10 SUVs to Watch in 2023
1. Deep Blue S7
Changan Deep Blue is one of the more legendary brands in 2022. With a cost-effective Deep Blue SL03 and a user operation mindset that keeps pace with the times, Deep Blue has quickly gained a firm foothold in the turbulent flow of new energy. After the first stage victory of Deep Blue SL03, Deep Blue is also ready to catch up, and the implementation of the product is the next model of Deep Blue - Deep Blue S7.
Reviewing the appearance, from the appearance, Deep Blue S7 overall still adopts the same mecha style design as SL03, but the front face is relatively deep blue SL03 to make some changes, giving people the feeling of more sci-fi and combat than SL03
According to the declaration, thanks to the SUV body form, so the rear of the S7 compared to the SL03 looks a lot more coordinated, details, dark blue S7 will also continue to use through the tail light design, the bottom of the tail is a sense of combat under the diffuser.
The dimensions of the new car are 4750*1930*1625mm in length, width and height, and the wheelbase is the same as the SL03, both 2900mm.
In terms of range, information about the Deep Blue S7 was previously declared in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Among them, the pure electric version has two kinds of range, the long-range version with 160kW motor has a pure electric range of 620km and a maximum speed of 180km/h.
The long-range version with a 160kW motor has a range of 620km and a top speed of 180km/h. The 190kW motor has a range of 520km, which is 100km less than the long-range version. The extended range version has a pure electric range of 160km and a top speed of 180km/h.
Although there are no spy photos of the interior of the Deep Blue S7, according to related information, the overall interior design language of the Deep Blue S7 will remain the same as that of the SL03, but there will be some adjustments to the details, which means that the iconic AR-HUD and rotatable "sunflower screen" on the Deep Blue SL03 will remain on the Deep Blue S7. The S7 will have the same AR-HUD and rotating sunflower screen.
All in all, if we can continue to maintain the price/performance ratio, then Deep Blue S7 and Deep Blue SL03 will form a double car alliance to fight for better results in the main market segment of 150,000-300,000 yuan initially set by Changan Deep Blue. For more information about Deep Blue S7, I believe Deep Blue official will slowly analyze for us after this year, let's look forward to it together.
2. DENZA N7
2022 is also a year of reboot for Tencel. With the DENZA D9, DENZA has broken away from its previous ambiguity with Mercedes-Benz and is back in the eyes of consumers. This year, DENZA is about to launch two SUVs to the market, one of which is a five-seat SUV officially announced as N7 at the previous DENZA communication day, and many of our editorial colleagues believe that this car will be the dark horse of this year's new energy SUV market.
In terms of exterior styling, you can refer to the INCEPITION concept car we shot at the Chengdu Auto Show earlier.
With reference to the concept car, the exterior design of the N7 SUV is more up-to-date, including a large number of sharp lines on the body so that the car does not look bloated.
On the side, a line running from the wing to the rear of the car with a widened rear end makes the side stance look more coordinated. Body dimensions have not yet been announced, but the wheelbase will be more than 2900mm.
The interior design of the new car was officially announced at the auto show. From the sketch, the new car's interior design is in line with the π-motion design concept of endless exploration.
A large horizontal center control screen with a left side instrument panel and passenger entertainment screen is also a mainstream configuration, which works well in terms of ease of use and functionality.
In addition to the new appearance and interior compared to the previous DENZA, the DENZA N7 is also equipped with a higher level of technology configuration, the new car will be equipped with two LIDAR.
The LIDAR supplier, according to previous news, BYD and Suteng Juchu reached a strategic cooperation at the end of 2021 and BYD also took a stake in Suteng Juchu. Therefore, the two LIDARs of the medium-sized SUV are likely to be chosen from the Suteng Juchuang M1, which is also the LIDAR chosen by many car companies such as Xpeng and ARCFOX.
In addition, the DENZA medium-sized SUV is also based on the e platform 3.0 technology to build, under this technology system, we will see CTB chassis battery integration technology, super fast charging, air suspension and other configurations. So overall, the Tengis midsize SUV is very capable in terms of technology configuration, comfort configuration and charging. With the combination of these configurations, we all believe that the DENZA N7 will be the dark horse of the new energy market in 2023, so let's look forward to its market performance together.
3. LI L7
Last year, LI released the explosive models L9 and L8, and the "combination" formed by these two models also enabled LI to reach a monthly delivery of over 20,000 at the end of last year.
If we use a sentence to evaluate, it means that LI has forcibly pried open an opening in the new energy market and opened up its own market segment. However, LI does not intend to stop here, after L9 and L8, LI will also bring to the market in the new year the intelligent flagship SUV for families within 400,000 yuan - L7. After L7 enters LI's on-sale system, LI has basically achieved full coverage of full-size new energy SUVs, five-seat / six-seat medium and large new energy SUVs.
Review the information of the L7. At the 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show, LI announced the launch date of the LI L7, which will be launched on February 8, 2023, with the show car and test car in stores on February 9. In other words, soon after the Spring Festival holiday, those who are interested in the LI L7 will be able to feel the actual car.
Previously, the LI L7 also landed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology catalog several rounds. According to known information, the new car is available in two models, the Pro version is priced at 339,800 yuan and the Max version is priced at 379,800 yuan.
In the design of the exterior, the LI L7 basically continues the design language of the big brother L9, and many netizens jokingly call the LI set of practices as "doll design". However, although it is a doll design, but the LI L9 pioneered the no-breakpoint lightsaber front face and the through-tail lamp design still gives the L series family a high recognition.
In terms of interior layout, the front row of the new car is the same as the family flagship L9, with a dual-link screen + steering wheel screen + HUD center control layout. In the rear, the new car basically retains the LI L9 on the rear cabin entertainment screen, car refrigerator and other comfort features, the seating layout from the L9 / L8 six-seater into a large five-seater.
In terms of power, the L7 uses a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender from LI Xinchen Technology, with a maximum power of 113kW, and the L7 is equipped with a front and rear dual-motor four-wheel drive system, with a maximum power of 130kW for the front motor and 200kW for the rear motor, for a total power of 330kW and a total torque of 620N-m.
Starting from the LI ONE, every step of the LI has been a sound but innovative move, and each model of the L family has been precisely launched to the target market. After the launch of LI L7, the sales of LI may reach a new high, and it may also set off a new storm in the five-seat new energy SUV market. In any case, the time for the launch of the L7 is getting closer and closer, so let's look forward to the performance of this L series rookie.
4.Xpeng G7
In the past year, Xpeng experienced some blind confidence and confusion in the year, Xpeng G9 light speed adjustment SKU, organizational structure of the blood, these are Xpeng last year by the circle of people inside and outside the frequent discussion of the event. After the organizational change, although it is not yet known what kind of strategic adjustments Xpeng will have next year, but back to the product level, next year will launch Xpeng Series Model Y - Xpeng G7 is basically the nail in the coffin.
The company's newest product, the G7, will be launched next year. The G7 has a sliding back design, which also determines that it will not be able to escape from the head-to-head battle with the Model Y after its launch.
The year 2023 is a crucial year for Xpeng, and the G7 will play a key role in whether Xpeng can shake off the burden of dropping out of the team this year and regain its peak with sales and product word of mouth. In short, let's look forward to the official debut of the Xpeng G7.
5. IM LS7
I don't know if you've noticed, but the names of the previous models are all related to 7. It feels like "7" is a hurdle that many new energy manufacturers can't escape, and the fifth SUV model we're going to talk about is also named after 7.
The year 2022 was also the year when IM established its persona and reputation, and the first model of IM, the L7, was officially delivered. The L7 is the first model.
Since the L7 is the first model, there are many regrets in the configuration and detailing of the L7, but the good news is that these regrets have been optimized in the second model, the LS7.
Looking back at the exterior, the new car adopts a very full and fighting design language, with a light language consisting of the headlights and the daytime running lights underneath, giving a sense of unrestrained power. In addition, the interactive projector light design that was the highlight of the IM L7 is also carried over to the LS7. In addition, the official launch model can be equipped with dual LIDAR and Carlog as an option.
On the side, the overall lines of the new car are also very smooth, with a kind of "supercar SUV" style. In detail, the wheels of the unveiled model adopt the same color design as the body, and also adopt the frameless door and hidden door handle design. Body dimensions, the new vehicle length, width and height are 5049 * 2002 * 1731mm, the wheelbase reached 3060mm, positioning medium to large five-seat SUV.
At the rear, the new car adopts a running tail lamp design, and the entire lamp cluster shape is basically the same as the first model L7. In detail, the new car adopts a high hollow rear wing and a full sense of combat rear surround, making the whole car full of a sense of movement.
In terms of the interior, the IM LS7 continues the 2+1 joint screen design of the L7, with the liftable center/passenger screen and the central screen not absent in the LS7. At the same time, the new front screen adopts a design officially called "Star Fall Ice Front Dome", which can provide users with a 106-degree view. In addition, the new car will also support the optional rear right side electronically controlled zero gravity seat, which allows the IM LS7 to achieve a variety of space utilization combinations.
In terms of power, the new vehicle will be equipped with a dual-motor powertrain of 175/250kW at the front and 250kW at the rear, which is the same as that of the L7. In terms of range, the LS7 will be available in 90kWh and 100kWh battery versions. Both versions are equipped with a 100kWh battery pack and have a CLTC pure electric range of 660km and 625km respectively.
Previously, the new car officially released the pre-sale price range of 350,000-500,000 yuan, will be officially listed in February next year, exhibition cars arrived in stores in January. Overall, on the basis of improving some details on the L7, I think the IM LS7's hardware stack in its price range is enough to beat, plus the current pre-sale rights given by Jiji are also sincere enough, so I think the IM LS7 is also a very worthy car to look forward to in 2023.
6. WEY Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV
Last October, WEY declared a new mid-size new energy SUV in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, but due to the controversial front styling and naming, WEY "rebuilt" the SUV, and after listening to many users' co-creative opinions, brought us the WEY Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV at the Guangzhou Auto Show in December 2022. The WEY brand Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV will also be the flagship of the WEY brand SUV lineup.
In terms of appearance, the redesigned WEY brand Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV has a square and simple design line for the overall front. In detail, the WEY brand Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV adopts a split headlight design, in which the upper part is the vehicle's daytime running lights, and the lower part is the integrated light cluster of near and far light, and the extension next to it is more of a decoration.
Below the front, the WEY brand Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV has an inverted trapezoidal grille design, and the grille is suspected to be equipped with LIDAR on the left and right sides, but the information about this WEY brand has not been announced.
It is worth mentioning that, through the front windshield of the new car we can see that the new car will be assembled with multi-camera sensing original, and the number is very exaggerated, so for the new car's assisted driving ability, you can keep an expectation.
Turning to the side of the car, the overall impression of WEY Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV is large and thick, and the side lines of the car are also in a hard and sharp style. In terms of body size, the new vehicle is 5156/1980/1805 mm in length, width and height, with a wheelbase of 3050 mm, positioning it as a large six-seat SUV.
At the rear, the official picture shows that the rear of the DHT-PHEV will be designed with running taillights, with the end of the taillights extending to both sides, further expanding the visual effect. In detail, there are similar exhaust decorative ports on both sides of the rear of the new vehicle, but here is only decoration, the real exhaust will be hidden at the bottom of the vehicle.
Finally, let's review the power information known so far. In terms of power, the new car adopts the DHT hybrid power system, equipped with a maximum power of 113kW 1.5T engine/220kW rear-drive motor, accelerating 4.9s per 100km; equipped with 42.5kWh capacity battery, with 180km pure electric range, comprehensive range of 1000km+; WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption of 6.70 liters per 100km under the power-feed condition. Combined with our previous conversation with CMO Zhou Wen, we know that WEY brand has high expectations for the Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV, which will be a model that will directly confront the LI ONE and L8, and the official said its price will definitely satisfy the users. Therefore, if you are still waiting for a new energy six-seater SUV at the beginning of 2023, you can look forward to the specific configuration and price announcement of the WEY brand Blue Mountain DHT-PHEV, perhaps it is a new choice.
7. Buick Electra E5
We've talked about the first six new energy SUVs from independent brands, but for the seventh model, we'll talk about an overseas-branded SUV that will be worth a look in 2023.
In December last year, Buick released its first production model based on Ultium's electric vehicle platform, named Buick Electra E5. The new vehicle is positioned as a mid-to-large 5-seat pure electric SUV, equipped with a new generation of VCS intelligent cockpit and a new generation of Super Cruise assisted driving system. It is reported that the new vehicle will be officially launched in the first quarter of this year.
In terms of appearance, Buick Electra E5 adopts Buick's new PURE Design pure design concept and incorporates electrified design elements. The dimensions of the new vehicle are 4892mm × 1905mm × 1655mm, with a wheelbase of 2954mm.
The Buick Electra E5 features a new "Tricolor Shield" logo and a new design language for the front. The new Buick wing front, dual wing LED daytime running lights, lower grille is called "Digital Wave Array Grille" and the Crystal Light LED headlights on both sides are equipped with flowing rhythmic dot matrix light language.
At the rear, the new car also adopts a thicker and more stable design, the rear through the flow of the wing tail lights more slender flat, the top of the high brake lights and LOGO echo. In addition, the entire system is also equipped with running turn signals.
The new car will be powered by a 180kW electric motor, which will be matched with a ternary lithium battery. According to previous news, Buick Electra E5 fully integrates the superior resources and cutting-edge technologies of both SAIC Motor's parent company in the field of electrification and intelligent network connectivity.
The first model of Cadillac LYRIQ, based on the Aura platform, is actually a strong product, but the price of LYRIQ is not destined to be too affordable due to Cadillac's brand positioning, and the Electra E5 may become the "flat replacement" for Cadillac LYRIQ. If the Buick Electra E5 can be officially launched at a suitable price, and make a configuration optimization for Chinese consumers, I think it will be a better choice for some users who prefer joint venture brands.
8.Dongfeng M-Terrain 917
After the overseas launch of the Hummer HUMMER EV, our domestic hardcore off-road manufacturer Dongfeng M-Terrain has also launched its own Chinese "electric Hummer", the Dongfeng M-Terrain 917. After the overseas release of the Hummer HUMMER EV, our domestic hardcore off-road manufacturer Dongfeng M-Terrain also launched the "electric Hummer" - Dongfeng M-Terrain 917.
We also found the Dongfeng M-Terrain 917 in the previous 367th batch of "Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Enterprises and Products Announcement". In terms of appearance, the production version of the M-Terrain 917 is highly restored to the design of the previous concept car, with sharp angles, and the design of the center grille and headlights are identical to the concept car. However, the front bar design has been changed to be more in line with the production car design.
In terms of body dimensions, the new car's length, width and height are 4987*2080*1935mm, positioning the new energy hard-core crossover. In addition, the new car will be matched with 275/65 R20 wide tires.
At the rear, the concept car cross tail lights were also continued by the M-Terrain 917, the size of the rear window is not small, the rear of the car adopts the "small schoolbag" type external spare tire, the same design as the concept car, the rear tailgate adopts the side opening design.
In terms of power, the new car will be equipped with an extended powertrain consisting of a 1.5T generator with a maximum power of 145kW and an electric motor, of which both the front and rear motors have a power of 200kW. According to previous information, the new car will have an electric motor with a power of 1000 horsepower, a wheelside torque of more than 16000N-m, a gradient of 100% (about 45° slope), an acceleration time of 100km of 4.2 seconds and a combined range of 4.2 seconds. 4.2 seconds and a combined range of over 800km.
The Dongfeng M-Terrain 917 may not be a popular model, but like the U8, it can represent a major breakthrough in the field of hardcore off-road SUVs for independent brands. Therefore, the Dongfeng M-Terrain 917 is also a vehicle worth waiting for further news in 2023.
9. Smart #3
The last SUV to look forward to in 2023 is the Smart #3, which we found in the 365th batch of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) declaration catalog.
In terms of appearance, the Smart #3 continues the design style of the Smart #1 model, but the difference is that the declared model comes with the Smart #1 Barbers Edition sports package, which will presumably be an optional package in the new model. In detail, the new car still adopts the two-color clash design, and has the embossed logo of smart on the vehicle wing.
At the rear, it is clear that the new car is significantly different from the Smart #1 model, with the Smart #3 adopting a more rounded Sportback design, predicted to be positioned as a crossover SUV.
The new car will be available with 245/45R19 and 245/40R20 tires. The new car will be powered by VIVOTEK's front and rear electric motors with 115/200kW respectively.
If the Smart #3 can continue to optimize the configuration based on the Smart #1, and give a reasonable price range between high and low, then the Smart #3 will be another fine product in the small car market. If you are waiting for a more personalized small car, I think the smart Smart #3 is worth waiting for.
10. LeapmotorC11 extended range version
The Leapmotor C11 is a brand credit to Leapmotor, this model let Leapmotor get rid of the previous impression that it was only a small car and not delicate because of the launch of T03 and S01. The sincere price and very cost-effective configuration at the time of launch also let Leapmotor gain many new users by the C11.
The C11's range-extended version will be launched in the beginning of 2023, which will help the C11 expand its market. In the previous November and December Ministry of Industry and Information Technology declaration catalog, we found the Leapmotor C01 range-extended version of the figure. The new car does not have the closed front design of the Leapmotor C11 pure electric model, but a mesh front grille design, because it is an extended range version.
The new car will be equipped with a 1.2L engine from Dongan Power, with a maximum power of 96kW. 1024km under comprehensive working conditions.
Previously, the new travel has actually experienced the Leapmotor C11 extended range version of the actual car, but currently limited by the confidentiality agreement, the specific content needs to be released for everyone when the manufacturer unblocked. It is clear that the time for the Leapmotor C11 range extender to hit the market is getting closer and closer, so if you are looking forward to a more affordable range extender SUV, then you can wait for the Leapmotor C11 range extender to hit the market. I think, if the Leapmotor C11 range extender can have a certain range of prices based on the pure electric version continue to dip, then will be cut more market orders.
Summary
After looking at the ten new energy SUVs to look forward to in 2023, it's easy to see that 2023 is a year in which the new energy market is going to be richer and more inward-looking. After the epidemic came to an end at the end of last year, we believe that in the brand new year 2023, we can see major new energy companies bringing more quality products, while continuing to optimize existing products and service systems, and the ten new energy SUVs that we are looking forward to today will also energize the environment in 2023.
All in all, I hope everything will develop for the better in the new year. Finally, once again, I wish XCX customers full power, good work and good health in 2023! Let's add power together in the new year!
