ADAS features, including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Notably, its AEB system scored full marks in Euro NCAP tests for vulnerable road user (motorcyclist) protection. Added driver aids include a Driver Monitoring System (DMS with direct eye tracking), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and a 540° panoramic camera with a transparent chassis view. Higher variants also feature Navigation on Clearway (NOC) highway pilot assist and Home Parking Assist (HPA) memory parking, delivering Level 2+ (L2+) semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Performance and Evaluation

The EXEED RX C-DM's global market reception exhibits a distinct case of "strong product substance versus subdued market traction". In China, domestic monthly sales of the Yaoguang C-DM have hovered around 600 to 700 units, recording 636 units in August 2025 and 664 units in October—a year-on-year drop of over 70% compared to roughly 2,240 units recorded in the same period previously. By comparison, the Tiggo 8 series shifted 180,000 units in China and 286,000 units globally in 2025, alongside 190,100 domestic sales in 2024. In contrast, while the Tiggo 8 series alone achieved 190,100 sales in China in 2024, the entire EXEED brand only managed 141,000 units in the same timeframe. Between January and October 2025, EXEED's cumulative sales reached just 97,400 units, accounting for less than 4.3% of Chery Group's total volume—lagging far behind the mainstream Chery brand (1.378 million units) and Jetour (519,000 units). However, overseas markets—particularly in the Middle East—have shown stronger reception. Globally, with a 4.26-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, Flying Fish Chassis 2.0, CATL M3P battery tech, and an 85% high-strength steel structure, the EXEED RX C-DM (Yaoguang C-DM) presents an uncompromising technical and safety proposition. Industry observers widely agree that while the hardware is fully equipped to challenge the premium segment, EXEED faces uphill battles in brand equity, consumer outreach, and dealership network coverage. Many prospective buyers still lack a clear understanding of the brand's premium identity, and an overly engineering-driven marketing approach has struggled to strike a chord with target buyers. As Chery's spearhead for upmarket expansion, the EXEED RX C-DM boasts undeniable product competence; whether refined market strategies will allow it to break through remains to be seen.