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LUXEED S7 First Launch of Parking Valet Function
On November 28, 2023, the new energy vehicle market welcomed a new model from HarmonyOS Travel – the LUXEED S7.
In terms of design, this model adopts the One Box styling, aiming to provide a more streamlined appearance and higher space efficiency. Its drag coefficient is 0.203. The power system of LUXEED S7 is based on the DriveONE 800 V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, with the application of this technology aimed at enhancing the charging efficiency and dynamic performance of electric vehicles.
The dimensions of the LUXEED S7 are 4,971 mm/1,963 mm/1,461 mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2,950 mm, offering passengers spacious seating. In terms of interior design, the vehicle adopts a yacht-centric cockpit design, divided into three zones, ensuring passenger comfort and privacy. The LUXEED S7 is also equipped with the new HUAWEI SOUND omnidirectional scattering sound system, bringing users a high-quality auditory experience.In terms of performance, the LUXEED S7 is equipped with a dual-motor system consisting of a front AC asynchronous motor and a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total power output of 365 kW, and capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
In addition, it has a combined energy consumption of 12.4 kWh/100 km, with a CLTC combined endurance of up to 855 km, supporting 800 V fast charging technology. It is capable of charging 215 km endurance within 5 minutes, significantly improving user convenience. The LUXEED S7 is also equipped with a Touring Intelligent Chassis that includes an adaptive air suspension system commonly seen in high-end cars, as well as road awareness, intelligent vehicle status awareness, dynamic adaptive torque control, and intelligent body cooperative control. These technologies, jointly calibrated by Huawei’s German research institute, enhance the car’s intelligent driving performance.
Regarding its smart cockpit, the LUXEED S7 is equipped with Harmony OS 4, featuring a new Super Desktop 2.0, 3D car control desktop, new themes, a new rendering engine, and more. Moreover, the LUXEED S7 integrates Huawei’s ADS 2.0 advanced intelligent driving system, offering a leading fusion perception system in the industry, constantly refreshing its intelligent driving capability through advanced algorithms and superior computing power, achieving 99%+ city viaduct entry and exit success rate.
The General Obstacle Detection (GOD) network and Road Topology Inference (RCR) network provide LUXEED S7 with strong all-weather and scene perception capabilities, accurately identifying vehicles, pedestrians, traffic facilities and signs, pile tubes, etc. Based on advanced intelligent driving abilities, the intelligent driving S7 achieves forward and lateral active safety capabilities through the evolved omnidirectional anti-collision system CAS 2.0. The forward AEB supports active braking at a speed of 120 km/h, enabling earlier recognition and faster stopping. Additionally, it features a market first parking system, boasting an intelligent parking function of “visible parking”, which further enhances the safety and convenience of the vehicle.
In terms of pricing, the LUXEED S7 is available in four versions, priced between 249,800 RMB to 349,800 RMB. Early buyers can enjoy a value of 55,000 RMB by the end of the first sale period ending on December 31, 2023.
Review:
The highlights of the LUXEED S7 are its design, power system, and intelligent driving technology. One Box design and a drag coefficient of 0.203 give it a streamlined appearance and efficient aerodynamic performance. The use of the DriveONE 800 V silicon carbide high voltage platform not only improves the charging efficiency of the electric vehicle but also enhances its power performance. The equipped dual-motor system allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, showing powerful performance.
In terms of intelligent driving, the integration of the HUAWEI ADS 2.0 system gives LUXEED S7 full-scene and all-weather perception capabilities, achieving a 99%+ successful entry and exit rate on city viaducts, offering a comprehensively optimized driving experience.Nevertheless, the market performance of the LUXEED S7 still requires actual sales data for validation. In the current competitive new energy auto market, whether it can win the consumer’s favor with these technological advantages is worth our long-term attention.
Tesla Cybertruck Officially Delivered in US
On December 1, 2023, four years after the Tesla Cybertruck’s debut, Tesla officially delivered the first batch to the owners in the US. At the same time, the official also announced the prices of the three models: Rear-wheel drive version at $60,990, approximately CNY 43.5 thousand; Four-wheel drive version at $79,990, approximately CNY 57 thousand; Beast version at $99,990, approximately CNY 71.4 thousand. The four-wheel-drive and Beast versions will be launched in 2024, while the rear-wheel-drive version will be launched in 2025.
After the Tesla US official website updated the Cybertruck listing and new vehicle information, the Tesla China official website also synchronized the Cybertruck Beast version, Four-wheel drive version, Rear-wheel drive version configuration pages online. However, it did not provide a pre-order channel and price information.
The official website information shows that the Cybertruck Beast version and Four-wheel drive version are both 5-seater layouts, equipped with 20-inch wheels, 18.5-inch central control screen, and 9.4-inch rear touch screen. The Beast version has a range of approximately 515 km, with a 0-100 km acceleration time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h; the Four-wheel drive version has a range of approximately 547 km, 0-100 km acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, and 180 km/h maximum speed; both Beast and Four-wheel drive versions can also optionally install a battery expansion pack, after which the range can be increased to 755 km.
The Rear-wheel drive version has a range of about 402 km, 0-100 km acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, 180 km/h maximum speed, and will be launched in 2025. As shown in the official images, the Cybertruck design maintains the shape from its original unveiling. A new car with a single-sided wiper design near the A-pillar and rear-view mirrors appear at the front door position. The mirror area is not small; the whole vehicle retains the extremely clear straight-line design, wrapped by a one-piece shell, with a waistline running through dividing the vehicle into two sections directly; the top is a triangular roof, and the tail is a sharp rectangular angle.
The interior layout is extremely minimalist, with linear elements dominating the entire cockpit. The 18.5-inch central control screen integrates most of the vehicle’s control features. The traditional toggle behind the steering wheel is omitted, with functions such as turn signals, wipers, and lights all integrated on the steering wheel’s buttons and rollers. The front is equipped with two wireless charging seats, designed with an unobstructed passageway in the center for easy movement to the side seats by the driver and passenger.
The Cybertruck also features a very large skylight, extending from the front seats all the way to the rear. The front storage compartment is quite sizeable, even split into three storage compartments. The Cybertruck also comes with a camping tent that can be installed at the back of the vehicle for convenience. Furthermore, the Cybertruck’s external power supply can recharge other vehicles, further enhancing its utility vehicle features.
Quick Review:
Despite being introduced four years ago, the Cybertruck remains a unique product from any perspective. However, to garner both praise and patronage, deliveries must be assured. Tesla stated that by 2025, the annual output of Cybertruck will reach 250,000 units, but subsequent production increases will be very challenging. This seems to deliberately lower market expectations for this new vehicle.
In addition, when the Cybertruck will be sold and delivered in China remains a mystery. The 15-year mandatory scrap policy and restrictions on pickups in many cities also appear to be challenging issues for the Cybertruck in China. If introduced in China, how much do you think the Cybertruck would be priced at?
JAC Announces Collaboration with Huawei
On the evening of December 1, Jianghuai Automobile (600418) announced that it will sign the “Intelligent New Energy Vehicle Cooperation Agreement” with Huawei Terminal Ltd. The two parties will collaborate in various fields including product development, manufacturing, sales, and service, based on the Huawei smart car solution, to create luxury intelligent networked electric vehicles.
According to the agreement, JAC will be responsible for the product development of the cooperative models and provide the production base. Huawei Terminal or its designated third party will exclusively provide sales service of the cooperative models worldwide, including but not limited to marketing, sales, user and ecosystem operation.
In addition, both parties will jointly establish a service system for the cooperative models. Based on this cooperation, Huawei Terminal and JAC’s senior management will establish regular exchange mechanisms to periodically discuss market information, industry trends, technological innovation, and marketing experience. This includes setting up working groups, forming joint working groups, conducting joint market research and promotions.
The agreement also clarifies the intellectual property boundaries between the two cooperating parties. Any tech result or derivative work independently developed or entirely provided by Huawei Terminal, including any technology, tools, facilities, personnel, equipment, parameters, data, specifications, and technical know-hows should be regarded as Huawei Terminal’s property, the intellectual property belonging to Huawei Terminal, and JAC’s relevant intellectual property rights belong to JAC.This marks JAC’s first official announcement of their partnership with Huawei. Prior to the signing of this contract agreement, Huawei had already declared JAC as one of the members of its HarmonyOS-based Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem, and one of its closest partners in the intelligent car business. Under the HarmonyOS Intelligent Vehicle model, Huawei and automakers collaboratively develop and design products, with automakers responsible for production and Huawei serving as the sales channel. Apart from JAC, SERES, Chery, and BAIC are also members of the HarmonyOS Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem.
The HarmonyOS Intelligent Vehicle model has so far launched the AITO M5, AITO M7, and LUXEED S7 models, priced between 200,000-300,000 yuan. Based on the content of this agreement, the cooperation model between JAC and Huawei will be a premium vehicle. Huawei’s Consumer Business Group’s CEO, Richard Yu, has also mentioned that the cooperation models with JAC and BAIC will be more expensive.
Fast Take:
Huawei’s intelligent car business is accelerating. A week ago, Huawei announced that it would spin off the vehicle BU and set up a separate company. This new company is open to equity investment from strategic partners and automakers that have strategic value. CCAG was the first to announce an investment in this new company, holding no more than 40% of the shares. JAC has just made an official announcement to cooperate, so who else do you think will follow?
Mercedes-Benz and BMW to Build a Super Charging Network in China
On November 30, Mercedes-Benz (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. announced a cooperation agreement, whereby the two parties will set up a joint venture in China with a 50:50 equity ratio to operate a super charging network in the Chinese market, thereby meeting the increasing demand for luxury charging services among Chinese customers.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW will leverage their charging operating experiences in both the global and Chinese markets, and their insights into the Chinese new energy vehicle market, to provide Chinese customers with tailored, fast, convenient, and reliable charging solutions. Through this cooperation, both parties hope to enhance the public charging experience for Chinese customers.
By the end of 2026, the joint venture aims to build at least 1,000 super charging stations in China with advanced technologies, consisting of approximately 7,000 super charging piles. The first batch of charging stations is planned to start operating in key new energy vehicle cities in China from 2024 onwards, while subsequent charging station constructions will cover other cities and regions across the country.
The joint venture’s charging network will be open to the public. As planned, both Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW Group’s customers will enjoy exclusive services, such as plug-and-charge, online booking, and other seamless digital charging experiences. Moreover, when conditions permit, the joint venture intends to purchase renewable energy electricity to provide Chinese customers with a sustainable luxury charging experience. Currently, the establishment and operation of the joint venture are awaiting approval from the relevant regulatory authorities.
Fast Take:
The super charging piles are being jointly built by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Although the announcement did not specify the exact power of the super charging, it is generally believed that any pile with a power exceeding 120 kW could be deemed super charging. At this stage, players like Tesla, Xpeng, LI, Huawei, and NIO have already arranged for super charging. How do you view the cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and BMW?### JIYUE 01 Price Drops by CNY 30,000 Across All Models
Ever wondered how much you’d need to spend on a car capable of supporting urban navigation assisted driving on Chinese roads?
The newest official price quote suggests that you can own such a vehicle starting from just CNY 219,900.
On November 30, JIYUE announced revised prices for their new car models along with incentive schemes: JIYUE 01 models now come with a straight price drop of CNY 30,000, making the base price just CNY 219,900. Not only that, JIYUE 01 buyers also enjoy 12-month free subscription to ROBO Drive Max. This notable price and subscription scheme adjustment makes the JIYUE 01 one of the most accessible vehicles for a premium intelligent driving experience.
In light of the new pricing scheme and incentive policy, all JIYUE 01 models including the JIYUE 01 Max and JIYUE 01 Max Performance have received a price cut of CNY 30,000. Furthermore, the optional long range lithium battery pack priced at 100 kWh has been concurrently reduced by CNY 10,000.
This means that the adjusted base price for the JIYUE 01 Max stands at CNY 219,900, the JIYUE 01 Max Long Range edition at CNY 254,900 and the JIYUE 01 Max Performance model at CNY 309,900. Those who opt for a car rade-in can avail an additional CNY 5,000 off the reduced price.
When it comes to buying a JIYUE 01 Max, users are privy to a host of additional benefits, over and above the price cut, including:
- A luxury package worth CNY 15,000, which includes front seat ventilation and massage, Nappa leather car seats, an aluminum touch, faux suede headliner, ROBO SOUND audio system, driver-side headrest speaker, a built-in car fragrance diffuser and 3 fragrance refills, for just CNY 1,000.
- An upgrade to a 21-inch sport rim set, originally priced at CNY 10,000, for just CNY 2,000.
- Specialty car paint options, Galaxy Purple / Star Orange, originally priced at CNY 10,000, for just CNY 2,000.
- ROBO Drive MAX High-tech Intelligent Driving Buyer Lifetime offer of CNY 30,000 off.
Further, JIYUE has asserted that all new JIYUE 01 model buyers will also have lifelong car/battery warranty and free roadside assistance. Moreover, the free subscription period for ROBO Drive Max Intelligent Driving feature has been extended from 6 to 12 months. Also, those who make a pre-order within 2023 will get a free upgrade to a U-shaped steering wheel, with those who pick up their vehicle within the year receiving a free UWB key.
Whether it’s in terms of pricing adjustments or increased benefits, it sufficiently represents the ambition of the emerging automotive brand, JIYUE, in the competitive market. Of course, from another perspective, JIYUE’s adjustments exhibit sincere intentions towards potential consumers.
Moreover, along with these adjustments in price and benefits, an issue of significant attention arises: what about existing users who have already received their car or placed an order? To this, JIYUE’s answer is straightforward: existing consumers who’ve received their cars will be compensated with a cash difference of 30,000 RMB based on the latest vehicle prices. This operation appears to be quite considerate and unprecedented in the automotive industry.
Addressing these adjustments, JIYUE’s CEO, Xiaping Xia, assert that these are decisions made based on feedback from users and the market. In view of the value ‘technological empowerment’ holds for users and the automotive industry, a JIYUE specialist group has been established to analyze, iterate quickly, and develop a new vehicle pricing and benefits plan.
Furthermore, Xiaping Xia indicated that there’s much consideration behind the new pricing involving organization, branding, and the marketing system. Thus, it’s a decision made with great care and there will be no further price cuts for the JIYUE 01.
With JIYUE 01’s pricing and benefit adjustments, Xiaping Xia stated that ‘cost-performance ratio’ now belongs to the past while ‘intelligence-performance ratio’ is the present. Rather than being well ahead, JIYUE aspires to make high-level intelligence accessible and enjoyable for all, introducing a fresh term: ‘intelligence-performance ratio’.
Under the new pricing and benefits system, JIYUE 01 indeed possesses a highly competitive ‘intelligence-performance ratio’. A key point to clarify is that JIYUE 01’s ‘intelligence-performance ratio’ is premised upon its mechanically and safety superior ‘body’ built on Geely’s SEA architecture. For instance, an air drag coefficient as low as 0.249, a 0-100 km/h acceleration within 3.8 seconds, and adjustable CDC real-time dampers, etc.
All these factors contribute significantly to JIYUE 01’s excellent driving quality while also laying a strong foundation for an intelligent experience. From an intelligence standpoint, JIYUE 01 primarily demonstrates its ‘intelligence-performance ratio’ through its intelligent cockpit experience.
Specifically, from a hardware perspective, the JIYUE 01 is equipped standard with the latest generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, currently the most powerful chip in the industry. Furthermore, JIYUE 01 features a 35.6-inch 6K ultra-clear all-in-one screen, which is the largest, and with narrow borders, untruncated, unspliced integration. Complemented with the Snapdragon 8295’s computational prowess, it offers an experience on par with smartphones.Based on the above hardware, the JIYUE 01 offers a unique SIMO intelligent cockpit experience. For example, its onboard intelligent AI companion is the first to achieve full localization of voice AI algorithms, with recognition speeds as fast as 500 ms, and the ability to perform offline interaction in network-less environments such as mountains and tunnels. According to JIYUE’s statistics, the usage penetration of SIMO voice has reached as high as 98.9%, and task success rate also reached 98%.
As revealed by JIYUE official, the SIMO on the JIYUE 01 will fully integrate with the AI language model Wenxin Yiyu, bringing users an even better interactive experience; additionally, with the aid of Baidu AI capabilities, Baidu Maps and Xiaodu, which have been restructured based on the AI language model, will be fully integrated into SIMO. Users can access thousands of features in the map with a voice command and connect to over 1,500+ ecosystem brands through Xiaodu, enabling a potential interaction between car and home.
That is to say, under the guidance of Baidu Wenxin Yiyu, JIYUE 01 will bring the large-scale model onboard, introducing more potential in the realm of intelligence.
Of course, outside of the smart cockpit, it’s the performance of JIYUE 01 in high-level intelligent driving that serves as its greatest support in terms of “Intelligence value ratio.”
In fact, powered by Baidu Apollo’s full capabilities and safety systems for advanced self-driving, the JIYUE 01’s BEV+Transformer’s “pure vision” advanced intelligent driving has become the only one domestically mass-produced, making it one of the few brands on a global scale that possess mass production capabilities in pure vision. The starting price of 21.99 Yuan and a 12-month free ROBO Drive Max trial package have unprecedentedly lowered the experience threshold of JIYUE 01’s advanced intelligent driving, exceeding its rivals like Xpeng G6 and IM LS6. According to JIYUE official, the use rate of its PPA function has surpassed 58.5% of total mileage in the daily usage of existing JIYUE 01 users, with the user penetration rate of automatic parking function reaching up to 96.7%.
Meanwhile, JIYUE official announced that this year, ROBO Drive Max will open city-level advanced intelligent driving to all users in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, with its core function of point-to-point auxiliary driving PPA already covering 90% of highways and elevated roads nationwide. In January of next year, JIYUE 01 will greatly enhance the recognition of irregular obstacles and scene generalization capabilities of its “pure vision” advanced intelligent driving through an OTA update with OCC network occupation technology. Furthermore, PPA will gradually be opened to over 200+ cities nationwide next year.It’s worth noting that JIYUE’s achievement of such capabilities largely depends on a substantial increase in user scale and the data-driven effects thus brought. This advantage of the “pure vision” solution chosen by JIYUE aligns well with its strategy. From this perspective, JIYUE 01 is striving to establish a positive cycle by reducing the price to gain scale, accumulating data from that, leading to technological evolution and ultimately improving user experience.
Quick comment:
The price adjustment of JIYUE 01 and the opening up of intelligent driving features is undoubtedly a bold market strategy. It not only demonstrates JIYUE’s market acumen but also brings a higher cost-effective product to consumers. At the technical level, the JIYUE 01’s “pure vision” city navigation assisted driving stands out as a strong competitive force. Utilizing Nvidia’s DRIVE Orin chip and Baidu jointly developed OCC occupied network technology, JIYUE 01 achieves high-precision 3D structural information recognition and irregular obstacle handling, which is unachievable for many vehicles that rely on lidar.
Leading the market in delivery speed, JIYUE 01 allows its users to access the intelligent driving functionalities immediately after purchase, without waiting for subsequent OTA upgrades. This combination of market strategy and technical prowess places JIYUE 01 at a competitive advantage in the new energy vehicle market.
This article is a translation by AI of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.