Chery Zongheng G700 Completes Historic Yangtze River Crossing
In a exhibition of advanced automotive engineering, Chery’s Jetour Zongheng G700 hybrid SUV successfully traversed a 1.48-kilometer stretch of the Yangtze River near Wuhu, China - the location of Chery’s headquarters – on October 16, 2025. This marks the first time a car has completed such a crossing.
The 22-minute journey saw the Zongheng G700 navigate currents reaching 5-10 km/h, maintaining a stable floating position for approximately 1.2 kilometers of the crossing.The vehicle maintained a speed of around 7 km/h throughout the attempt.
Chery attributes the success to several key technological features incorporated into the Zongheng G700’s design. these include a seamless, unperforated body construction designed to prevent water ingress, coupled with an active air circulation system. A high-voltage silicon carbide high-speed drive system operating on an 800V architecture also played a crucial role. Furthermore, a six-axis gyroscope continuously monitored and adjusted the vehicle’s balance, enabling it to respond effectively to the river’s movement and maintain stability.
“This accomplished crossing symbolizes Chery’s technological excellence and our commitment to innovation,” stated a Vice President of Chery Auto.
The Zongheng G700, positioned as a large luxury hybrid SUV, is scheduled for official market release on October 19th. It will be offered in four configurations with pre-sale prices ranging from 349,900 to 429,900 yuan (approximately 42,100-51,700 EUR).
Powering the Zongheng G700 is a 2.0TD hybrid engine producing 155 kW and 340 Nm of torque, achieving a thermal efficiency of 45.5%.The powertrain features a two-speed DHT hybrid transmission, a 4C dual-layer battery system, and a two-speed P4 electric motor, delivering a combined output of 560 kW (751 hp) and 795 Nm of torque. Chery estimates a range of up to 1,400 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.