With more Malaysians looking to PHEVs, will GAC bring the Trumpchi S7 here?
As more and more Malaysians ponder the switch to electric mobility, the vast majority who ask this question wonder if there is a way to be eased into this process. Well plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer just that as they are the perfect middle ground between ECs and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. So why don’t we see more PHEVs offered here in Malaysia?
Across the sea, Chinese state-owned carmaker, GAC, has officially launched pre-sales for its Trumpchi S7 PHEV. The starting price for this cutting-edge SUV is set at an attractive USD29,000 (about RM128,543) for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version, with the top-tier all-wheel-drive (AWD) model priced at USD34,500 (roughly RM152,934).
Moreover, measuring 4,900mm in length, 1,950mm in width, and 1,780mm in height, the GAC Trumpchi S7 offers an impressive combination of size and performance. It also has a large 2,880mm wheelbase, ensuring both comfort and stability on the road. One of the standout features of the Trumpchi S7 is GAC’s advanced L2++ intelligent driving system, which integrates lidar, cameras and radar sensors for a superior driving experience.
This system allows the SUV to navigate and park autonomously in tight spaces, providing a hassle-free parking experience. This kind of feature will be especially useful for newer drivers on the road and given that Chinese cars tend to cost far less than European ones and the only other brand to offer this kind of feature here is European, this should make the car very popular here indeed.
On top of that, under the hood, the FWD version of the GAC Trumpchi S7 is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5 petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering an impressive 228hp and 250 Nm of torque, while the AWD model adds a rear electric motor for even more power, which launches the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
As far as range goes, the Trumpchi S7 PHEV comes with a 36.3kWh battery, with the FWD version offrring an impressive range of up to 1,150km (714 miles), while the AWD variant provides a respectable 1,020km (634 miles) on a single charge. Both versions are equipped with fast-charging capabilities, enabling the battery to charge from 30 to 80 percent in just 17 minutes.
With its blend of cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and robust performance, the GAC Trumpchi S7 PHEV is truly a vehicle many Malaysians will love. So now, all that’s left is for GAC to find a way to bring this SUV here for a fair price and sit back and watch as these SUVs fly off the showroom floor and onto their new owners’ parking spots.
