We know firsthand that China is increasingly established in the automobile field. More and more cutting-edge models arrive here in Europe, although nothing to do with what we can see in China. And some of them They already float in the water and they navigate between rivers. Two manufacturers have just starred in river crossings that have attracted all the attention, although with different approaches and results.
What has happened? Chery’s Jetour Zongheng G700 SUV has become the first vehicle in its category in cross the Yangtze River. The crossing took place on October 16 from Heisha Zhou port in Wuhu city, where Chery is headquartered. The SUV traveled 1,480 meters in 22 minutes, floating at a speed of about 7 km/h while dealing with currents of between 5 and 10 km/h. The car arrived without problems at the port of Nanlong, on the other side of China’s longest river.
The technology behind the show. The Zongheng G700, which will be launched in China on October 19 with a price between 45,000 and 56,000 euros, boasts a painted body without holes, an active air circulation system and an 800V architecture with silicon carbide propulsion. During navigation, a six-axis gyroscope continuously adjusts the balance of the vehicle to maintain stability. The SUV has a 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine with a total power of 560 kW (751 HP) and 795 Nm of torque, with a combined range of 1,400 km.
BYD has been at this for more than a year. Chery is not the first Chinese manufacturer to demonstrate that its cars can sail. BYD has been showing the amphibious capabilities of its Yangwang U8a high-end mammoth SUV that can float and move through the water naturally. The system allows you to navigate up to 3 km/h and stay afloat for 30 minutes, thanks to a protection IP67 for the entire car and IP68 on its key components. When the driver activates water crossing mode, the vehicle monitors depth and other parameters, raises the suspension to the maximum, closes the windows and adjusts the climate control.
Had an unfortunate real show. In September, during the flooding of Super Typhoon Ragasa in Zhuhai, a driver of a Yangwang U8 crossed a completely flooded street generating a wave so powerful that it even broke shop windows and caused damage to local businesses. The images showed broken glass and metal blinds deformed by the force of the water. The police summoned the driver for questioning and the affected merchants filed complaints. An ironic case, since the U8 is designed precisely for aquatic emergencies, not to destroy everything in its path.
Marketing with risks. These river demonstrations are, above all, spectacular marketing exercises. Chinese manufacturers are turning rivers into floating showrooms to show off their technological muscle.
Emergencies, not adventures. Both BYD and Chery insist that these amphibious functions are designed for emergency situations: floods, flash floods or forced crossings in remote areas. In fact, BYD recommends Take the vehicle for inspection after activating the float mode. The Yangwang U8, with its 1,200 horsepower, four independent electric motors and 1,000 km range, is positioned as an extreme luxury SUV, not as a recreational amphibian.
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