Bangkok 2025: Chery Fulwin A8L on display – world’s longest-range PHEV; up to 360 PS; fr RM67k in China

This is the Chery Fulwin A8L, a mid-size sedan that is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that was launched in China last December. A Guinness World Record holder for setting the longest journey by a PHEV without refuelling or recharging with a range of 2,369.915 km, the A8L is currently on display at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

The Fulwin A8L is the successor to the Fulwin A8, which made its debut at the beginning of 2024 and is actually the previous Arrizo 8 PHEV. It is offered in five variants that are priced between 109,900 and 149,900 yuan in China (about RM67k and RM92k), with two powertrain options available.

The first of Chery’s C-DM 5.0 hybrid system features a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 102 PS (101 hp or 75 kW) and 125 Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels via the brand’s Stepless Super Hybrid DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) – similar to an E-CVT – and is augmented by an electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 310 Nm.

The total system output of this setup is 306 PS (302 hp or 225 kW) and 435 Nm, with the electric-only range being up to 70 km following the CLTC standard (53 km WLTC). According to CarNewsChina, this powertrain has a battery with an energy capacity of 9.53 kWh.

The variant used for the record attempt has a turbocharged version of the 1.5 litre mill that serves up 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 220 Nm. No change to the electric motor or transmission, but the engine’s higher outputs result in a total system output of 360 PS (355 hp or 265 kW) and 530 Nm. A larger 18.67-kWh battery sees the electric-only range increase to 145 km CLTC (106 km WLTC) – combined hybrid range is claimed to be more than 2,100 km.

Chery’s official website does not state charging rates, but the lesser of the two powertrains will slow charge (AC) fully in 1.5 hours. The variant with the larger battery gains DC fast charging, with a 30-80% state of charge achieved in 19 minutes – AC charging takes three hours for a full charge.

Despite the ‘L’ in its name, the A8L is only marginally longer than the A8 it succeeds. Referring to the official dimensions, the newer sedan shares the same width (1,843 mm), height (1,487 mm) and wheelbase (2,790 mm) with the A8. As for overall length, only variants of the A8L equipped with the top-spec powertrain is 10 mm longer at 4,790 mm, with the lesser option staying at 4,780 mm.

Design-wise, the A8L retains the polygonal front grille and the sleek fastback-style silhouette, although the LED taillights gain a new signature and the rear bumper gets a revised design. It is a different story inside, as the A8L gets a revamped interior that sees a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that is separate from the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The gear selector that was previously a shifter on the centre console is now a steering column-mounted stalk, while the steering wheel sports the Chery script instead of a logo. Available equipment includes powered front seats with heating and ventilation functions, a 50W wireless phone charger, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control (with rear vents). Only the top variant gets a full ADAS suite.

In case you’re wondering, the A8L’s record attempt attempt started in Shangri-la City, Yunnan Province, China on December 8, 2024 and ended in Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, China on December 12, 2024.

The post Bangkok 2025: Chery Fulwin A8L on display – world’s longest-range PHEV; up to 360 PS; fr RM67k in China appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.