The competitive landscape of the hardcore off-road vehicle market is set for another intense showdown.

Chery has officially announced that the updated Zongheng G700 will make its debut on September 29.

This update doesn't represent a complete overhaul; the core body structure and its signature boxy silhouette remain unchanged. Instead, the focus is on refining exterior details and enhancing intelligent driving capabilities.

The most notable industry development is the direct integration of Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 into the new model. The vehicle continues to utilize its proven 2.0T plug-in hybrid powertrain, ensuring a robust off-road foundation while maximizing intelligent features.

I. Exterior Transformation: From Rugged to Refined, Boxy Essence Preserved

The current Zongheng G700 initially impresses with its rugged appearance.

The vehicle features extensive black plastic cladding, particularly on the front and rear bumpers, creating a high visual center of gravity and a strong off-road aura. However, this can appear somewhat coarse for urban commuting.

The updated edition makes a strategic design compromise.

The front bumper now matches the body color, with the grille and lower cladding reintegrated, significantly enhancing the vehicle's overall cohesion. Chrome accents are added to the grille, and the headlights are darkened, while the classic boxy silhouette remains intact. This preserves the distinctive look of a hardcore SUV without succumbing to fleeting trends.

The sides undergo no major redesigns, primarily featuring new-style wheels and side cladding that complements the body color. The rear also receives updates to the bumper and optimizes the badging, while retaining the iconic external spare tire "little backpack" and side-opening tailgate—elements highly valued by off-road enthusiasts.

The body dimensions remain unchanged at 5198/2050/1956mm (length/width/height) with a 2870mm wheelbase, maintaining a commanding presence. It continues to offer five-seat and six-seat configurations to accommodate family and multi-person travel needs.

In essence: ruggedness is toned down, refinement is enhanced. It can navigate the wilderness with ease and blend seamlessly into urban environments.

Online discussions among netizens are divided.
One car enthusiast commented: "It looks more upscale now. No more all-black cladding; it's much more comfortable for daily commuting."
However, a hardcore off-road enthusiast lamented: "Without the black plastic, it loses some of its raw off-road charm, and repair costs from scratches will likely increase."

There's no definitive answer to aesthetics, but it's evident that Chery's new car targets users seeking a balance between urban and off-road capabilities.

II. Major Upgrade: Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 Officially Integrated

The most significant enhancement for the entire model is undoubtedly the intelligent driving system.

The Zongheng G700 Renewed Edition is equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS 5, featuring an 896-line LiDAR on the roof and a total of 33 sensors throughout the vehicle, forming a comprehensive perception matrix. This represents Huawei's latest-generation advanced intelligent driving solution.

Compared to the previous version, ADS 5 upgrades to the WEWA 2.0 world engine architecture and full-dimensional collision avoidance CAS 5.0, expanding all-weather safety protection capabilities. It not only enhances urban and highway navigation assistance but also introduces a series of safety features such as hazard warnings, active speed reduction in sharp bends, seat-linked protection, and driver incapacity assistance, forming a closed loop from pre-event prediction to post-event protection.

Many may question: What's the purpose of advanced intelligent driving in a hardcore off-road vehicle?

The actual scenarios are far more diverse than imagined. During long-distance highway drives, mountain bends, narrow rural roads, and even complex environments with rain, snow, or dust, the intelligent driving system can alleviate driving pressure and reduce long-distance fatigue. With LiDAR support, its ability to detect falling rocks and low obstacles is further enhanced.

Of course, the official has not yet clarified whether this Qiankun ADS 5 will be standard across all trims or only available on high-end versions. That answer will be revealed at the September 29 launch event.

III. Unchanged Powertrain: 2.0T Plug-in Hybrid Continues to Excel

The powertrain remains unchanged, continuing with the familiar 2.0T plug-in hybrid system.

This powertrain balances the torque needed for off-roading with the energy efficiency advantages of a plug-in hybrid, eliminating range anxiety for long-distance cross-country trips while allowing for pure electric commuting in cities. According to current specifications, the engine delivers a maximum power of 155kW, paired with a battery pack that balances both explosive power and fuel economy, with a top speed of 180km/h.

The hardcore off-road foundation, including a body-on-frame chassis, remains intact, ensuring that its off-road essence is not compromised by intelligent upgrades. Combining traditional hardcore off-road mechanical quality with Huawei's intelligent driving capabilities is the biggest draw of this vehicle.

In terms of interior, the Renewed Edition continues with a large multi-link screen cockpit, powered by a Qualcomm 8255 chip. Luxury features such as an in-car refrigerator, high-end audio system, and seats with ventilation, heating, and massage functions are retained, ensuring that even a hardcore SUV is equipped with "refrigerator, TV, and sofa" comforts.

Seat materials are upgraded, with high-end trims featuring genuine leather upholstery. The six-seat version offers independent captain's chairs in the second row with multi-directional electric adjustment and armrests. The vehicle is equipped with multi-layer soundproof glass and additional soundproofing materials in the chassis to optimize noise control for off-roading.

The chassis hardware retains electronic part-time four-wheel drive, differential locks, air suspension + CDC variable damping shock absorption, with adjustable height to balance urban comfort and off-road capability.

As Competition Intensifies in the Hardcore Off-Road Segment, Whose Market Will It Capture?

The hardcore new energy off-road segment is now fiercely competitive.

Traditional hardcore SUVs generally lack strong intelligent features; many new energy hardcore models compromise on mechanical off-road capabilities. The Zongheng G700 Renewed Edition aims to combine mechanical hard power with top-tier intelligent driving.

The current Zongheng G700 starts at 329,900 RMB. Whether the Renewed Edition's price will increase is a topic of great interest among netizens.

One netizen commented: "It all comes down to pricing. If the price is competitive, it could shake up the positions of many competitors in the same class."
However, a more cautious user remained rational: "The hardware is impressive, but ultimately, its usability will depend on real-world test drives."

The answer will be revealed on September 29.

On one hand, it retains the boxy hardcore exterior, body-on-frame chassis, and plug-in hybrid powertrain; on the other, it integrates Huawei Qiankun ADS 5, a highly anticipated intelligent driving system.

As hardcore off-road vehicles begin to incorporate advanced intelligence, market competition is set to become even more heated.

Disclaimer: This article is solely a commentary by Zhicaijing and does not constitute any investment advice. All enterprise data and regulatory events mentioned are sourced from publicly available information and are for reference only, with official announcements taking precedence. Images are sourced from the internet; if there are any copyright issues, please contact us for removal.