New China-produced PHEV SUV introduction: Roewe Longmao
The Roewe Longmao PHEV SUV, an upcoming plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from the Chinese automotive brand Roewe, is set to make its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November, with a launch on the Chinese auto market scheduled for early Q1 2022. Here's what we know so far about the Longmao PHEV:
## Powertrain and Performance
The Roewe Longmao PHEV combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, although the exact specifications are yet to be officially announced. However, it's worth noting that MG, another brand under SAIC Motor, uses various electric motors in their PHEVs, with outputs ranging from 90 to 125 hp. The 1.5-liter petrol engine is known to produce 120 hp, and the combined output of the Longmao PHEV is expected to be at least 120 hp.
The Longmao PHEV is expected to offer an electric-only driving range of approximately 60–80 kilometers (about 37–50 miles) on a full charge, suitable for daily urban commuting without using gasoline. It should deliver significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline SUVs, with combined fuel consumption often below 2 liters per 100 km (around 117 mpg equivalent in PHEV mode).
The SUV is likely to offer smooth acceleration due to instant electric torque and may have selectable driving modes including electric-only, hybrid, and sport modes to balance performance and efficiency.
## Key Features
The Roewe Longmao features a modern and sleek exterior with a robust SUV silhouette, featuring aerodynamic lines and a stylish front grille typical of Roewe’s current design language. The interior is spacious and offers premium materials, a large infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and multiple connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system are expected to be standard features. Comfort and convenience are enhanced with dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and power-adjustable seats.
Roewe has a comprehensive safety package for the Longmao, featuring multiple airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, and possibly Roewe’s proprietary safety technologies.
## Design and Dimensions
The Roewe Longmao measures 4440/1810/1634 (length, width, height) with a 2625 wheelbase and a curb weight of 1430 kilos. Two-tone paint will be standard on every Longmao.
## Relation to Other Roewe Models
The Roewe Longmao is based on the Roewe RX3 Pro petrol-powered SUV but is a stand-alone PHEV model, not part of the R-line. Both the Roewe RX3 Pro and RX3 are currently sold alongside each other. The design of the Longmao is similar to the Roewe R-line of electric vehicles.
ORA, a competitor brand, started giving cat names to its cars about two years ago. Skoda is considering using SAIC's PHEV technology for its Chinese models. The name Longmao, which translates to Dragon Cat in English, is the first Roewe vehicle to be named after a fictional animal.
The Roewe Longmao PHEV, starting Q1 2022 in China's auto market, leverages technology not only in its hybrid powertrain but also in its advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Meanwhile, in the global finance industry, Skoda is considering utilizing SAIC Motor's PHEV technology for their Chinese models, underscoring the growth of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market in the transportation sector.
