Exeed VX PHEV

Model Overview

The Exeed VX C-DM is the flagship mid-to-large plug-in hybrid SUV from Chery’s premium sub-brand Exeed, serving as the PHEV iteration of the domestic Chinese-market "Exeed Lanyue". Established in 2017, the Exeed brand primarily focuses on upmarket family crossovers and SUVs. The Exeed VX originally made its debut in China in 2020 solely with internal combustion powertrains, before officially hitting showrooms in 2021. At the April 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, Exeed showcased a range-extended electric (EREV) version of the VX, though the final production model was confirmed with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. In October 2024, the Exeed VX C-DM filed for its sales homologation licence, with an official market debut slated for around 2025. Positioned as the marque's brand-new flagship, it caters to affluent family buyers who place high value on cabin space, comfort, and cutting-edge tech. Its domestic equivalent in China is the Exeed Lanyue C-DM, which is actively on sale as of June 2026.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Exeed VX C-DM adopts the brand’s "Intellect and Aesthetics" design language. Up front, it features an imposing full-width horizontal grille that exudes a commanding road presence; a prominent chrome trim strip stamped with the "EXEED" wordmark spans the upper grille, flowing seamlessly into the slim, elongated matrix full-LED headlamps to visually broaden the front profile. A full-width LED daytime running light bar integrates cleanly with the headlamp clusters, imparting a distinctive high-tech aesthetic. Along the flanks, flowing and well-proportioned character lines lend the SUV a planted, family-friendly stance. At the rear, a full-width LED taillight bar is paired with a silver lower skid plate and dual rectangular exhaust finishers, creating a clean, sophisticated, and instantly recognizable look. Exterior tyre fitment options include 235/55 R19 and 245/45 R20 setups.

Inside, the cabin features a wrap-around cockpit architecture with soft-touch materials adorning virtually every touchpoint, accentuated by high-gloss wood trim and metallic accents for a classic luxury ambiance. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in supple Nappa leather and comes with paddle shifters. A continuous horizontal air-conditioning vent design further accentuates the dashboard's visual width.

Powertrain and Performance

As the plug-in hybrid flagship of the lineup, the Exeed VX C-DM is powered by a dedicated PHEV powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and three electric motors. The internal combustion unit is Chery’s SQRH4J15 1.5-litre turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 115 kW (around 156 hp) and peak torque of 220 Nm. The electric motor setup produces a total system output of 340 kW (around 456 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. Two of the motors are integrated within the 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), whilst the third motor is mounted on the rear axle. Total combined system output stands at an immense 455 kW (around 610 hp).

The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in just 5 seconds, with top speed rated at 180 km/h. Under the WLTC test cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 1.5 L/100 km.

Energy is stored in a 34.46 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack supplied by CATL. This affords an all-electric driving range of 143 km under the WLTC cycle and 180 km under the CLTC cycle. In depleted battery (charge-sustaining) mode, fuel consumption is rated at 6.88 L/100 km. When it comes to charging, DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes just 22 minutes, while an AC slow charge from 10% to 100% takes approximately 5 hours.

Chassis and Handling

The Exeed VX C-DM is built upon Chery’s M3X platform architecture. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup. Traction is delivered via a tri-motor electric all-wheel drive (AWD) system, utilizing the dedicated rear-axle motor for intelligent electronic torque distribution. The chassis tuning balances supple ride comfort with ample body control, absorbing speed humps and ruts with ease to deliver a refined ride quality. Braking is managed by ventilated discs on all four corners, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 245/45 R20 tyres.

Cabin and Features

On the tech front, the Exeed VX C-DM comes equipped with a dual 12.3-inch integrated widescreen setup that combines the fully digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system runs on Chery’s latest Lion 4.0 intelligent operating system, supporting OTA firmware updates, intelligent voice commands, voiceprint recognition, smartphone remote telematics, and smart home integration. It also features AR augmented reality navigation, overlaying route directions directly onto live road footage for clearer, more intuitive guidance. Apple CarPlay connectivity is also supported. Higher-spec variants add a Head-Up Display (HUD), Face ID multi-modal recognition, driver fatigue monitoring, front wireless smartphone charging, 64-colour ambient lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a negative ion generator.

Seating is arranged in a versatile 2+3+2 seven-seater layout, with the second-row seats offering fore/aft slide and backrest recline adjustments. Folding the third-row seats flat yields a cavernous, level boot floor. Higher-spec trims get plush Nappa leather upholstery, with heated and 6-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger. An active cabin air purification system paired with a PM2.5 cabin filter is also fitted as standard.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Exeed VX C-DM comes standard with front driver and passenger airbags across the range. The body shell utilizes a high-strength safety cage construction designed to maximize passenger cell integrity in a collision. Active safety is comprehensive, featuring a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that bundles Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with pedestrian detection, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Keeping Assist. Additional driver aids include a 360-degree surround-view camera and fully automated parking assist. Preceding Exeed models have earned top C-NCAP "Five-Star+" crash safety ratings, and the VX C-DM continues this stringent safety benchmark.

Market Outlook and Verdict

Key competitors to the Exeed VX C-DM include popular new energy SUVs such as the BYD Tang DM-i, Li Auto L6, and Lynk & Co 08 EM-P. Because Exeed places significant strategic focus on overseas export markets, its domestic sales volume in China has remained modest. Industry analysts note that as Chery’s upmarket offering, Exeed still faces ground to cover in terms of brand cachet and market awareness compared to rivals like Lynk & Co. Nonetheless, backed by a mighty 610 hp output, a 5-second century sprint, generous pure electric range, and a spacious 7-seater cabin, the VX C-DM delivers a robust product proposition on paper. Globally, the model has already been rolled out in markets such as Morocco, positioned as an upmarket family SUV. Overall, the Exeed VX C-DM (Lanyue C-DM) serves as a potent showcase of Chery's hybrid engineering prowess in the premium new energy vehicle space, though its broader commercial success will depend on market reception following its full rollout.